Difference in gold color between different models? (pics inside)

[The moose]

Just purchased an 1803 and when I compare it to my YM 16628 I noticed that the gold color is totally different. Is that because of gold fading over the years or is it something else? Did Rolex use 14k on 1803 maybe?
First a pic together with my DD in RG for reference:
(Sorry about blurry pics)

[Thunderball57]

Originally Posted by The moose

Just purchased an 1803 and when I compare it to my YM 16628 I noticed that the gold color is totally different. Is that because of gold fading over the years or is it something else? Did Rolex use 14k on 1803 maybe?
First a pic together with my DD in RG for reference:
(Sorry about blurry pics)
http://[IMG]http://i1173.photobucket....jpg[/IMG]

http://[IMG]http://i1173.photobucket....jpg[/IMG]

I'm believe some Rolexes were made in 14K, but I don't know the model numbers. I'd say the one pictured last is 14K and the two above it 18K. (?)

[The moose]

I tried to google it but couldn't find any info that Rolex used 14k for a Day-date 1803

[JayAK]

Is the gold content not marked on the watch?...it should be.

For ref, my 1503 is 14k gold.

[sigguy]

1803 should be 18k. I suspect the formulation of the additional metals that Rolex
uses in their 18k has changed over the years.

[The moose]

It's stamped 18k. Funny how big a difference it can be between 18k and 18k...

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by The moose

I tried to google it but couldn't find any info that Rolex used 14k for a Day-date 1803

There are no 14k day dates.

[SubTTKky]

To my knowledge and understanding, 1803 DD is 18K gold...check the hallmark marking

[Rameez-Q]

all daydates are made in 18k gold

The colour difference depends on watch, 24 carat is pure gold, 18 is gold and a mix of other metals and its colour

Depending on what its mixed with it can be produced in yellow, white, rose or whatever gold you like.

All watches may have a slight difference depending on the metals used to mix the gold and also the type of bracelet such as oyster or president.

[thomaspp]

Interesting. Your 1803 is 18k. It must be something to do with newer alloys being used to harden the modern rolex.

[The moose]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Interesting. Your 1803 is 18k. It must be something to do with newer alloys being used to harden the modern rolex.

Yes, I also find it interesting. Both watches are 18k with such huge difference in gold color. They are 22 years apart so fading might be a part of the the difference...

[Andad]

Originally Posted by DannyK

all daydates are made in 18k gold

The colour difference depends on watch, 24 carat is pure gold, 18 is gold and a mix of other metals and its colour

Depending on what its mixed with it can be produced in yellow, white, rose or whatever gold you like.

All watches may have a slight difference depending on the metals used to mix the gold and also the type of bracelet such as oyster or president.

Plus some of the the added elements will oxidise.

Silver for example. That is why some gold will darken slightly with age.

A polish will bring them back up to speed.

[BAMBAM]

ROLEX delivered in the early years some 14K dates & day dates only to the USA, there was some TAX issue going on by that time so they where not made of 18K then !

[jolimont]

Nothing nicer than the warmth of vintage gold

[The moose]

Originally Posted by jolimont

Nothing nicer than the warmth of vintage gold

I agree. It's something special with older gold that brand new gold doesn't have. It's some sort of patina that is hard explain!

[14060m]

There All beautiful

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by BAMBAM

ROLEX delivered in the early years some 14K dates & day dates only to the USA, there was some TAX issue going on by that time so they where not made of 18K then !

Dates yes not daydates