THE JOURNAL
3 MINUTE READ
Is There A More Heavyweight Status Symbol Than A Black And Gold Watch?
Words by Mr Chris Hall
24 January 2022
The appeal of gold hardly needs explaining. But on its own, it can be just a little bit… dare we say it, gaudy. Glamour and gravitas, that’s what you need. What, after all, are life’s shimmers and shines without a sombre counterweight? The shadow around the spotlight; a lantern rising in the night sky – oh, you get the idea. Recently, we’ve spotted a crop of watches that juxtapose anthracite greys and glossy black with gold – and bronze – to great effect; here are five of our favourites.
01.
Ulysse Nardin Diver
A reliably sturdy dive watch, elevated to more luxurious levels courtesy of a rose-gold bezel and dial markings to match. The 42mm case is PVD-coated and the functional rubber strap has made way for a more sophisticated alligator leather. Note the contrast stitching, too – a nice touch.
02.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere
The 1858 Geosphere might be designed for glacier trekking feats of exploration and endurance. But in this new spec we would respectfully suggest it’ll be more at home regaling an attentive crowd with tales of your exploits in a London members club, old fashioned in one hand, cigar in the other.
03.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Chronograph
A more subtle take on the black-and-gold theme, the BR 05 that Bell & Ross designed to celebrate MR PORTER’s 10th anniversary sticks with an easy-going stainless steel case and bracelet, doing all the important business on the dial, where the chronograph sub dials, numerals and hands contrast with the sunburst-textured anthracite backdrop.
04.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot
Oris’ focus on practicality and – within the frame of luxury watches – democratic pricing means that solid gold designs are few and far between. Instead, enjoy the lustrous warmth of this bronze-cased pilot’s watch. And, then, once you’ve put a few miles on the clock, enjoy the patina it develops.
05.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur EON Gold
A heavyweight in every sense: Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Double Flying Tourbillon flaunts one of the most complex movements the manufacture produces – two opposing tourbillons, each finely finished by hand – without drawing too much attention from the golden, needle-sharp hands of the watch itself.
