Tutima, Arnold & Son, Laurent Ferrier, Armin Strom, and Franck Muller

This is a great time of year to celebrate the rosy glow of rose gold. Red is the shade of gold traditionally used for dress watches, special editions, or high complications, but these five rose gold watches update that tradition with subtle modern enhancements, maintaining the hue’s formality while adding a contemporary kick. Because all are made by small or independent brands – and because they’re gold – they’re produced in small batches, making them rare and collectible, with investment potential.

Arnold & Son Nebel

The Nebula’s openwork movement is anchored by 6 18k rose gold bridges that match the case. Hands and markers are also rose gold, contrasting with grey-treated components and plates. The hand-wound movement is powered by two mainsprings for a power reserve of 90 hours. It’s a limited edition of 88 pieces, in either 41.5mm ($32,100) or 38mm ($29,800).

Armin Strom Tribute 1 Rose Gold Edition

Armin Strom is a master of the modern interpretation of the traditional art of watchmaking. It is a rose gold dress watch but with the barrel visible on the dial and held by a solid 18k rose gold bridge. The dial is modern minimalist, with an off-center sub-dial just for the time. The hand-wound movement has a power reserve of 100 hours. The case measures 38mm under the cuff and is limited to 100 pieces. $23,900.

Franck Muller x Bamford Vanguard Popeye

Just because a watch is elegantly set in 18k rose gold doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Here, cartoon character Popeye lends his muscular arms to count the hours and minutes while the seconds are tracked by his sidekick Swee’Pea. This edition of the Vanguard is a collaboration between Franck Muller and Bamford, a company specializing in personalized watches and collaborations. It’s also available in titanium, but the 18k rose gold edition costs $25,500 (£21,500).

Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Tourbillon Golden brown

Like many watches, the Grand Sport Tourbillon was inspired by the world of motor racing, but few are as authentic as this one. Before becoming one of the most respected and sought-after watchmakers in the world, Laurent Ferrier was a successful racing driver. The hand-wound tourbillon movement has a power reserve of 80 hours. It is one of only 24 examples in 18k rose gold. $235,000 (£225,000).

Tutima Glashuette Patria

Tutima demonstrates how to give a minimalist rose gold timepiece a little kick: by adding a bright blue enamel dial and contrasting it with gold hands and applied markers. The hand-wound caliber Tutima 617 has a power reserve of 65 hours. It is beautifully finished, with a typically German three-quarter plate decorated with Côtes de Genève and visible through the transparent case back. The 43mm case is 18k rose gold. $21,000.