Pre-Owned Spotlight: Finding A Solid Gold Sports Watch Under €10K — Featuring Omega, Bvlgari, And IWC
I will admit to being slightly too optimistic here, a usual fault of mine when attempting a pre-owned search. But that’s a personality trait I’ve acquired after working in sales for more than 20 years, and I consider it a prerequisite for success. Still, finding a solid gold sports watch under €10K is possible.
Gold is expensive, and even if pre-owned prices have gone down, €10,000 isn’t the big wad of cash it used to be. But the allure of lustrous gold is strong. Added as a prefix to the term “sports watch,” though, it is a hot ticket with added respect attached to vintage.
Image: Sabiwatches
IWC Yacht Club ref. 811
I must admit that I am not au fait with the IWC Yacht Club other than its newer, more angular sibling. At the time of its release, this was a sports watch, but these days, it is a glimmering vintage alternative to a 36mm Rolex. It also has the C-shaped case you might know from the Genta-designed Omega Constellation. Keeping in mind that this is a 50-year-old watch, make sure you find a serviced one in the best condition possible. Through a quick search, I tracked down this rare and temptingly double-signed one. On a solid 18K bracelet, it has the added desirability of a capitalized Türler dealer signature and would fit me very nicely. At €8,300 plus shipping through Chrono24, it represents real value.
Image: Watch Guru
Omega Constellation ref. 168.045-368.845
Omega’s svelte C-shape Genta Constellations are lovely, and I’m still smitten with my Constellation ’95 and its slim 35mm case. But what about the smooth, rectangular cushion of the integrated-bracelet version? With its ’70s splendor, it’s slim but compact-tough, and full-gold versions are available for less than €10K. Its sporty nature is of the sensitive vintage kind, but should you care? All fairly simple Omega three-hand movements can be serviced and kept running accurately. So, what is the allure of the day-date Constellation ref. 168.045-368.845? Well, considering the wave that the Piaget Polo ’79 is riding, a sleek 36mm piece of braceleted gold is what the people want. I’ve been into this vibe for years already, and the patinaed gleam of 54-year-old gold offers an understated alternative. I found this example for a very reasonable €9,101 (£7,500) on Chrono24, and it seems well used but cherished.
Image: Luxury Watches Management (via Chrono24)
Omega Speedmaster “Reduced” ref. 3611.20.00
I’m going to stick my neck out here. For me, the perennial underdog 38mm Speedmaster offers a better wrist fit than the Professional. That doesn’t stop me from wanting a last-gen Moonwatch. However, with only €10,000 for a full-gold version, the smaller 38mm size is the one. I have seen some gold 38s on leather, like the one above, for less than €7,000, while the newer Co-Axial models start at €16K. But look at this crisp-looking gem on Chrono24. It looks very clean and is up for €10,000. It’s also the only one on a solid 18K bracelet, so I’d be quick. There’s even a note that the price is negotiable, and that smooth white dial sure sets off the gleam of yellow gold. I’m sure I could live with the left-leaning register layout of the ref. 3611.20.00 because the 38mm comfort of weighty gold is mighty tempting.
Image: Purpose (via Chrono24)
Bvlgari Diagono Scuba ref. SD 38 G
Along with Hublot’s debut, this is an OG precursor to the hot gold-on-rubber trend. And the 200m depth-rated Diagono Scuba with its mad, scalloped bezel spells “Sports” with a capital S. Inevitable scratches will make it obvious that gold and diving don’t go together. But at a snip under €6K before taxes, this a bargain. If you’ve read my articles before, you may have seen me mention this series. It is the forgotten brother to the Bvlgari’s Aluminium range, featuring the same angular-linked rubber bracelet and a fierce-looking bezel. It doesn’t look like anything else and happens to be a super comfortable 38mm size. So, what’s holding you back? Is it the polarizing look? It’s only a matter of time before I snag one for myself, truth be told. The great-condition example above is available from a dealer in Japan via Chrono24 for a very decent €5,973 (¥995,600).
Image: Blu Time
Budget-buster bonus: Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date ref. 19018
I am a big fan of the various Rolex Oysterquartz models, but their days of peanuts-budget availability are well and truly over. I’m not surprised in a world where Rolex is a massive status symbol and everyone wants an integrated bracelet. Plus, quartz is cool, so don’t underestimate its rise to grail status. My optimism did get the better of me, though, as a full-gold OQ is more than €10K, at least this week. The cheapest good-looking one I found is advertised for €11,000. But hey, it is a solid gold Rolex sports watch. And on an integrated bracelet, it might be worth adding a thousand or two to your budget.
How about you, Fratelli? Does finding a solid gold sports watch under €10K seem like a tempting challenge? Let me know in the comments, and get hunting!
Featured image: Bukowskis
