The Best Gold Watch For Men

Buying Guide

A man’s gold watch is a classic accessory, helping males complete their wardrobe with a tasteful touch. Though smartphones have found their way into the pockets of most men these days, many find themselves still choosing to stick with the tradition of wearing handsome watches as part of their look. For those looking to spruce up their wardrobe with their first-ever gold watch, or those of you who are looking to purchase one as a gift, there are some features to consider before buying.

Gold watches look expensive, but they don’t have to come at a high price point. A watch with an 18 karat gold ion-plated stainless steel case, like the Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Japanese Automatic Watch, is a great example of how companies combine more durable materials, like stainless steel, with the look of natural gold. This is a common combination and will ensure that this watch will be able to stand up to the test of time while not draining your budget.

The size of a watch is critical to how it will look on your wrist. Men with larger wrists will most likely not look as good with a smaller watch, due mostly to how the proportions end up looking to the eye. Watches are measured in millimeters. The watches that will look good on a bigger wrist will be around 40mm or higher, such as the Michael Kors Lexington Men’s Chronograph Wrist Watch, which measures up to 45mm. For smaller wrists, try the 35mm Nixon Time Teller Stainless Steel watch.

Some people prefer the look of an oversize watch. For a bold statement, you could try one of the larger watches or find one that fits somewhere in the middle, like the 37.5mm Casio A168WG-9 Men’s Vintage Gold Metal Band Illuminator Chronograph Alarm Watch.

Water resistance and general durability are also big factors in choosing a good watch. Some watches are sealed with a gasket that allows them to be fully submerged in water up to a certain depth. The Michael Kors Lexington Men’s Chronograph Wrist Watch is an example of such a watch; this model is rated for 100m in depth, which means you’ll only ever have to take it off before going on a deep scuba diving trip. Even if the depth ratings vary on the different watches you see, be sure that they do have some level of water resistance to cover any unforeseen instances of getting your nice, new watch wet.

Beyond the casing of the watch itself, the band that holds it to your wrist is a huge factor in comfort as well as appearance. The band of these gold watches will usually be comprised of metal links. If a watchband is too big for your wrist you can remove one or two of the links to make it fit properly. Likewise, there is usually an option to add a link to a watch to make it larger; just make sure that you track down an exact link from the supplier so it matches the rest of the watch.

The last major category to think about in a watch purchasing decision is the functionality of the watch and how the watch face looks. The look of a watch face is subjective to the tastes of the wearer, but the functions of the watch itself will often play a big part in your selection. A classic gold watch with a digital readout, like the Casio A168WG-9 Men’s Vintage Gold Metal Band Illuminator Chronograph Alarm Watch, will have functions like a stopwatch and illuminated view for nighttime use. Some may prefer, however, the classical look of an analog watch, as the face of the watch can have a much cleaner look. 

• The look of the watch should be something that matches your desired appearance and attire. Try searching for images of gold watches online to find a general style that appeals to you. This will also allow you to see how various gold watches look with different colored jackets.
• The fit of the watch is very important. An ill-fitting watch will not only look less sophisticated, but it may actually detract from your appearance. The face of the watch should cover a good portion of your wrist, and the band should be snug enough to not flop around when you move your hands. Be sure to find the size best for you.
• If need be, adjust the band to fit you properly. You can get links removed if the band is too big or have a couple of links added if it’s too small.