Gilt is way better?

[adamjohari]

I've seen some 5513 gilt vs matte watches on Instagram. Are the premiums for gilt worth it? Anyone here who has both, or has transitioned from matte to gilt feel that the gilt is much superior?

[roh123]

Great gilt is. Poor gilt is not.

They need to be expeienced in real life to understand why they cost so much more than ordinary matte dials.

[subx]

I transitionned from Gilt to Matte:

Great gilt is beautiful in real life, but the dial and markers and hands have to be flawless to be stunning. otherwise they can become homely looking ( lots of Bart Simpson are like that )

I realised the charm of patina markers against a non reflective matt background to be exactly what I like to look at, and with the extra pop of RED on a 1680 ( or 1665 double red ), is just the Rolex Perfection and traits of character I like.

been in the game 25 years, but I may be in the minority on this.

[RolexBrian]

My gilt dial (66' 5513) with original super dome seams to change its look depending on the lighting and viewing angle. My matt dialed 5513 doesn't have that "magic".

[airansun]

I have both and have come to prefer matte.

It’s really hard to find a gilt dial that isn’t already disintegrating, to one degree or another. And I worry about wearing a gilt dialed watch outside, in direct sunlight and hot weather, for fear of causing (more) deterioration. I’m not a big fan of having watches I’m reluctant to wear. I wear my meters-first 5513 as my main, daily watch. I wouldn’t feel entirely comfortable doing that with my gilt 5513.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by airansun

I have both and have come to prefer matte.

It’s really hard to find a gilt dial that isn’t already disintegrating, to one degree or another. And I worry about wearing a gilt dialed watch outside, in direct sunlight and hot weather, for fear of causing (more) deterioration. I’m not a big fan of having watches I’m reluctant to wear. I wear my meters-first 5513 as my main, daily watch. I wouldn’t feel entirely comfortable doing that with my gilt 5513.

This. My gilt 5513 (1964) sits in the safe and never gets worn. I've only kept it because prices keep going up. Should really sell it so that somebody braver than I am can enjoy it.

[RolexBrian]

I wear mine almost daily. I bought it to enjoy it. And I do!

[lupus66]

yes gilt is better

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by adamjohari

I've seen some 5513 gilt vs matte watches on Instagram. Are the premiums for gilt worth it? Anyone here who has both, or has transitioned from matte to gilt feel that the gilt is much superior?

"Better"? No. Arguably more alluring and 'gem-like'. It's completely subjective, but obviously popular opinion - and the market - dictate the respective values.
I've owned both, in SUBs and GMTs. Gilt is definitely more 'special' IMO, and the matte dials are more utilitarian; flat. Matte is flat. Gilt has more depth and allure.
Gilt more susceptible to damage/the elements.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Gilt more susceptible to damage/the elements.

This. Gilt is very special, but you need to treat it more carefully than other watches for its delicate puffy lume and hands.

[roh123]

Only thing that worries me to carry gilts daily is the risk of robbery. They are such a joy to have on the wrist. Completely different animal than a matte dial.

[eton97]

Wish I could get comfortable with gilt dials. Too good and they are questionable, too damaged and they are original but unsightly.
Plus feels strange to have so much money in something that ultimately degrades over a Relatively short period of time. Who knows what a grail dial will look like in another 10-20yrs of ownership...

[roh123]

Originally Posted by eton97

Wish I could get comfortable with gilt dials. Too good and they are questionable, too damaged and they are original but unsightly.
Plus feels strange to have so much money in something that ultimately degrades over a Relatively short period of time. Who knows what a grail dial will look like in another 10-20yrs of ownership...

You want a perfect one.

If they are still great looking after 50-60 years I wouldn’t worry too much about the coming 10-20 if treated with respect.

[eton97]

Originally Posted by roh123

You want a perfect one.

That’s exactly my problem.


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[eton97]

Originally Posted by eton97

That’s exactly my problem.


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Also I think I understand what I’m looking for when I review the quality of a matte dial.
When it comes to gilt I get lost in all the detail. Lume/dial quality/glow/mirror gloss etc etc. I can’t work out what top end really is.


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[RolexBrian]

I did extensive research. In addition to finding the right watch, I purchased from the "right" dealer here on this forum. Buying a matte dial was a lot easier and less stressful. I went with Jacek. Great transaction.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by RolexBrian

I did extensive research. In addition to finding the right watch, I purchased from the "right" dealer here on this forum. Buying a matte dial was a lot easier and less stressful. I went with Jacek. Great transaction.

Great - let's see it, then..

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by eton97

Wish I could get comfortable with gilt dials. Too good and they are questionable, too damaged and they are original but unsightly.
Plus feels strange to have so much money in something that ultimately degrades over a Relatively short period of time. Who knows what a grail dial will look like in another 10-20yrs of ownership...

Good luck when it needs a service...

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by roh123

Only thing that worries me to carry gilts daily is the risk of robbery.

You don't have this feeling with your other watches, like the Daytona or GMT or ...?

[RolexBrian]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Great - let's see it, then..

See pic earlier in this thread. Gold 16528 in background. Was serviced by seller before I bought it.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

You don't have this feeling with your other watches, like the Daytona or GMT or ...?

Sure. I wear those too. Still the main concern is to lose valuable items. Not to ruin them.

[Royale With Cheese]

Originally Posted by airansun

I have both and have come to prefer matte.

It’s really hard to find a gilt dial that isn’t already disintegrating, to one degree or another. And I worry about wearing a gilt dialed watch outside, in direct sunlight and hot weather, for fear of causing (more) deterioration. I’m not a big fan of having watches I’m reluctant to wear. I wear my meters-first 5513 as my main, daily watch. I wouldn’t feel entirely comfortable doing that with my gilt 5513.

This is a valid point. I completely agree that you have to consider the condition, and of course wearability / durability..

However, once you set that aside, I personally feel the beauty of a gilt dial to be incomparable..

(by the way, nice avatar )

[Ben39]

Originally Posted by lupus66

yes gilt is better

Great condition Bart Simpson 👍🏻

[b.k.]

Yes, gilt is better in my eyes :)


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[nolesrule101]

If the gilt looks good then sure, but if its all faded then definitely not.

[bluemartinifan]

Agree with Vincents post.
Gilt is more alluring/special to me. I've owned both and currently own this, but it just sits in the safe due to fear of damage or theft.

[RolexBrian]

Gilt with clean gloss cannot be captured on photos accurately. In person, different viewing angles, and light, the dial changes. Matt don't do that.

[FrenchBigCrown]

[Dries]

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by Dries