Yellow Gold Watches Set For Big Return, Hublot Leads The Charge

Lovers of 18-karat yellow gold are going to enjoy a nice new selection when it comes to watches, especially watches by Hublot. At the recent LVMH Watch Days, the brand unveiled some of its most beloved classics in the sunshine color of gold, and even released an all-new 40mm series with a yellow gold version.

Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, watches were predominantly made from noble metals and in the realm of gold that meant yellow was king. Sure, there were a host of watches that came out in two-tone and even three-color gold, but predominantly yellow gold reigned supreme.  Then, in the late 1990’s rose gold came on strong and by the turn of the new millennium, pink and rose gold were giving way to even darker hues of 5N rose gold – a trend that would last decades.

Now, though, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest in yellow gold watches, especially since yellow gold watches at auction and on the pre-owned market are hot right now. (Let’s face it, if you’re looking at a modern vintage watch from three or four decades ago, you are most likely only looking at steel or yellow gold.) As such, Hublot’s strong statement in the shimmering metal that was Cleopatra’s metal of choice may well prove highly lucrative.

Granted, a return to yellow gold watches in mainstream production will – like all other watch trends – take another five to seven years to fully materialize (let’s face it, the watch industry is slow to respond), but in the meantime, some brands are adding a piece here or there in 18-karat yellow gold to test the waters.  Hublot’s big move in yellow, though — adding seven important yellow gold timepieces to its lineup in January — may be the most extensive yet.

Hublot Big Bang Integral 40m Yellow Gold Watch

Among the new 18-karat yellow gold watches is an all-new collection in 40mm size: the Big Bang Integral Time Only watch. The 18-karat yellow gold case  and bezel are crafted in a satin-finished gold and the yellow gold bracelet boasts both satin-finish and high-polished link for added contrast. The color of the gold is also enhanced by the black composite resin crown (and offset piece on the left side of the case) and an inner black resin bezel. Add to that the fact that the mainplate and certain components of the 185-part self-winding MHUB1710 mechanical movement are visible via the transparent crystal (the watch is devoid of a dial) and you have a winner of a watch.  The anthracite main plate and bridges offer depth and dimension. Despite the “time only” name  of this watch, it also offers date window at 6:00. The yellow gold version retails for  $49,400. (This model also boasts titanium model for $17,800 and a black ceramic sibling for $19,900).

The rest of the yellow gold collection includes a host of intriguing models. In the larger 42mm sized Big Bang Integral self-winding chronograph series, yellow gold also takes center stage with three variations, including the Big Bang Integral in brushed gold ($52,500), the $100,000 Big Bang Integral Pave with a complete pave’ setting on the case, bezel and bracelet (1,026 diamonds for 5.4 carats), and the Big Bang Integral Joaillerie — a high-jewelry version set with nearly 600 diamonds, including baguette-cuts (17 carats total weight) and retailing for $211,000. In this series, again, Hublot forgoes the dial so that the MHUB1280 Unico 2 Manufacture movement with flyback column-wheel chronograph is visible.

The beloved Big Bang Unico collection also gets a 42mm sibling, this time accented with a black textured rubber strap ($36,700). There is a new yellow gold 42mm Classic Fusion Chronograph with black dial and black rubber strap ($26,800), and a new yellow gold Spirit of Big Bang tonneau-shaped watch ($40,500). All of the watches are water resistant to 100 meters (except the Classic Fusion Chronograph, which is water resistant to 50 meters). All of the yellow gold watches are also available for sale immediately.