Stigma of YG

[up2nogood]

I wear what I like. If others don't like it, or judge, that is their problem.

Not mine.

[beer]

nothing wrong with yellow gold

depends on the wearer

if the wearer wears yellow gold because he wants people to notice, be intimidated or look up to him, then he is an arrogant twat

if he wears it because he likes it, good for him and respect

[Otto]

I haven't read all of the posts because I really don't think they'll be much different than the last 100 times this "issue" has been discussed on this forum. The so-called "stigma" of yellow gold is a stereotype based on a presumption of who wears yellow gold and why; a stereotype that, like most stereotypes, doesn't really hold up in reality. Sure, someone might see a Mafia type (that's a whole other conversation) wearing YG and think, "there you go; proves my point!" But five minutes later, that same person might see a business executive wearing the same watch. And seriously, really, do any of us think people don't notice a Rolex Submariner for what it is? Do we think that going with stainless steel or WG or PT makes a meaningful difference to anyone who thinks owning a Rolex, Patek or any other fine timepiece is ostentatious, absurd, pretentious, whatever? My SS Daytona is every bit as loud as my Day Date in many ways. In fact, it seems to draw more stares than any of my watches. Sure, there are people who will typecast me based on my YG watches, who will typecast me based on my beard, jeans, shaggy thin hair, whatever. Some will typecast me, categorize me, and put me away neatly into a corner of their minds as an "old guy." If they see me at work in my business suit though, perhaps they will view me entirely differently. In my opinion, reinforcement of stereotypical thinking, especially by conforming our behavior to stereotypes, is just a lazy way of filtering out critical thinking in our lives; an easy way out of taking the time to see people for who they are instead of who we think they are at first glance. And in reinforcing stereotypes, we often deprive ourselves of pleasure we might otherwise have simply to avoid other people's filters. How weird is that??? And I am very experienced in doing this. I fight this tendency to filter everyday. So...how ridiculous is it that I am writing this much to address a stereotype about YG on a forum that deals exclusively with luxury items? I need more coffee! And BTW, I am not criticizing anyone in particular. I am talking to myself as much as anyone else.

[up2nogood]

Well said, Otto.

[SamiKssiaa]

Who cares what a bunch of jealous leftists think? These people talk crap about things they can't afford to try and disqualify themselves out of never having to achieve them, its pathetic. They don't just do this with watches, they do this to people that drive a better car than them, they do this to people that live in a bigger house ect.

Most people you meet will love your watch.

[kilyung]

Otto

[MK25toLife]

I got my YG GMT II in December and I love it. However, I will not be wearing it to work when I wear short sleeves and am hesitant to wear it out and about in my city (NYC) with short sleeves (especially on the subway).

My hesitation most likely stems from the self consciousness in knowing my watch retails for more than some people make in a year. I came from wearing a SS GMT II for 7 years where I didn't have any hesitation wearing it any place any time.

Now that short sleeve weather is around the corner, I am looking to pick up the Daytona-C as an every day watch but we all know that's a whole nother animal.

[427_Monster]

Depends on the watch.

YG Daydate looks gorgeous. But YG Sub/GMT doesn't do it for me.

[Kiddodoc]

YG is pretty bold. I have a YG DD with diamond dial and it definitely an eye turner. I also have a WG sub, TT Daytona with the rest of my collection being SS. I like the balance of all of them and I get to interchange according to function, environment or just plain wearing what I want. Get what makes you happy.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by artschool

i have always wanted a yellow gold dress watch on a brown leather strap.

No stigma there, but that's pretty different than a blue and gold sub on bracelet.

[RationalPragmatist]

one thing is for sure - if i get a gold Rolex, it won't be white gold

[THC]

Originally Posted by padi56

The only stigma of YG is only in that persons stereo typed head.

