Throwback Sundays: Six White Gold Watches for a White Christmas, from Our Archives

If some of our readers can recall, we did a Throwback Sunday article on gold watches some time back. Most of the watches that were featured in that article were either cased in yellow or rose gold. Understandably, some readers commented that they would like to see a series of watches cased in white gold. So, here is our compilation of white gold watches, for a White Christmas.

Notably, most of the white gold watches are less conspicuous as compared to the yellow / red gold counterparts. But as usual, there are some exceptions, as you shall see in some of the pieces that we have selected.

Now, before we drift away into our dreams, let us begin with our six selections for this week’s Throwback Sundays article!

 

Goldpfeil Vianney Halter

We first start off with one of our favorite pieces in our archives: the Goldpfeil Vianney Halter.

The watch, as its name suggests, is one of the seven pieces that sees Goldpfeil collaborating with seven members of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI). The Goldpfeil Vianney Halter is one of our favorites in the collection, and it is actually not very difficult to see why. The watch, first and foremost, is fitted with an interesting case construction. It actually features many different forms of shapes in each of the indicating windows that are found on the watch face. While it does not sound promising on paper, but the end result is certainly amazing. Also, the finishing on the case was superb as well. On top of that, the watch features both the moonphase and digital jump hour complication as well.

Quirky? Yes. Likable? Maybe. While the Goldpfeil Vianney Halter may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we do think that this is one of Vianney’s best creations. It definitely tickles one on different senses, in such a pleasant and sensual way. And it is one of the very few watches that can actually achieve such a feat.

 

MB&F LM101

Next up, we have yet another timepiece from an independent watchmaker: the MB&F LM101, also known as the entry-level Legacy Machine.

Although the Legacy Machine (LM) is an antithesis to the more provocative and controversial Horological Machine series (HM), the LM is no slouch at making waves. It features a more classic and subtle design scheme, the LM remains rather eye-catching with its beautiful and large balance wheel taking center stage, and the magnificent dome-shaped crystal. Furthermore, the attention to detail is amazing. For eg, the hands are curved to follow the contour of the curved dial.

While the LM101 may be the most basic timepiece in the MB&F family, we reckon the watch sums up what the independent watchmaking world is all about: they are beautiful and well-made timepieces that do not follow the norms of what most of the mainstream brands are up to.

 

Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-Vouz Ivy Minute Repeater

In the world of horology, the emphasis is typically on the male clientele. As a result, female collectors are often not the focus. But once in a while, something magical does come along for the ladies. And the Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-Vouz Ivy Minute Repeater is an excellent example.

For any untrained eye, the Rendez-Vouz Ivy Minute Repeater may fit the stereotype for a watch intended for ladies: dainty and diamond-encrusted. But do not let that fool you. Beneath its gorgeous dial lies a movement that is fitted with the minute repeater. The minuter repeater mechanism activated by a pusher instead of the usual trigger mechanism. Upon pressing the pusher, the minute repeater would chime via the patented trébuchet hammers which strike the crystal gongs. The gongs are connected to the sapphire crystal, which in turn would accentuate the volume of the chime. Impressive stuff!

Jaeger LeCoultre had outdone itself once again. It is a very well-made timepiece, and one that we feel would attract the lady clientele. Perhaps it’s time for a horological present for your missus this Christmas?

 

A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual

If one asks us what would be the best dial combination for a white gold watch, we would definitely place either the slate grey or blue dial at the top of the list. Take a look at the A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual, and you will understand why.

The Datograph Perpetual is one of the latest novelties from this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). Technically, it is not really a new product from the Glashütte-based watchmaker. This combination was previously found in the Lange catalog for a short while, before they had decided to discontinue it for some unknown reason. We are, however, glad that it is back once again.

Aesthetically, we think that the Datograph Perpetual is one of the best looking Perpetual Calendars around. Although the indicators can be a little small and tough to read, but the layout makes the watch’s symmetry is pleasant on the eye. And of course, the beautiful slate grey dial does play a significant role in enhancing the “wow” factor of the timepiece. It is indeed a pretty special and spectacular timepiece, and this is certainly going to be one of the watches that we will be putting into our Christmas wishlist this year!

 

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés

Moving on, we have the magnificent Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Savoirs Enluminés. The Métiers d’Art collection focuses mainly on the artistic side of watchmaking, which puts the skills of the master craftsmen to test. This particular series of watches, which was launched in this year’s Watches and Wonders, follows the theme of three symbolic creatures from the Aberdeen Bestiary.

One of the main highlights of the timepiece, undoubtedly, would be the two layered dial. At the top layer, the watch features the three mystical creatures from the 12th Century manuscript: the Caper, the Altion, and the Vultures. These creatures are formed using miniature enamelling and champlevé enameling techniques, and the results are simply stunning. As for the lower dial, Vacheron Constantin had employed the combination of raised and polished letters against finely grained background to create an amazing gold leaf effect. The overall effect is mesmerizing, and it makes this watch seemed as though it is a portable art piece on its own.

 

De Bethune DBS Digital

We conclude this week’s article with yet another intriguing and unusual timepiece. This time, the watchmaker is De Bethune, and the watch in question would be the DBS Digital.

At the first glance, we would not say that the DBS Digital is not everyone’s idea of a beautiful timepiece. Its contemporary aesthetics, admittedly, is not everyone’s cup of tea. It features a digital calendar cum time display, as well as an avantgarde case design (which, interesting, consists of two different lug designs on the same case). In our opinion, it seems like this watch is De Bethune’s take on modern haute horlogerie. We think that combination, together with the use of the white gold case and a palladium dial, gives the timepiece a rather futuristic and space-age vibe to it.

One niggling issue, however, would be the small digital display. While it is still legible for some of us, but we would have preferred if De Bethune had enlarged the windows and the font size of the display. However, we were told that it will be a huge challenge, considering that there is space constrain in its 43mm casing. Overall, it is a very conversational timepiece, and it is one watch we reckon that will attract the attention of both enthusiasts and non-enthusiast alike.

 

Afterthoughts

We have finally come to an end to this week’s Throwback Sundays article, in which we featured six white gold watches that we think are excellent additions to one’s collection.

For this week’s selection, we lean towards the category of higher end watches, with a slight bias towards independent watchmakers. Admittedly, white gold watches are not a popular choice with collectors, as some of them might feel that these watches look similar to their stainless steel counterpart. And that is probably why most of the mainstream brands choose to produce their watches in rose / yellow gold, instead of using white gold for their watches.

As usual, we hope that you have enjoyed our Throwback Sundays article this week, and please share with us what are some of your favorite white gold watches in the comments section below. Do have a great week ahead, and till next week, ciao!