“Stains” on my YG Yacht-Master I

[kenm]

One of my favorites is a yellow gold Yacht-Master I that I bought pre-owned in 2016. It’s always had these “stains” on the band just above and below the bezel, between the polished and brushed links. I paid a great price for the watch, so I didn’t fuss too much about the condition. It’s really in great shape except for the stains. When I rub with a soft wet cloth, the stains don’t change. I’m thinking of using a metal cleaner (not polish), but not sure which would be best, or if any might damage the gold alloy.

Has anyone seen these types of stains? Has Rolex ever had issues with the 18 karat gold alloys that they use, where maybe copper leaches out?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! There’s so much Rolex knowledge on this forum :) Ken

[garyk]

A little tarnish?

[kenm]

Good thought. Tarnish is what it looks like, but 18k gold shouldn’t tarnish, unless there’s a defect in the alloy. Ken

[garyk]

Originally Posted by garyk

A little tarnish?

My Daytona had some slight discoloration from being 20 years old, sent to RSC and came back as good as new. I would not let anyone but them address this problem.

Before RSC



After RSC complete service and case and bracelet polish




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[csaltphoto]

Pure gold will not tarnish but 18k can over time. It's not the gold itself but the alloys in it. Nothing "wrong" with it, just the nature of alloys.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Pure gold will not tarnish but 18k can over time. It's not the gold itself but the alloys in it. Nothing "wrong" with it, just the nature of alloys.

Did not know that but I was glad to get mine cleaned up.

[hondacb1002]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Pure gold will not tarnish but 18k can over time. It's not the gold itself but the alloys in it. Nothing "wrong" with it, just the nature of alloys.

fascinating. Does this also happen for White Gold and Rose Gold? Out of all of the 18k gold types which is the most resistant to this chemical reaction?

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Pure gold will not tarnish but 18k can over time. It's not the gold itself but the alloys in it. Nothing "wrong" with it, just the nature of alloys.

Exactly this. Completely normal for tarnish to set in over time.

[hutch300]

This can happen as said above. I like it. Its seen on a lot of older PM rolex.

[inadeje]

I like the use of the word “tarnish” when its a newer watch yet when we hop on over to the vintage section of TRF its called a desirable “patina”.

[cornerstore]

Off gassing from certain storage box materials cause this type of look, it’s like varnish, easily removed with a gold polish cloth. Had it happen to several of my gold items. Tossed the box, problem went away.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I like the use of the word “tarnish” when its a newer watch yet when we hop on over to the vintage section of TRF its called a desirable “patina”.

It’s funny, I gave up the “patina” on my 22 year old Daytona in favor of RSC making it new again. I’m ok with this!!

[RollieNZ]

Doesn't Patina relate only to the dial? Patina is permanent.

[interestedinwatches]

Originally Posted by garyk

My Daytona had some slight discoloration from being 20 years old, sent to RSC and came back as good as new. I would not let anyone but them address this problem.

Before RSC



After RSC complete service and case and bracelet polish




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I see a good amount of discoloration still, are you sure it has been completely fixed?

[Moondoggy]

Check in with Amber.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kenm

Good thought. Tarnish is what it looks like, but 18k gold shouldn’t tarnish, unless there’s a defect in the alloy. Ken

All 18Ct gold will tarnish over time especially if not washed or cleaned.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

fascinating. Does this also happen for White Gold and Rose Gold? Out of all of the 18k gold types which is the most resistant to this chemical reaction?

Without knowing the exact "secret-sauce" of Rolex white gold it's hard to say. But white gold that is non-plated (with rhodium) is typically a mix of gold and other white metals, some of which are reactive and some of which are not. White gold that includes silver would be prone to tarnish for example. Nickle not so much. The best white gold alloys are made with gold, platinum and/or palladium which are all very non-reactive and wouldn't tarnish.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by interestedinwatches

I see a good amount of discoloration still, are you sure it has been completely fixed?

In person, it’s perfect. Photography is not my thing.

[garyk]

Better shot




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[George58]

have to say my 50ish old 18078 has no so called tarnish but like Padi said mine has been a daily all most it's life so washed daily in a shower and in pools in the summer