Man, finally ..... Thank you sir

[DJ TT 2002]

Originally Posted by Otto

I haven't read all of the posts because I really don't think they'll be much different than the last 100 times this "issue" has been discussed on this forum. The so-called "stigma" of yellow gold is a stereotype based on a presumption of who wears yellow gold and why; a stereotype that, like most stereotypes, doesn't really hold up in reality. Sure, someone might see a Mafia type (that's a whole other conversation) wearing YG and think, "there you go; proves my point!" But five minutes later, that same person might see a business executive wearing the same watch. And seriously, really, do any of us think people don't notice a Rolex Submariner for what it is? Do we think that going with stainless steel or WG or PT makes a meaningful difference to anyone who thinks owning a Rolex, Patek or any other fine timepiece is ostentatious, absurd, pretentious, whatever? My SS Daytona is every bit as loud as my Day Date in many ways. In fact, it seems to draw more stares than any of my watches. Sure, there are people who will typecast me based on my YG watches, who will typecast me based on my beard, jeans, shaggy thin hair, whatever. Some will typecast me, categorize me, and put me away neatly into a corner of their minds as an "old guy." If they see me at work in my business suit though, perhaps they will view me entirely differently. In my opinion, reinforcement of stereotypical thinking, especially by conforming our behavior to stereotypes, is just a lazy way of filtering out critical thinking in our lives; an easy way out of taking the time to see people for who they are instead of who we think they are at first glance. And in reinforcing stereotypes, we often deprive ourselves of pleasure we might otherwise have simply to avoid other people's filters. How weird is that??? And I am very experienced in doing this. I fight this tendency to filter everyday. So...how ridiculous is it that I am writing this much to address a stereotype about YG on a forum that deals exclusively with luxury items? I need more coffee! And BTW, I am not criticizing anyone in particular. I am talking to myself as much as anyone else.

Well said!!!!

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by RationalPragmatist

one thing is for sure - if i get a gold Rolex, it won't be white gold

Amen sir!

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Originally Posted by kilyung

IMO it's all about how you comport yourself. Act like an ass and YG will only accentuate the opinion. Act classy and YG looks timeless.

I wear mostly PM and have never been self-conscious about it.

Exactly

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by albmich

As many know, I'm considering trading a few steel stunners for some yellow gold. But as I've spent the last few weeks searching old posts, there seems to be a lot of conflict surrounding YG...

"Showing up to the race track wearing yellow gold is too much of a statement"

"I wouldn't wear a yellow gold sub around my clients at work"

"Yellow gold is in your face and flashy, I prefer more discrete WG"

But then the other side is "no one recognizes what you're wearing anyways, they probably think it's a Michael kors, wear what you want, if you're wearing a Rolex that's already very flashy anyways, etc"

Does anyone have a good article or a more thorough explanation of the stigma surrounding yellow gold and why it is so controversial?

If you can swing it---yellow gold all day.

[soundserious]

Wear what you like man, life's too short to really worry much about a trivial thing as watch metal isn't it?

[LuminousMaximus]

I, personally contemplated the 116618 YG Sub for many days. I took into account that I wear casual clothes, and enjoy a sporting life style. I worried about others seeing my GOLD Sub, and thought, "People who don't know anything about watches know, I've got a whale on my wrist," so, i went with the 116619. To those who know, They Know, and the others who don't know will usually stayin' in the I -Don't-Know... You know?

Does that make sense?

[jon_jon]

When I think of a YG Rolex, the thought of YG chains around the neck, YG fake teeth and YG rings on every finger come to mind, haha! I know this is an extreme stereotype. But we all stereotype people based on what they wear, the car they drive, the zip code they live in, etc.

If you like YG and feel comfortable wearing it, I would say by all means, go for it! If you are unsure about wearing it, then you might want to give it more thought as to your motivation for wearing a YG Rolex. There are plenty of people who wear it to show off to others. It is perfectly OK as long as you know that is why you are wearing the watch. People do that all the time with sports cars, Birkin purses, etc.

