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Horological Meandering

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 example, gave up rodhium plating  and reworked the alloy in their white gold to keep it white with time passing.

So, no problems, here. You just have to be sure it is not rodhium plated if you don't want to plate your case later.

I have several watches in white gold which are watches which I very often wear: Examples? UN Sonata, UN Freak. With their folding buckle in white gold. No issues at all. I more often wear my Sonata than my Freak, to be honest, but the case is still impeccable.

Yes, WG will always remain softer than Steel, but what i s the issue? When you send it for a service, IF you cannot love with dings, you ask for a polish, and dang, all new.

No, there are not real nor serious issues which would stop you from getting a WG Watch!

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-01-25 01:16:41

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15 Comments view entire thread 

Durability of precious metal

 
By: rnaden : January 25th, 2015-01:03
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.

 
By: amanico : January 25th, 2015-01:16
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

 
By: rnaden : January 25th, 2015-16:33
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

 
By: DonCorson : January 25th, 2015-04:33
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... :-)

 
By: MCG (Markus) : January 25th, 2015-08:48
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

 
By: rnaden : January 25th, 2015-16:36
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 ... 

Gold also has the advantage of...

 
By: Tony C. : January 31st, 2015-09:46
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.

 
By: TheMadDruid : January 25th, 2015-11:14
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

 
By: rnaden : January 25th, 2015-16:38
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

 
By: DonCorson : January 26th, 2015-12:13
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

 
By: rnaden : January 26th, 2015-17:45
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 ...

 
By: nilomis : January 27th, 2015-05:43
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

 
By: jenjames : January 27th, 2015-09:06
... despite you did mentioned you do not want platinum.. I think you won't be disappointed by PT.