904L Vs. White Gold

[cody p]

is the difference apparent to the naked eye?

[C. Davidson]

Slight difference to the trained eye. Slight yellow hue in the white gold, looks a little "warmer" than the steel. Difficult to see. Rolex does a very good job on thier 18KT white gold alloy, the best out there.

[Ivy League]

WG is much softer than 904L. So visual differences will appear rather quickly once you start wearing them.

[sbakar]

I noticed that the WG fluted bezels on the DJ's just seem to have more sparkle than SS watch cases. Just a personal observation, I'm sure there were a lot of other differences!

SNB

[Z-Sub]

Originally Posted by sbakar

I noticed that the WG fluted bezels on the DJ's just seem to have more sparkle than SS watch cases. Just a personal observation, I'm sure there were a lot of other differences!

SNB

The sparkle is indeed impressive.
WG is heavier as well.

[Andad]

IMO no, unless compared side by side and you have been told which is which.

[watchnut]

Originally Posted by directioneng

IMO no, unless compared side by side and you have been told which is which.

That and the smell!

[Dalton]

Well guys, believe it or not but WG tends to be a tougher material, in the sense that it's density=strength(not regarding melting point). WG does scratch easy but so does polished steel. But the real difference lies in how Rolex makes their own WG so don't compare it to your jewelry. It's white without Rhodium plating, and it never looks yellow. Rolex WG is tougher to polish also. For some reason it tends to have some pretty good resistance to heat, but it can suddenly have a complete meltdown. the stuffs very interesting and definitely Quality.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by sbakar

I noticed that the WG fluted bezels on the DJ's just seem to have more sparkle than SS watch cases. Just a personal observation, I'm sure there were a lot of other differences!

SNB

Fluted bezels on all watches (even SS DJ) are made of WG, so how can the ones on WG be shinier?

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by Submariner50th

Fluted bezels on all watches (even SS DJ) are made of WG, so how can the ones on WG be shinier?

I think he's saying the WG fluted bezel sparkles more than the SS case of the same watch, & he'd be right

[SS Oyster]

Ok, re-read the post ... my bad.

[Bisquitlips]

4K$$$ comes to mind......!

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by sbakar

I noticed that the WG fluted bezels on the DJ's just seem to have more sparkle than SS watch cases. Just a personal observation, I'm sure there were a lot of other differences!

SNB

I have to agree with this. Looking at DJ 116234 is a good way to see the difference between the two metals. The white gold bezel sparkles in a realy beautiful way.

[WaltherPPK]

Originally Posted by Dalton

Well guys, believe it or not but WG tends to be a tougher material, in the sense that it's density=strength(not regarding melting point). WG does scratch easy but so does polished steel. But the real difference lies in how Rolex makes their own WG so don't compare it to your jewelry. It's white without Rhodium plating, and it never looks yellow. Rolex WG is tougher to polish also. For some reason it tends to have some pretty good resistance to heat, but it can suddenly have a complete meltdown. the stuffs very interesting and definitely Quality.

I'll agree that white gold is certainly more dense than 904L Stainless Steel. However, it is neither tougher nor stronger. 904L Stainless Steel is quite hard and will resist scratches, dents, and wear significantly better than any gold alloy used in jewelery. Polished metals scratch easily no matter what, but comparing hardness will dictate how easily the scratches can occur as well as how deep they are likely to be.

No offense intended, but wanting to make sure we are sticking to facts.

[sbakar]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I have to agree with this. Looking at DJ 116234 is a good way to see the difference between the two metals. The white gold bezel sparkles in a realy beautiful way.

That's exactly the model I used to see the difference, too! There is a slight, but noticeable, difference in hue. WG really does seem to jump out a bit!

SNB

[sbakar]

Originally Posted by WaltherPPK

I'll agree that white gold is certainly more dense than 904L Stainless Steel. However, it is neither tougher nor stronger. 904L Stainless Steel is quite hard and will resist scratches, dents, and wear significantly better than any gold alloy used in jewelery. Polished metals scratch easily no matter what, but comparing hardness will dictate how easily the scratches can occur as well as how deep they are likely to be.

No offense intended, but wanting to make sure we are sticking to facts.

Given that Dalton works extensively on these watches, I'd say he's speaking from personal, practical, hands-on experience. But you'd be correct in engineering terms!

SNB

[Dalton]

Originally Posted by WaltherPPK

I'll agree that white gold is certainly more dense than 904L Stainless Steel. However, it is neither tougher nor stronger. 904L Stainless Steel is quite hard and will resist scratches, dents, and wear significantly better than any gold alloy used in jewelery. Polished metals scratch easily no matter what, but comparing hardness will dictate how easily the scratches can occur as well as how deep they are likely to be.

No offense intended, but wanting to make sure we are sticking to facts.

I'll drink to that!

[1000 ft]

The price is the difference ;)

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by Dalton

Well guys, believe it or not but WG tends to be a tougher material, in the sense that it's density=strength(not regarding melting point). WG does scratch easy but so does polished steel. But the real difference lies in how Rolex makes their own WG so don't compare it to your jewelry. It's white without Rhodium plating, and it never looks yellow. Rolex WG is tougher to polish also. For some reason it tends to have some pretty good resistance to heat, but it can suddenly have a complete meltdown. the stuffs very interesting and definitely Quality.

How interesting.. I thought all white gold was Rhodium plated. Thanks for the info Dalton.

[newrolexman]

I ve seen them both and cant tell the diff with my eye.

Big difff is in the pocketbook to me.


gold to me is YG. White rhodium dipped (yellow) gold just doesnt do it for me.

The polished links on the GMT ll c and the polished case look stunning like white gold. I have had many comments,,, "I love your white gold bracelet" and I say,, they ve come a long way in stainless steel milling.


D

[worktolivelife]

If its merely the "look" your after SS [although there is a discernable visual difference], wish "all" women thought like "some" of us guys that huge karat Zircon set in silver looked great to me!
A but though is you may never get that look with a Rolex purchase as IMHO those desirable dial options are always in precious metals i would guess intentionally! wether it be SS..WG..or moving to PLAT pleasure costs!

[jas55]

I think you can tell the difference between an all white gold bracelet and a stainless steel bracelet. I have seen the white gold Blue face submariner, and it has a slightly different finish to it.

[rajurama]

Hope this helps :) , As we can see the color is warmer for sure.

[slvrstar]

Originally Posted by rajurama

Hope this helps :) , As we can see the color is warmer for sure.

Not Really, It's actually quite cold. freezing cold. Oh my bad! I thought you were referring to the ICE.