Some people have commented about affordability of YG vs SS Rolex. I agree that there is a slight premium, but not so significant that someone with a SS Rolex can't afford a PM Rolex. For the most part, the statement is untrue and it is all a matter of personal preference. I have many more platinum and WG watches than I do of YG watches and that is a pure personal preference.

[kirksingleton]

I didn't read all the threads but in my opinion...
ss= tool/ sport watch
yellow gold= jewlery
White gold=I dont really understand why people purchase this unless you want a particular face color or bezel.
I own both metals and use both for different locations. For instance last week in Maui I brought my ss sub c date. My gold sub stayed home as I don't want to dive with it.

[michael067]

I have a YG DD, and wear it all the time. It's up to you, if you buy it and like to wear it with class then more power to ya.

[KarlS]

Maybe this is only applicable to certain nationalities. I am not English so please I apologise to those that are that I may be speaking out of turn but:

a) if you had a YG YM with bracelet it would probably be considered to be vulgar.
b) they would also not be surprised by which nationalities probably wear these ostentatious displays of wealth whereas they are perhaps more understated and conservative;
c) it would be viewed just the same way as the individual who wears gold watches, has sovereign rings and heavy gold necklaces. Those that I refer to actually have no problem and regard this as a specific sub culture identity;
d) the colour of PM has evolved over the decades as the consumers tastes have changed. My personal observation is the vast bulk of wedding rings, engagement rings etc have moved from YG to WG and Pl...of course I have no statistical data on that...its just an observation.

I have a good friend who bought the YG YM and absolutely loves it. Good for him and of course I give him a friendly ribbing about selling second hard cars etc its all good sport and doesnt detract from his enjoyment...

[ppalasthira]

Originally Posted by Otto

I haven't read all of the posts because I really don't think they'll be much different than the last 100 times this "issue" has been discussed on this forum. The so-called "stigma" of yellow gold is a stereotype based on a presumption of who wears yellow gold and why; a stereotype that, like most stereotypes, doesn't really hold up in reality. Sure, someone might see a Mafia type (that's a whole other conversation) wearing YG and think, "there you go; proves my point!" But five minutes later, that same person might see a business executive wearing the same watch. And seriously, really, do any of us think people don't notice a Rolex Submariner for what it is? Do we think that going with stainless steel or WG or PT makes a meaningful difference to anyone who thinks owning a Rolex, Patek or any other fine timepiece is ostentatious, absurd, pretentious, whatever? My SS Daytona is every bit as loud as my Day Date in many ways. In fact, it seems to draw more stares than any of my watches. Sure, there are people who will typecast me based on my YG watches, who will typecast me based on my beard, jeans, shaggy thin hair, whatever. Some will typecast me, categorize me, and put me away neatly into a corner of their minds as an "old guy." If they see me at work in my business suit though, perhaps they will view me entirely differently. In my opinion, reinforcement of stereotypical thinking, especially by conforming our behavior to stereotypes, is just a lazy way of filtering out critical thinking in our lives; an easy way out of taking the time to see people for who they are instead of who we think they are at first glance. And in reinforcing stereotypes, we often deprive ourselves of pleasure we might otherwise have simply to avoid other people's filters. How weird is that??? And I am very experienced in doing this. I fight this tendency to filter everyday. So...how ridiculous is it that I am writing this much to address a stereotype about YG on a forum that deals exclusively with luxury items? I need more coffee! And BTW, I am not criticizing anyone in particular. I am talking to myself as much as anyone else.

Listen to this guy. Great post.

[mechanicaltime]

I'm an old guy who just bought one of those "vulgar" YG DD president's last December. It is beautiful!! I wear a SubC for everyday, but the DD comes out when I want to dress up a little.
I'm getting used to wearing YG now after a few months. It's really an nice piece. I'm going to enjoy it during my remaing years. I'm 69 and will probably not wear it in the nursing home.

