Great Gold Watches On The Cheap replica watches

Q. I know yellow gold isn’t exactly in fashion right now, but I have to say I think there is nothing more beautiful than a slim gold watch. I am looking for something that is elegant, but casual enough that I could wear with a t-shirt and jeans, and I don’t want it to be from a huge brand like Rolex or fake Omega. I have about $2500 to spend. Any tips would be appreciated.

• David R.

A. Hi David – I’m happy to help. First things first, you have to decide if you are comfortable with a watch that is gold-plated instead of solid gold. Gold-plating is just what it sounds like – where a thin layer of gold is applied to a steel case. The long-term value of gold-plated watches is vastly lower than those that are solid gold, and in some cases, even less than those made of just steel – because over time (we’re talking multiple decades, but still), the plating can wear away and show the steel under the gold, which is really unappealing to most. Still, a modern gold-plated watch will give you the look you’re going for, and in your price range. Take a look at the Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture watch in rose gold, which will hit stores at $2550. It’s really a very nice watch for the money.

In terms of new, solid-gold watches, you won’t be able to find much for less than $10,000. But, if you are in the mood to save up, this year’s Zenith Espada – the first Zenith with an El Primero movement that isn’t a chronograph – is an excellent, and really handsome watch. But that will run around $15,000.

I think the best of both worlds mentioned above – affordable, and solid gold, will have to come in the vintage category. One can find fantastic vintage watches in solid, 18k yellow gold for replica watches below $5000 very easily. Obviously the Rolex Day-Date is a classic, and one of the most undervalued watches around (if we’re talking 1970s models, in yellow gold). It’s not exactly an understated watch, though.

I think a really interesting option would be a 1950s Zenith chronograph. For example, those with the 156D caliber are just beautiful watches. They perfectly proportioned with a 37-38mm case that is very thin. They are super elegant with white dials, two registers, and they usually have a blue tachy scale, too. Did I mentioned they are solid 18k gold, and you can find them for around $2500 from time to time?

Granted, I’ve seen them sell for as much as $4000 in practically NOS condition, but it shouldn’t take you long to find a very wearable example for under $3000. The best place to look for a Zenith 156D chronograph? You guessed it, eBay.

You’ll want to find one with the original Zenith star crown (though that shouldn’t be a deal breaker), and make sure you put it on a really nice crocodile strap like shown above. A strap on a watch like this can really make or break it.

Zenith at the time was using fantastic chronograph movements produced by a company called Martel – who also happend to make a lot of the movements found in many Universal Geneve’s of the day. I happen to think the Zenith 156D chronographs are truly superb watches, especially for the price. The example shown above is my own watch that I bought on eBay less than six months ago, for less than $2000.

I hope this has given you something to consider, and replica watches uk best of luck in finding your affordable gold watch!

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