Tudor BB54 hands/markers: YG or RG?

[Poodlopogus]

I'd always thought that the BB54 had YG hands/hour markers, based on photos and descriptions. However, upon acquiring one, they look much closer to RG in person. Is it just the AR coating or something, and it's actually YG, or was I previously mistaken and they're RG?

[0nly5iv3Digits]

It’s a “gilted” finish. Not sure if it’s some kind of copper alloy or what. But it isn’t gold in any case.

[WatchEater666]

I don’t think it’s gold.

[reposado]

I think rose gold plated?

[Poodlopogus]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

It’s a “gilted” finish. Not sure if it’s some kind of copper alloy or what. But it isn’t gold in any case.

I'm referring to the hands and hour marker surrounds themselves. I was under the impression that, with the exception of the blued steel seconds hand on some platinum DDs that all Rolex hands were gold of some sort (albeit some painted) and that was true with the non-lume parts of the hour markers, too. I'd assumed that the same was true for Tudor, but I suppose that assumption may have been in error?

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

I'm referring to the hands and hour marker surrounds themselves. I was under the impression that, with the exception of the blued steel seconds hand on some platinum DDs that all Rolex hands were gold of some sort (albeit some painted) and that was true with the non-lume parts of the hour markers, too. I'd assumed that the same was true for Tudor, but I suppose that assumption may have been in error?

I was also referring to the hands and hour markers - you’re right that Rolex uses white gold (mainly) for both their hour markers and hands. Tudor, however, does not. Given the price-point and more tool-oriented nature of the brand. It kind of makes sense.

Almost certainly some kind of plating on the Tudors.

[kieselguhr]

Modern Tudor hands and hour marker “surrounds” are stamped from a sheet of brass, filled with lume then polished to specifications.

Unless explicitly specified for full precious metal or two tone models, there is neither gold capping or gold plating on their standard steel models

[Poodlopogus]

Got it. Certainly makes sense to use a less expensive material; I'd always thought it was entirely about discoloration/corrosion issues as opposed to being a more "luxury" material which is why I'd assumed Tudor followed the same protocol as Rolex.

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Modern Tudor hands and hour marker “surrounds” are stamped from a sheet of brass, filled with lume then polished to specifications.

Unless explicitly specified for full precious metal or two tone models, there is neither gold capping or gold plating on their standard steel models

Chrono Steeel and gold has gold capped bezel and crown/pushers

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Poodlopogus

Got it. Certainly makes sense to use a less expensive material; I'd always thought it was entirely about discoloration/corrosion issues as opposed to being a more "luxury" material which is why I'd assumed Tudor followed the same protocol as Rolex.

Price can't have that much to do with it. There is probably a few dollars worth of gold in the hands and surrounds. Even if it was a gram that would be ~$60 for 18K.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Price can't have that much to do with it. There is probably a few dollars worth of gold in the hands and surrounds. Even if it was a gram that would be ~$60 for 18K.

Not talking about the “price” per-se, rather the perceived luxury of Rolex vs. Tudor.

[Poodlopogus]

Now also wondering whether the discoloration that the use of gold is meant to prevent is actually a desirable attribute of the braze used by Tudor. Because of the vintage vibe of the watch, maybe hands naturally prone to patina were used specifically for that purpose.