[dadonn2]

Much pabulum here...in both senses of the word. Heavily tread ground but some interesting thoughts. Respect to Otto's comments. When I first developed an interest in watches all of a year and change ago, I thought a yellow gold watch was the apotheosis of tacky. Now, I find it beautiful. It is a precious metal in its natural color. Certainly, there are differing viewpoints on gold in general across subcultures. Given the subjectivity, not really much to be wrong or right about. There are parts of town where the heaviest, largest and priciest curb link chain would be considered the best but I don't think it would fly in the conference room at a law firm. Yet, even in some conservative environments a boisterous gold Rolex is going to be pretty comfortable- on the links at many country clubs for example. Outliers will scoff, some will hate and as you ascend the bell curve most won't care or notice while at the other tail some will appreciate. This is the distribution with most things whether or not they elicit the same intensity in response.

From a personal standpoint, I think of watches like clothing. Some people can pull off things that other can't. Determining what best suits you and what you're most comfortable with is entirely personal. Most people would agree Prince was cool but I don't know anyone who rushed to replicate his wardrobe nor tried to grow the random pubic hair he had on his face. :) Just checking to see if you're still with me.

As a relatively big person (6'4" 250) with dark hair, a relatively pronounced NY/NJ accent and a fair amount of black clothing, people have oft assumed I am all sorts of stereotypes. An understated Patek on strap won't change that and a 116618 or similar on my wrist won't either. One could say it would serve to reinforce a pre-conceived stereotype, if you'll allow the redundancy. I'd maintain it was already there in the first place. For the most part, in my experience, the conspicuous presence of a watch won't move the needle. It was set before you got there.

[Pimpsy]

I bought my YG DD2 last month to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of my business. I kept my DSSD for those days when a YG watch just doesn't fit the occasion, but so far I am having a lot of trouble not wearing the DD2 everyday.

Some people take pleasure in the success of others while others take offense; I gravitate toward the former and avoid the latter. Any luxury purchase is a "stigma" in the eyes of some people, and life is too short to worry about it.

[pablo5]

I have gravitated towards yellow gold and wear my Yachtmaster regularly and receive the most compliments on that watch more than any other I piece wear. 90% of people love it and it's definitely an eye catching piece. I also wear a stainless steel Nautilus, Submariner and Daytona all of which never receive any compliments or second looks. The Patek in particular is very understated and appeals to a completely different demographic so most younger folks (I'm 32) never really comment or even know the brand. The YG Rolex is really the statement piece though so you definitely have to have some confidence to pull it off because it is eye catching. My personal opinion is that it looks that much better on people with tan skin. I've had this conversation with fairer skinned people who agree the yellow just doesn't seem to look as nice on their skin as mine but again, personal taste and I think it looks great either way. I'm actually only looking to add yellow or rose gold to my collection after acquiring my YG Yachmaster. The advice I've gotten from watch collectors is that the precious metals appreciate over the long term so if I ever trade or sell they will always be the easiest to flip. And again I just love the look!
image.jpeg

[zama]

This really is over stated the amount of people who get around with gold plated citizens, seiko and old omegas, people won't look at your wrist unless you stick in their face.

[Star Ferry]

While I agree with Otto generally, in practice I could see wearing a YG rolex inappropriate in some situations.

In China - almost always appropriate. People will be nicer to you and try to build guanxi with you

In the USA and the West - often not appropriate. At my first job, which was at a large bank in NYC, any new hire with a solid gold rolex would have been destroyed. They would have been told to take it off and then laughed at for the rest of their time at the firm. I don't agree with this at all, but that's what would have happened. Personally, I was referred to as "trust fund baby" in my group because I wore a Brioni windbreaker one day (no visible logo, my colleague checked the inner tag).

Edit: want to add that the older a man gets, the less likely anyone will take offense to the YG

[KarlS]

As much as I love the YM above I found that with my skin colour it was too blingey. I also prefer white gold and platinum as I am conservative and prefer to be understated and went for a classic brand deep in history that could never be considered vulgar...good news it has a matching key ring / cuff links and money clip which I only use when I have an important meeting at the office..