Five Modern Rose Gold Watches: Tutima, Arnold & Son, Laurent Ferrier, Armin Strom, Franck Muller

This is a great time of year to celebrate the rosy glow of pink gold. Red is the hue of gold that has been traditionally used for dress watches, special editions or high complications, but these five rose gold watches update that tradition with subtly modern tweaks, preserving the formality of the hue while adding a contemporary kick. Since all are made by small or independent brands – and since they are gold – they will be produced in small quantities, which makes them rare and collectible, with investment potential.

Arnold & Son Nebula

The openworked movement of the Nebula is anchored by 6 bridges made of 18k rose gold, matching the case. Hands and markers are also red gold, set against components and plates treated in a gray color. The manual wound movement is powered by two mainsprings for a power reserve of 90 hours. It is a limited edition of 88 pieces, in either 41.5mm ($32,100) or 38mm($29,800).

Armin Strom Tribute 1 Rose Gold Edition

Armin Strom is a master of the modern interpretation of traditional watchmaking. It’s a rose gold dress watch but with the mainspring barrel showing on the dial, held in place by a massive 18k rose gold bridge. The dial is modern minimalist, with an off-center time-only subdial. The manual-wound movement has a 100-hour power reserve. The case is an under-the-cuff-sized 38mm, and it is limited to 100 pieces. $23,900.

Franck Muller x Bamford Vanguard Popeye

Just because a watch is elegantly cased in 18k rose gold, doesn’t mean it can’t have a bit of fun. Cartoon character Popeye lends his distinctively muscled arms here to count hours and minutes, while seconds are tracked by his sidekick, Swee’Pea. This edition of the Vanguard is a collaboration between Franck Muller and Bamford, a company that specializes in personalized watches and collaborations. It’s also available in titanium, but the 18k rose gold edition is priced at $25,500 (£21,500).

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Golden Brown

Like many watches, the Grand Sport Tourbillon was inspired by the world of auto racing, but few are as authentic as this one. Before he became one of the world’s most respected and sought-after watchmakers, Laurent Ferrier was a successful race car driver. The manual wound tourbillon movement has an 80-hour power reserve. It is one of only 24 pieces in 18k rose gold. $235,000 (CHF 225,000).

Tutima Glashütte Patria

Tutima demonstrates how to add some kick to a minimalist time-only rose gold watch: by adding a radiant blue enamel dial and contrasting it with gold hands and applied markers. The hand-wound Tutima Caliber 617 has a 65-hour power reserve. It is beautifully finished, with a typical German three-quarter plate decorated in Geneva stripes, which can be seen through the transparent caseback. The 43mm case is 18k rose gold. $21,000.