Interesting question for Ironstark!!

[JJ Irani]

Hi Ironstark,

We all know that the gold numbers used under the new Ceramic bezel on the Anniversary GMT-II is 18 K YELLOW GOLD.

So does that mean, the gold numbers used under the Ceramic bezel of the new SS version is 18 K WHITE GOLD?

Thanks - JJ

So are those White Gold numbers under this bezel?

[D4UK]

i was thinking this earlier too..

it would certainly explain/justify the increase in cost over the 16710

they apply the YG numbers atom by atom (according to the movie on the website) technically they're not under the bezel but applied to the recessed numbers and then the bezel is polished leaving both surfaces flush...

[Ironstark]

As far as I know it is white gold. The process is known as PVD, physical vapour deposition. The substrate (in this case the ceramic insert) is bombarded with atoms of the material you want to deposit, in this case gold. It in effect bonds , on a molecular level, one material with another.
This process is also used in the production of some Rolex dials.

[cbrenthus]

Originally Posted by D4UK

it would certainly explain/justify the increase in cost over the 16710

As if Rolex ever needed to justify raising their prices

[D4UK]

Originally Posted by cbrenthus

As if Rolex ever needed to justify raising their prices

LOL

though I was sorta thinking of it justifying it to my bank manager - rather than Rolex using this as justification...

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Ironstark

As far as I know it is white gold. The process is known as PVD, physical vapour deposition. The substrate (in this case the ceramic insert) is bombarded with atoms of the material you want to deposit, in this case gold. It in effect bonds , on a molecular level, one material with another.
This process is also used in the production of some Rolex dials.

Thanks, pal....very interesting.

The first time I heard of PVD was when Longines came out with some of their "gold" watches which were PVD coated.

Cheers - JJ

[mike]

Originally Posted by Ironstark

As far as I know it is white gold. The process is known as PVD, physical vapour deposition. The substrate (in this case the ceramic insert) is bombarded with atoms of the material you want to deposit, in this case gold. It in effect bonds , on a molecular level, one material with another.
This process is also used in the production of some Rolex dials.

Excellent info! Thanks!!

[davor]

PVD whats that???

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by davor

PVD whats that???

You need to read Ironstark's post, tosser!!

[Ironstark]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks, pal....very interesting.

The first time I heard of PVD was when Longines came out with some of their "gold" watches which were PVD coated.

Cheers - JJ

That was when I came accross it first too. I was shown their process when I was at the Longines factory in Switzerland in 1992. I think Rado have used/use it also, in fact I`m sure by now it is widely used in the industry.
Their is also CVD, chemical vapour deposition, which as the name suggest uses chemical reaction to accomplish the same thing.

[davor]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You need to read Ironstark's post, tosser!!

i did and still dont understand what physical vapor deposition means

[Tombstone]

I enjoy logical facts and information such as the PVD process, it is science in action. It would be very interesting to see the entire process of the ceramic bezel from start to finish. The Rolex web site shows a short video about parts of the process. I enjoyed the video and I feel the Rolex web site has never been better than it is now.

[Ironstark]

The substance particles, in this case white gold, to be "attatched" are suspended in a vapour and for want of a better term are "fired" at the object. They hit it with such force they bond with the upper layer of molecules of the target substance. They are physically deposited on it.
It gives a much stronger and hard wearing finish than plating.

[davor]

Originally Posted by Ironstark

The substance particles, in this case white gold, to be "attatched" are suspended in a vapour and for want of a better term are "fired" at the object. They hit it with such force they bond with the upper layer of molecules of the target substance. They are physically deposited on it.
It gives a much stronger and hard wearing finish than plating.

aha thanks 4 clearing that up

[davor]

so whats with the sub and sd ie....i know its not ceramic but are the numbers on bezel also wg

[worktolivelife]

Cool Info!!!!! just a question i've always wondered how is the tiny crown on the Daytona clasps attached [ its not cast is it ] everytime i clip it i look to see its not on the floor

cheers

steve

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by davor

so whats with the sub and sd ie....i know its not ceramic but are the numbers on bezel also wg

Not white gold on the bezel....only WG surrounds on the markers and hands.

JJ

[mailman]

Panerai also made a watch with a PVD case. Not sure of the model # but I remember Daren had one.

[President]

Real life photo - http://www.r-l-x.de/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=53338&sid=

[Ironstark]

A footnote, I just found out that the numerals on the bezel insert are not white gold, they`re platinium!!
Harder wearing then gold so thats why I suppose.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Ironstark

A footnote, I just found out that the numerals on the bezel insert are not white gold, they`re platinium!!
Harder wearing then gold so thats why I suppose.

That's great news, Ironstark....even better - the Platinum!!