White Gold Color Inquiry

[ColRam425]

So what's the deal with white gold exactly? I know on Rolex's 18k white gold watches the color looks pretty dang close to stainless steel, sterling silver, platinum, etc. However I have a 14k white gold Balfour college ring and it definitely has a slight yellow hue to it, which to my understanding is how white gold is supposed to look. That being said why is Rolex 18k so white compared to my Balfour's 14k? Especially when 18k should if anything look more yellow than 14k simply from Au percentage. I assumed rhodium-plating or something like that but I've read on here that Rolex doesn't plate their white gold at all.

[Furbo]

Secret is in the other metals that are included in the mix.

[diracpoint]

there is a yellow hue. You'll have to look in the flesh ... hard to capture in photos. Becomes more clear if you compare SS and 18k WG side-by-side.

[tkerrmd]

the two on the outsides are WG and clearly have a yellowish hue compared to the brightness of the platinum in the middle

[SaddleSC]

In person, Rolex WG definitely has a warmer look to it than SS (especially in certain lighting conditions)...

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

the two on the outsides are WG and clearly have a yellowish hue compared to the brightness of the platinum in the middle

Would be cool to see this shot with a SS watch in place of the WG sub. Would give the best comparison between all 3 metals.

[REDiesel]

Not all WG is the same alloy. Some WG has silver and nickle to whiten it. Rolex WG is made of Gold alloyed with mostly Palladium.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

Would be cool to see this shot with a SS watch in place of the WG sub. Would give the best comparison between all 3 metals.

SS - WG - SS - Plt

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

SS - WG - SS - Plt

You had that one ready! Nicely done, sir!

[crowncollection]

All in the alloy mix

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by ColRam425

I assumed rhodium-plating or something like that but I've read on here that Rolex doesn't plate their white gold at all.

Exactly. Rolex WG is not plated. It is a special alloy.

[dysondiver]

tom ,,, thats my house in your hand ,,,, very nice pic for comparison though.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

SS - WG - SS - Plt

Honestly in that pic, the only standout is the platinum, the others look the same. I've seen the white gold Sub in person and it is subtly different but in common everyday interaction, like you catch a glimpse of an 116619 while someone pays for something, it looks like steel.
In fact, there was a gentleman that sat a few tables down from me while eating who was wearing an 116619, when I told my non wis friends that watch costs 27K because it's white gold they were in disbelief and said looks just like steel.

I said, that may be part of the allure for some, plus that blue is irresistible.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

You had that one ready! Nicely done, sir!

your wish is my command

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Honestly in that pic, the only standout is the platinum, the others look the same. I've seen the white gold Sub in person and it is subtly different but in common everyday interaction, like you catch a glimpse of an 116619 while someone pays for something, it looks like steel.
In fact, there was a gentleman that sat a few tables down from me while eating who was wearing an 116619, when I told my non wis friends that watch costs 27K because it's white gold they were in disbelief and said looks just like steel.

I said, that may be part of the allure for some, plus that blue is irresistible.

I am at the point I can easily tell but didn't get to this point until I actually owned them all and wore the for a while!

No non-WIS will EVER know what is what


to me SS clearly gray almost surgical

WG clearly yellowish, warm

PLT bright white

[Dvenus11]

you can see some of the yellow if you look close enough

[Racerdj]

Charles B pictures are very accurate!

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Racerdj

Charles B pictures are very accurate!

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

your wish is my command

Well then, can you send the Platona over to Dallas for a mini vacation with me?

[landroverking]

Depends how much nickel content.
I would guess Rolex keeps the mix in house/under wraps.

[bobernet]

I love white gold. I think I love it more than platinum. I don't care if anyone else can tell the difference at a distance or notices. I enjoy it, and that's enough.

If I wanted attention, there are a lot of easier and cheaper ways to get it.

[tomchicago]

it's a very special material. not plated, but rather integrally alloyed with rhodium, which costs more than platinum.

[andrewd]

18k white gold is 75% gold by definition. Gold is naturally yellow in colour. The 'white' colour comes from the other metals in the alloy, but it will always have a yellow tinge due to the 75% gold. Most white gold rings are Rhodium plated to give it a true white colour.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

tom ,,, thats my house in your hand ,,,, very nice pic for comparison though.

I bet it is a very nice house

[kilyung]

This question comes up often. The general consensus is that owners of these watches can tell the difference and non-owners don't think there's a difference or enough difference to justify the expense. Generally we agree to disagree.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by jjnd08

Well then, can you send the Platona over to Dallas for a mini vacation with me?

Oh yeah, you already used your wish!!

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Oh yeah, you already used your wish!!

Dang! Next time I'll ask how many wishes I have first!

[The moose]

The 6-digit modern DD:s have a darker, more steel-looking color compared to my vintage 1803 which is more silver looking. Don't know if that is because of the patina or if the gold mix is different nowadays. Here is the 118239:


And here is my 1803: