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Alan111 · 10 October 2009, 02:14 AM

Hi Guys,

For the price we pay for the watches, on would assume that any gold portion on the watch, is solid 18K gold. I can understand that regarding the bezel, crown, dial and midlinks.

But how about the clasp? I have a 116233 Z serial and have trouble convincing myself that the yellow gold portion of the clasp, is solid gold. It just doesn't seem correct to me the way the clasp is constructed. The clasp seems to be completely stainless steel with the center portion heavily gold plated. Is this the case - or is it solid gold?

Someone please clarify - thanks!

(borrowed picture)

BarkMaster · 10 October 2009, 02:18 AM

That would be a concern, since the clasp is likely to get scratched.

train-time · 10 October 2009, 02:18 AM

I believe that they call it "capped" as opposed to plated. Capping is a considerably thicker piece of gold bonded to the stainless steel. If it doesn't show gold through the back of the clasp, it's probably capped.

tkc324 · 10 October 2009, 02:23 AM

I have the same question about the YM... i wonder if the ENTIRE bezel is made of platinum. They say the dial is plat too... really?
I am curious to find the anwer to the gold question... anyone?

newmedia · 10 October 2009, 02:32 AM

I been told its plated gold on the clasp.

Tools · 10 October 2009, 02:33 AM

It is not electroplated....

Rolex takes a solid piece of gold, and fuses it to the back-side of the clasp. This gives the aesthetics and retains the strength of the Steel.

You cannot scratch or rub through this piece as you could gold plating... you would have to dig through the piece of gold down to the stainless...

jnkay · 10 October 2009, 02:37 AM

Yes, the entire bezel is made of platinum, as is the dial. Both make the watch noticeably heavier than the ss sub, for example, and more on par with the tt sub that has gold center links and bezel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkc324

I have the same question about the YM... i wonder if the ENTIRE bezel is made of platinum. They say the dial is plat too... really?
I am curious to find the anwer to the gold question... anyone?

Alan111 · 10 October 2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

It is not electroplated....

Rolex takes a solid piece of gold, and fuses it to the back-side of the clasp. This gives the aesthetics and retains the strength of the Steel.

You cannot scratch or rub through this piece as you could gold plating... you would have to dig through the piece of gold down to the stainless...

Thanks Larry. So just to reiterate what you explained... It's actually piece of solid gold that has been attached to the SS clasp. So in reality, it's two pieces of different metal (SS and yellow gold) fused together. And the only way one would see through the gold, would be after severely polishing through until no more gold remains of the solid gold. Is that correct?

Tools · 10 October 2009, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan111

Thanks Larry. So just to reiterate what you explained... It's actually piece of solid gold that has been attached to the SS clasp. So in reality, it's two pieces of different metal (SS and yellow gold) fused together. And the only way one would see through the gold, would be after severely polishing through until no more gold remains of the solid gold. Is that correct?

That's correct.. but you would have to do a lot of polishing to ever get that far..

JJ Irani · 10 October 2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan111

Thanks Larry. So just to reiterate what you explained... It's actually piece of solid gold that has been attached to the SS clasp. So in reality, it's two pieces of different metal (SS and yellow gold) fused together. And the only way one would see through the gold, would be after severely polishing through until no more gold remains of the solid gold. Is that correct?

That's right, Alan......it's called FUSION wherein a solid piece of 18 K gold is actually "fused" onto the steel below. It's a complex and expensive process and has absolutely nothing to do with electroplating which you find on cheaper watches.

With electroplating, the thickness of the gold can go up to 10 microns in thickness (1000 microns = 1 mm); but with FUSION the thickness of the gold is more than 500 microns of solid 18 K gold.

Have a look on the edge of the clasp to see how thick the gold is....

bodybump · 10 October 2009, 05:11 AM

thats right allan what ever they said...

Alan111 · 10 October 2009, 05:37 AM

cool - thanks Larry and JJ. I got worried for a minute there... Only TRF would have the answers to a question like that

JJ Irani · 10 October 2009, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan111

cool - thanks Larry and JJ. I got worried for a minute there... Only TRF would have the answers to a question like that

Just remember one thing, Alan.....

Anything YELLOW you see on a modern day Rolex is 18 K (750) gold.

JJ

Rikki · 11 October 2009, 10:31 AM

Also the end links on a t/t jubilee or oyster band are gold capped and fused. Rolex has been doing this for many many years. Rik

MortgageGuy · 11 October 2009, 12:47 PM

Great info, Thank you all. Question for you here. Why is the piece you pull to un buckle the clasp on the GMT IIc (on the TT it is gold) slightly loose? This is on the actual clasp, not the secondary flip lock or whatever it is called... Anyone have any clue what I am talking about here? In JJ's firrst pic it is the piece just left of the Rolex crown that looks as if it still has a piece of plastic on it.

JJ Irani · 11 October 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Great info, Thank you all. Question for you here. Why is the piece you pull to un buckle the clasp on the GMT IIc (on the TT it is gold) slightly loose? This is on the actual clasp, not the secondary flip lock or whatever it is called... Anyone have any clue what I am talking about here? In JJ's firrst pic it is the piece just left of the Rolex crown that looks as if it still has a piece of plastic on it.

I've got my watch on so I think I know what you're talking about.

That bit is flexible and seems to be spring-loaded. I guess it enables the clasp to "CLICK" into place over the main clasp just before you flip the secure lock over the groove of the clasp.

JJ

MortgageGuy · 11 October 2009, 12:53 PM

The entire piece appears to be spring loaded but I am talking about the gold piece within the stainless piece... Does the gold piece move on your as well within the piece of stainless steel? On mine it would appear the spring is on the entire piece but the center gold moves seperately just slightly.

JJ Irani · 11 October 2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

The entire piece appears to be spring loaded but I am talking about the gold piece within the stainless piece... Does the gold piece move on your as well within the piece of stainless steel? On mine it would appear the spring is on the entire piece but the center gold moves seperately just slightly.

Yes, I know which piece you are referring to......it's the piece in my picture which still has the protective platic on it. It does move up and down and is spring-loaded.

It's the same piece which clamps down on the clasp with a definitive CLICK.

JJ

Zgar · 11 October 2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Just remember one thing, Alan.....

Anything YELLOW you see on a modern day Rolex is 18 K (750) gold.

JJ

JJ I was told by my AD that the numbers on the ceramic bezel were 24K yellow gold on the TT Sub, TT GMT ?

MortgageGuy · 11 October 2009, 01:32 PM

That would be the one...the gold part with the plastic still on it. Thanks JJ!

How are you loving that new baby?

jimbomurf · 11 October 2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zgar

JJ I was told by my AD that the numbers on the ceramic bezel were 24K yellow gold on the TT Sub, TT GMT ?

Yes it's Gold. 24K not sure. Rolex just says they bombard the bezel with Gold before polishing the ceramic. I would say it is at least 18K if not 24K. The SS is bombarded with Platinum. There is a video on the Rolex web site.

http://www.rolex.com/en/inside-rolex...rfection/index

wcl884 · 11 October 2009, 02:09 PM

I read that the crown is wrapped in gold, but not solid 18k. The stem is wrapped with very thick head of 18k gold, but the step on for the crown is not 18k. Can someone verify? Is this only true for older models?

sleddog · 11 October 2009, 02:18 PM

Crown itself is solid gold!!!!(latest models for sure!!) Stem is Stainless Steel......
Rob.

Andad · 11 October 2009, 02:23 PM

Hi Rob,

The crown is gold but isn't there also a SS thread insert? I can't see how a gold thread would last? I would have thought that the crown is steel capped with 18K gold?

sleddog · 11 October 2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Hi Rob,

The crown is gold but isn't there also a SS thread insert? I can't see how a gold thread would last? I would have thought that the crown is steel capped with 18K gold?

Good point to make Eddie.....From my understanding the crown is made up of solid gold with the SS threaded insert(female) incased underneath.....That is what I have been under the assumption of....If there are any members who know different,please step in!!!!
Rob.

JJ Irani · 11 October 2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcl884

I read that the crown is wrapped in gold, but not solid 18k. The stem is wrapped with very thick head of 18k gold, but the step on for the crown is not 18k. Can someone verify? Is this only true for older models?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Crown itself is solid gold!!!!(latest models for sure!!) Stem is Stainless Steel......
Rob.

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Hi Rob,

The crown is gold but isn't there also a SS thread insert? I can't see how a gold thread would last? I would have thought that the crown is steel capped with 18K gold?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Good point to make Eddie.....From my understanding the crown is made up of solid gold with the SS threaded insert(female) incased underneath.....That is what I have been under the assumption of....If there are any members who know different,please step in!!!!
Rob.

Here's the facts regarding the crown....

It's what Rolex call a MONOBLOC crown.

It's an 18 K solid gold crown encased on top of a steel cap. The threads inside are naturally steel which match up with the steel threads on the stem.

You can't have gold threads anywhere......they'd be too soft and would strip away in next to no time at all!!

Andad · 11 October 2009, 04:47 PM

I knew that JJ , I just wanted you to explain it 'cos I was watching the Holdens winning at Bathurst.

entropydave · 11 October 2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by train-time

I believe that they call it "capped" as opposed to plated. Capping is a considerably thicker piece of gold bonded to the stainless steel. If it doesn't show gold through the back of the clasp, it's probably capped.

