We introduce five full gold watches that use gold not only for the case but also for the bracelet. Let's take a peek into the world of gold watches, which use gold lavishly, a material that has fascinated people as a symbol of wealth and power.

Text and Photographs by Tsubasa Nojima
Article published on June 2024, 12
Introducing the masterpieces of full gold watches
Gold has fascinated people throughout history. It is used in ornaments as a symbol of wealth and power, and is also highly valued for industrial applications due to its corrosion resistance and high thermal and electrical conductivity. While stainless steel is often used for watch exteriors these days, its history is roughly 100 years old. Gold and silver have long been used for watch exteriors, and these are familiar materials for watches.
Although gold is a familiar material, it is not easy to obtain. Due to the rarity of the material, there are few of them to begin with, and they are expensive. Therefore, gold watches are often made with a generous amount of design and technical skill from each manufacturer, which makes them even more attractive.
This time, we will introduce a gold watch that embodies such luxury, featuring a model that is made entirely of gold, including the bracelet.
Bvlgari "Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton Chronograph" Ref. 103796
The Octo Finissimo has set numerous records as the thinnest watch. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton Chronograph is a full gold watch that also boasts technical appeal. This model is an automatic chronograph watch with a tourbillon at 6 o'clock, yet boasts an ultra-thin case just 3.5mm thick.
The dial is skeletonized, revealing the inner workings of the watch in detail. The 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and the small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock are both made of 18K yellow gold. The hands are black to ensure visibility.
The case features a design that highlights the facets unique to the Octo Finissimo. Despite its thinness, the design creates a mysterious three-dimensional effect. The case back is see-through, allowing you to view the movement. Cal. BVL388 is an automatic movement, but because it uses a peripheral rotor, the rotor does not obstruct the movement view.

An incredibly thin watch housing multiple complex mechanisms in a case just 3.5mm thick. The 18K yellow gold case is satin-finished to reduce excessive flashiness. Automatic movement (Cal. BVL388). 52 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 52 hours. 18K yellow gold case (diameter 38.4mm, thickness 3.5mm). Water resistant to 30m. Price enquiries required. (Inquiries) Bvlgari Japan Tel. 03-6362-0100
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222, Ref. 4200H/222J-B935
The Historiques 222 was born as a reissue of the Vacheron Constantin 222, which was released in 1977. The sporty case with an integrated bracelet is crafted from 18K yellow gold, emphasizing a luxurious feel.
The gold-tone dial features luminous bar indexes and baton-shaped hour and minute hands, ensuring visibility while maintaining a simple design. A date display is located at the 3 o'clock position, making it highly practical.
The bezel features a notched design, a distinctive feature of the original. It has a sharp satin finish. The caseband is also satin-finished, but the addition of chamfers gives the thin case a three-dimensional appearance. The Maltese cross, symbolizing the brand, shines at the 5 o'clock position on the case.
This model is equipped with the Geneva Seal-certified mechanical automatic movement, Cal. 2455/2. You can enjoy the hand-finished workmanship through the see-through case back.

This model is a reproduction of Vacheron Constantin's iconic piece, the "222." Despite its modest size, it exudes a strong presence thanks to its full gold case and bracelet. Automatic (Cal. 2455/2). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 40 hours. 18K Yellow Gold (diameter 37mm, thickness 7.95mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. 11 million yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Vacheron Constantin Tel. 0120-63-1755
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Ref. 136668LB
Rolex has always pursued water resistance with its Oyster case. The Oyster Perpetual Deepsea boasts the highest level of water resistance among the company's diver's watches. In 2024, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea will be expanded with a model featuring an 18K yellow gold case.
The dial features a vibrant blue lacquer finish, a first for the collection. The bezel insert is made of Cerachrom in the same shade. The impressive 17.7mm thick case is paired with an RLX titanium caseback and helium escape valve.
The bracelet is made of the same 18K yellow gold as the case. While all the links on the stainless steel model are brushed, the central links on this model are polished, giving it a more luxurious finish.
The Deepsea has been steadily improving its water resistance, with the release of the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge in 2022, which achieved a water resistance of 11,000m. This model further diversifies the Deepsea's unique character.

This full-gold model is a professional-grade diver's watch. The blue dial and bezel create a completely new look. Automatic movement (Cal. 3235). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 70 hours. 18K yellow gold case (44mm diameter, 17.7mm thick). Water resistant to 3900m.
Omega "Constellation Meteorite" Ref. 131.50.41.21.99.001
This full gold model was added to Omega's dressy Constellation collection in 2024. The case is crafted from Moonshine™ Gold, a proprietary 18K gold alloy introduced by Omega in 2019. Moonshine™ Gold features a soft hue inspired by the moonlight shining against a dark blue sky. Furthermore, the alloy's blend of silver, copper, and palladium makes it resistant to changes in color and shine over time.
As the model name suggests, the dial is made of meteorite. The indexes, hands, brand logo, and calendar disc are all the same color as the case, enhancing the sense of unity. Another attractive feature is that meteorite is a natural material, so no two pieces have the same pattern.
The movement used is the Cal. 8901. Equipped with a co-axial escapement and silicon balance spring, it not only boasts excellent specifications, but also uses 18K Sedna™ gold for the rotor and balance bridge.

This luxury model features a case and bracelet made from Omega's proprietary Moonshine™ gold alloy. The dial features meteorite. Automatic movement (Cal. 8901). 30 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. 18K Moonshine™ gold case (diameter 41mm, thickness 13.5mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 6,545,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Omega Tel. 0570-000087
Patek Philippe "Golden Ellipse" Ref. 5738/1
This is the first model to combine the large Ref. 5738, one of the "Golden Ellipse" models, with a metal bracelet. The design of the 18K rose gold bracelet is particularly noteworthy. It is made up of fine chain-like links, exuding elegance and suppleness. The clasp also features a fine adjustment mechanism, ensuring ease of use. The bracelet took approximately 15 years to develop, with over 300 individual links assembled by hand by artisans.
The dial is ebony black with a sunburst finish. The simple design, combining bar indexes and cheveux-shaped hour and minute hands, creates a sense of orderly beauty that can be described as the golden ratio. The 18K rose gold case is water resistant to 3 bar and features an onyx-set crown.
Although it is difficult to see in person due to the solid case back, this model is equipped with the Cal. 240, a thin automatic movement.

This model features a newly developed bracelet that combines comfort and elegance. Over 300 of the bracelet's components are assembled by hand by artisans. Automatic movement (Cal. 240). 27 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 48 hours. 18KRG case (39.5mm x 34.5mm, 5.9mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 9,510,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Patek Philippe Japan Information Center Tel. 03-3255-8109



