Dive Watch Wednesday: 6 Dive Watches for Gold Hunters


Rolex Submariner - YGAs dive watches are supposed to be “tool watches,” you’d normally expect them to be made in stainless steel or titanium. Maybe in carbon fiber or ceramic, if you are looking for something more avant-garde, or even in bronze if you are interested in a more nostalgic or organic look. While gold certainly isn’t considered the most obvious choice for a dive watch (and in fact imparts certain limitations to the maximum water resistance of a case), the precious metal currently seems to be increasingly in demand for divers, judging by the number of recently introduced gold or bi-color models. Here are a few.

We at DiveIntoWatches.com picked out six current dive watch models, ideally suited for those more interested in wearing a treasure on their wrist than diving a wreck to look for a sunken one.

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic dive watches (and definitely the most iconic gold dive watches) money can buy is the Rolex Submariner Date, available with a black bezel insert and dial (Ref. 116618LN) or with a blue dial and bezel insert (116618LB). Its 40-mm case and bracelet are made of yellow gold, and probably one of the reasons Rolex is considered one of the larger fabricators of gold. The Submariner is powered by Caliber 3135 and maintains water resistance to at least 300 meters.

Rolex Submariner - yellow gold
Rolex Submariner Date in yellow gold

The Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver was relaunched in 2014. Along with the standard stainless steel versions, Ulysse Nardin also offers two rose-gold models: the Ref. 266-10-3/92 with a black dial and Ref. 266-10-3/93, with a blue dial and bezel insert. The 44-mm case remains water resistant to at least 300 meters, and the watch is powered by UN’s Caliber 26 (which is based on the ETA 2892).

Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver - Gold
Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver

The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, introduced in 2014, is also available in a Sedna Gold version. The Ref. 233.60.41.21.01.001 even comes with a massive gold bracelet, making it the second most expensive watch in the range, right after the limited-edition platinum version. The 41-mm case offers a water resistance to 300 meters and houses the Omega Caliber 8401.

Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial - Sedna Gold
Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial in Sedna Gold

 

Carl F. Bucherer just released a massive rose gold version of its large 44.6-mm Patravi ScubaTec (Ref. 00.10632.22.33.01). The caseback, crown guard and helium release valve come with a black coating and water resistance is guaranteed to a depth of 500 meters. The watch is powered by Caliber 1950.1 which is based on the Sellita 200.

 

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Scubatec - Gold

Blancpain re-introduced the legendary Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in 2007. Among the many available models are also several versions featuring  gold cases (pictured here, Ref. 5015-3630-52 in rose gold). The big, 45-mm-diameter watch is water resistant to 300 meters and powered by Caliber 1315. And if that’s too much bling for you, there is also a brushed case available (Ref. 5015A-3630-63B).

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms - RG
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Graham has recently extended its Prodive range with a “Black and Gold” version, limited to 250 pieces (Ref. 2CDAZ.B04A). The 600-meter water-resistant case measures 45 mm and is coated with black DLC. The hands, crown and chronograph trigger are made of rose gold and the movement, Caliber G1750, is based on a Valjoux 7750. At around $18,000, it is most likely the least expensive choice of all the watches shown here.

Graham Prodive - Black Gold
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