...would this be the answer to the Rolesor thread I started?

Andad · 11 October 2009, 05:55 PM

Dave,

I have always thought that 'rolesor' was the description that Rolex gave to TT models.

Larry would be one who could clarify this.

JJ Irani · 12 October 2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Dave,

I have always thought that 'rolesor' was the description that Rolex gave to TT models.

Larry would be one who could clarify this.

Yes...."ROLESOR" is a registered trademark name of Rolex for their steel & gold models.

JJ

10 October 2009, 02:14 AM	#1
Alan111 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 1,605	Is all the gold on a Rolex really SOLID gold? Hi Guys, For the price we pay for the watches, on would assume that any gold portion on the watch, is solid 18K gold. I can understand that regarding the bezel, crown, dial and midlinks. But how about the clasp? I have a 116233 Z serial and have trouble convincing myself that the yellow gold portion of the clasp, is solid gold. It just doesn't seem correct to me the way the clasp is constructed. The clasp seems to be completely stainless steel with the center portion heavily gold plated. Is this the case - or is it solid gold? Someone please clarify - thanks! (borrowed picture)

10 October 2009, 02:18 AM	#2
BarkMaster "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Watch: 18078 YG DD Posts: 7,962	That would be a concern, since the clasp is likely to get scratched. __________________ BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

10 October 2009, 02:33 AM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,499	It is not electroplated.... Rolex takes a solid piece of gold, and fuses it to the back-side of the clasp. This gives the aesthetics and retains the strength of the Steel. You cannot scratch or rub through this piece as you could gold plating... you would have to dig through the piece of gold down to the stainless... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

10 October 2009, 05:11 AM	#11
bodybump ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Oscar Location: Florida Watch: Me!!! Posts: 23,233	thats right allan what ever they said... __________________

11 October 2009, 12:47 PM	#15
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	Great info, Thank you all. Question for you here. Why is the piece you pull to un buckle the clasp on the GMT IIc (on the TT it is gold) slightly loose? This is on the actual clasp, not the secondary flip lock or whatever it is called... Anyone have any clue what I am talking about here? In JJ's firrst pic it is the piece just left of the Rolex crown that looks as if it still has a piece of plastic on it. __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

10 October 2009, 02:18 AM	#3
train-time 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Plankton Location: US Watch: less Posts: 4,154	I believe that they call it "capped" as opposed to plated. Capping is a considerably thicker piece of gold bonded to the stainless steel. If it doesn't show gold through the back of the clasp, it's probably capped.

10 October 2009, 02:23 AM	#4
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	I have the same question about the YM... i wonder if the ENTIRE bezel is made of platinum. They say the dial is plat too... really? I am curious to find the anwer to the gold question... anyone?

10 October 2009, 02:32 AM	#5
newmedia "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 526	I been told its plated gold on the clasp.

10 October 2009, 05:37 AM	#12
Alan111 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 1,605	cool - thanks Larry and JJ. I got worried for a minute there... Only TRF would have the answers to a question like that

11 October 2009, 10:31 AM	#14
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Also the end links on a t/t jubilee or oyster band are gold capped and fused. Rolex has been doing this for many many years. Rik

11 October 2009, 12:53 PM	#17
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	The entire piece appears to be spring loaded but I am talking about the gold piece within the stainless piece... Does the gold piece move on your as well within the piece of stainless steel? On mine it would appear the spring is on the entire piece but the center gold moves seperately just slightly. __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

11 October 2009, 01:32 PM	#20
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	That would be the one...the gold part with the plastic still on it. Thanks JJ! How are you loving that new baby? __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

11 October 2009, 02:09 PM	#22
wcl884 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 353	I read that the crown is wrapped in gold, but not solid 18k. The stem is wrapped with very thick head of 18k gold, but the step on for the crown is not 18k. Can someone verify? Is this only true for older models?

11 October 2009, 02:18 PM	#23
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,930	Crown itself is solid gold!!!!(latest models for sure!!) Stem is Stainless Steel...... Rob. __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

11 October 2009, 02:23 PM	#24
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,505	Hi Rob, The crown is gold but isn't there also a SS thread insert? I can't see how a gold thread would last? I would have thought that the crown is steel capped with 18K gold? __________________ E

11 October 2009, 04:47 PM	#27
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,505	I knew that JJ , I just wanted you to explain it 'cos I was watching the Holdens winning at Bathurst. __________________ E

11 October 2009, 05:55 PM	#29
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,505	Dave, I have always thought that 'rolesor' was the description that Rolex gave to TT models. Larry would be one who could clarify this. __________________ E

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