There’s no denying it, yellow gold watches have a certain shiny charm in the sunshine. Make the most of this spectacular weather by dressing up your sleeveless wrists with one of these options from two of our favourite luxury watch brands. The spectacular weather may eventually fade – along with our tans (sigh) – but their classic appeal certainly won’t.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119J Small seconds

The Calatrava has a rich history stretching back to 1932. Not only did it help save Patek Philippe from financial ruin, it also played a significant role in shaping the dress watch genre. Many variations have been introduced over the years, but the fundamentals of the original Ref. 96 blueprint remain constant.

In 1973, Patek came out with a design that would forever be associated with the prestigious collection. The “Clous de Paris” guilloché (‘hobnail’) bezel (Ref. 3520). The decorative feature on the otherwise minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired design proved stunning. So much so, that it’s still in production, in the form of the Ref. 5119J.

The dial of today’s version takes its cues from one of the options offered on the original Ref. 3520. Elegant black Roman numerals on a clean white lacquer. To this, the modern take adds slender leaf-shaped hands. Ref. 5119J also adds the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The combination is flawless.

The case measures a discreet 36mm (7.43mm thick). Presented on a shiny black alligator strap, with a prong buckle. The manual winding small seconds calibre 215 PS (44-hour power reserve) can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. It’s superbly finished and includes 18 jewels. (Water resistant to 30m/ 3 bar/ 100ft.)

View the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119J Small seconds

Patek Philippe Complications 7121/1J Moon phases

Equally attractive is this Ladies Moon phases, part of Patek’s Complications collection. Ref. 7121/1J has a warmth to it perfect for summer evenings (as well as daytime wear). Combining a silvery grained dial, gem-set bezel, moon phase and matching bracelet, it looks stunning on the wrist.

Great attention has been given to every element. From the sculptured leaf-style hands, Breguet numerals and delicate minute track, to the decorated moon phase at 6 o’clock and the 66 diamonds mounted in the bezel (by hand).

The feminine case measures 33mm (8.35mm thick). The bracelet comes with a fold-over clasp. A sapphire crystal case back reveals the superbly finished manual winding movement, calibre 215 PS LU. Similarly, it turns on 18 jewels and produces a 44-hour power reserve.

Rolex Submariner Date

Like the Calatrava, the Submariner has kept to its original winning formula. Only a handful of major changes have been introduced over the years. One of those changes came in 1966, when Rolex added a date window and plexiglass with Cyclops magnifier.

The Submariner Date (reference 1680) marked the transition from pure ‘tool watch’, for serious divers, to luxury sports watch. It was also the first Submariner to be manufactured in gold. The Submariner marries ‘chunkiness’ with class, and the gold versions emphasise this statement. Plus, it looks perfectly at home on a tanned wrist.

The iconic dial and matching Cerachrom bezel are available in lustre black or a rich ocean blue. The Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratch-proof, making it well suited to action and adventure in the sun. Completing the dial are luminescent indexes and ‘Mercedes’ style hands – what more could you ask for?

The Oyster monobloc case measures 40mm, fitted with a screw-down case. The unidirectional rotatable bezel is engraved with 60-minute graduations to allow divers to accurately track dive times and decompression stops.)

The comfortable Oyster, flat three-piece links bracelet comes with folding Oysterlock safety clasp (including Glidelock extension). Powering the watch is Rolex’s in-house, self-winding caliber 3135. Certified as a superlative chronometer, it includes a Parachrom hairspring and offers an approximate power reserve of 48 hours. The case is rated water resistant to 300m.

View the Rolex Submariner Date here.

Rolex Pearlmaster 34

Yellow gold options for ladies also abound in the Rolex lineup. The Pearlmaster is the brand’s crowning jewellery watch, characterized by uniquely rich dials and exquisite gem settings. The model we’re spotlighting here is the Pearlmaster 34, featuring a rich, champagne-coloured dial set with diamonds. Over the date window at 3 o’clock sits the iconic Cyclops lens. Framing the richly coloured dial is a dazzling diamond set bezel.

The monobloc case measures 34mm, fitted with a screw-down case and wears comfortably on the wrist. It comes with its own Pearlmaster, rounded five-piece link bracelet, employing a concealed folding Crownclasp. The in-house Perpetual calibre 2235 is certified as a superlative chronometer and offers approximately 48 hours of power in reserve.

View the Rolex Pearlmaster 34 here.

Go yellow this summer

Yellow gold is well and truly making a comeback. Be a trendsetter this summer, with the original trend-starter. Visit us at our Norwich boutique to discover the models above as well as our full selection of yellow gold watches and jewellery.