Service
WatchProSite contributor Watchdogtor recently sparked a vital discussion on the forum, addressing a common concern for collectors of precious metal timepieces: the appearance of orange patches on yellow gold watches. This phenomenon, often mistaken for significant damage, is a form of oxidation. Watchdogtor's query prompted a rich exchange of insights from the community, offering practical advice on prevention and removal, ensuring that even decade-old forum content remains invaluable to new readers facing similar issues.
I've had the same polishing cloth for at least a dozen years. These are a much safer option than actual metal polish since multiple uses of those can remove a noticeable amount of metal, eventually rounding and softening sharp edges--the cloth is much less abrasive. Although many prefer to leave any accumulated patina, others prefer to have the nice, clean look of when the watch was new. It's a matter of preference. These cloths are also great for removing fingerprints from stainless watches, wh
Welcome to WatchProSite! And congratulations on your first post! 1. Yes, that is considered oxidation. This is considered VERY MINOR oxidation. 2. The oxidation should slowly go away after some use. If it doesn't go away, there are some generic liquid cleaners that can remove the oxidation. Definitely go for liquid cleaners, avoid cleaners where you have to rub or apply as rubbing removes a small layer of gold. Servicing wouldn't be needed for this level of VERY MINOR oxidation. 3. To prevent th
I find polishing cloths work easier and are very mild--requiring just a few passes to remove the kind of tarnish shown in the photo--and I've used them for years on vintage watches without ever 'softening' sharp edges, even under magnification. But be warned, anything, including liquid tarnish removers, has the potential to do damage, however minor, if overused or used incorrectly.
I was hoping that since this oxidation looked so light, that the liquid itself would be sufficient. But a quick touch with the polishing cloth would be good too. But some people tend to polish too much or rub harder than necessary. They think, "it's metal, I can rub as hard as I want, it won't make a difference to metal" and I always advise them to rub as lightly as needed to get the job done. But yes, you're absolutely right. Good thing we have more people here to add their perspectives!
In your safe or in your room where the safe resides. We live near the ocean and almost all the metal around our house looked like that after a few years … until we got a couple dehumidifiers and now keep it at 50-65% humidity, no higher.
I have a two tone RO which does the same thing. It happens because I seldom if ever wear it. Those two tone watches I have (i have 2 others), do not develop this oxidation because they are in heavy rotation. When that happens I soak it in a bottle of silver cleaning solution (the kind which is meant for use on silver jewellery). It has a sieve tray in a small bottle, meant for holding the jewellery while soaking it in. I believe the method of using an aluminium foil, baking soda or polident, wil
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