rnaden
5788
Durability of precious metal
This is a question I need to ask, as I've tried researching this matter and I get so many views and opinions, most of which contradict the other, I'm reaching out to you, my fellow Purists.
Most of you know, I've been avoiding precious metal on watches for the longest time, just because I never wanted to have gold on my wrist, in any color, and because I'm mostly in casual settings in hot and humid weather. I've been contemplating getting myself a white gold piece now, but I want to have one that will stand up to daily wear, not formal and/or business settings only. From what I have read up, besides being softer than steel, which I understand, and being more susceptible to knocks, dents and scratches (which I can accept), I would like to get your real world thoughts on the long term durability of WG. Platinum is at price points I won't want to consider at this time.
Specifically around things like discoloration, rhodium re-plating (is this even necessary anymore?), service costs etc. What would you say? Would it stand up to daily beatings like I put all my watches which are in steel up to? What about deployants? What I'm looking at has a deployant, and I'm interested to know, due to the softness of gold, would these friction based deployant locks give up faster than the steel counterparts? And how much faster, if this information is available?
A lot of questions, but all help is appreciated.
Thanks and have a great Sunday.
Richard
Durability of precious metal
This is a question I need to ask, as I've tried researching this matter and I get so many views and opinions, most of which contradict the other, I'm reaching out to you, my fellow Purists. Most of you know, I've been avoiding precious metal on watches fo...
Many questions, indeed, but I will try to make it simple.
Your first fear is about DISCOLORATION. That is true when the white gold case of your Watch is rodhium plated. Yuo need to send it for a service and they will replate the case. Not really a problem BUT in the last years, let's say 8 years, Patek, for exam...
Thanks for the input, Nico
Very helpful as always :-) I'm too careful, I think. Just wanted to make sure I was not making a mistake because I'm not always very gentle with my watches and don't work in a boardroom type office. Now, I'm more convinced that this will work and it's tak...
Corrosion and durability
Your questions are about corrosion and durability. IMHO gold wins out over steel. Gold is inherently much more corrosion resistant than iron or the iron alloy steel. The problem with white gold is that gold is not white, so other metals are alloyed with t...
I still like steel... or titanium... :-)
Hi Don, yes woman prefer White Gold or Platinum or Read Gold or Diamonds... But I guess there are also other reasons that the ones you mentioned... :-) Besides that, I only have steel watches so far (for cost reasons but also because I like robust watches...
Great information
Thanks for the input and detailed descriptions of what goes into those alloys, Don. I'm learning new stuff every day :-) I'm more convinced now, and yes, the heft is significantly higher than steel - of course some prefer it lighter, but for simple dress ...
Good thoughts and information, Don. Makes me
want to go buy gold watch! Best, CaliforniaJed
Gold also has the advantage of...
having been a universally accepted store of value for thousands of years. Interestingly, we are also at a historical economic juncture which, in my view, is soon to catalyze the value of gold sharply upwards. I own far more steel watches than gold, but wh...
Other options.
I believe, like most others who answered you, that you will be very happy with a white gold piece. But you have some other choices if you are so concerned with hardness and longevity. Ceramic is now mainstream in case-making and there are several choices ...
Ceramic is an interesting option
I am aware of that - maybe just not this time, as I'm looking at a daily watch that most people would consider bordering more on the dress watch category, so ceramic is not so appropriate IMO. Palladium is nice - I've seen the Moser and the color is diffe...
Let's see some gold watches
Your post made me think that I haven't worn my only gold watch in a long time. Today it got wrist time and it pleased me as always. It is not haute horlogerie with its 7750 and stamped dial, but a very pleasing composition none-the-less. ...
Looking good
Proportions are great too, and honestly, I've never been a sticker for in house movements, whatever is said, I do appreciate a reliable and easy to service movement over one that may be in house but lacks the above qualities. Thanks for sharing, Don. Rich...
I also avoid precious metal ...
Based on the extra weight (a gold watch is heavy than a steel on). And The precious metal (Gold or Pt) are less resistant to dings. Polishing remove those dings on precious metal cased watches but they will be thinner and thinner. For me, SS and Ti rules....
Highly recommend PT950
... despite you did mentioned you do not want platinum.. I think you won't be disappointed by PT.