The Allure of White Gold and Platinum

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

The thought of a platinum Sub would prompt me to sell a lot as well
.

Platona in the cards?

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Also keep in mind that platinum is now the cheaper metal by a very wide margin. Gold is $1313/oz, whereas platinum is only $1045/oz. So, with a platinum 950 watch vs 18k white gold, you're just paying to have more of a cheaper metal.

Live prices here: http://www.kitco.com/market/

When someone starts trotting out spreadsheets, I tune out real quick.

As others have posted, these pieces are enjoyed for a variety of reasons. To me, there are many dimensions to enjoying these watches - not boiled down to just one metric.

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

It's when you want to wear an expensive watch, but not stand out in the crowd.

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by Beauregard

And there you have it.

I get a little self conscious wearing my yellow gold Sub at Trader Joe's, but when I wear my BLRO Pepsi nobody is the wiser... except me. And isn't it all about me after all?

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

Bike race to the dealership?

I'll flatten your tires to get there first!! DR. Tom would probably run us both over in his Porsche to get there first.

[Headshrinker]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

I'll flatten your tires to get there first!! DR. Tom would probably run us both over in his Porsche to get there first.

I don't doubt that for a second! I could see myself running with my bike (aka Froome) with P-Zero tire tracks running across my back to the AD!

[DarthSimon]

My local AD was showing me the difference between SS, WG, and Platinum the other day, He pulled out a DD WG, a Daytona Platinum, and took my DSSD, and showed me the color differences... Very Subtle differences in color, but the weight was huge difference., The Platinum felt like a brick!!!

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I am pretty new to this forum and am trying to learn a bit more about the allure of some watches. It seems like Rolex will, at least sometimes, make a dial for a particular watch that is only available on the PM alternatives. Like the beautiful blue dial for the platinum Daytona. I understand the reasoning of that as a marketing strategy. It says to those in the know, "Hey, this is a platinum watch!!!"

But other than that -- after all, few people would spend an extra $50k for a different dial -- what is the allure of white gold and platinum. I like the idea that it is subtle in a way that, say, a diamond bezel is not. But I don't really have an appreciation for what characteristics of those two precious metals attract people. I have not looked at the same watch side by side to compare the look of platinum, white gold and stainless steel, but I have never noticed a watch or piece of jewelry and thought, "Ah, platinum [or white gold] -- nice!"

no matter what anyone says on here its about bragging rights. gold and platinum watches have higher value than SS. that is just it. now i am not saying people with PM rolex brag. what i am saying is they know it has more value and treat it as such.

the feel, weight, etc are great. but there are heavier non rolex non PM watches and ones that feel better on the wrist.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I don't doubt that for a second! I could see myself running with my bike (aka Froome) with P-Zero tire tracks running across my back to the AD!

Foot race to the AD!!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

One thing to consider with wedding bands (and most WG jewelry) is that it is typically rhodium plated. Rolex smelts their own metals and there is no coating on their WG. It may develop a very slightly yellowish patina over time, but does not need to be replated like most jewelry. Both are beautiful!!

X2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[joli160]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

You know, I hear this all the time on the forum...but in reality, I can't say that my PM watches look any different than my steel ones. YMMV.

If I wanted this watch, the WG scratches "myth" would not be the reason to not purchase, IMO.

All too often this myth comes up. A PM Rolex with its full gold bracelet is very hard to beat. I will probably never buy a steel one again.

[DeeTee]

Swiss watch makers make you pony up for the nice stuff.
You want a Ceramic Pepsi? Cool, drop 30K.
Can we make it in SS? Of course we can!
Yet, we know you want it so bad you'll pay 4x the SS price to get it.

Every once in a while, Rolex throws us a bone.....Hulk, BLNR, Daytona500

I don't like WG or Platinum because the metal. It's an added treat, but I really love the rest of the watch.

[jon_jon]

Although I only own SS Rolex watches, I occasionally go into a Rolex AD to check out their platinum watches. It used be their DDII and recently the DD40. I notice the weight difference more than anything else. However at that price level, I tend to go with a Patek Philippe. For me the SS Rolex watches are at the sweet spot for the watch brand.

[HorologyK]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Although I only own SS Rolex watches, I occasionally go into a Rolex AD to check out their platinum watches. It used be their DDII and recently the DD40. I notice the weight difference more than anything else. However at that price level, I tend to go with a Patek Philippe. For me the SS Rolex watches are at the sweet spot for the watch brand.

Agree. Rolex PM pieces easily approach PP price points. Much rather go with the PP in that case. Unless you buy preowned (even then), the Rolex PM piece will depreciate faster than a new car driven off the lot.

Same watch, same movement but some gold or platinum with the huge markup over SS. For me, it's SS or nothing when it comes to Rolex.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I have not looked at the same watch side by side to compare the look of platinum, white gold ....

Here's my "three-in-one" watch from another smaller manufacture. Platinum case, white gold dial, and over the page there's a rose-gold 18k movement.

[sechsgang]

Its definitely a weight thing, however...the Platona is still not how I'd go about spending that kind of money. I LOVE the day-date 40, and can definitely see the 27k ish buy for one from a TS but doubling that for a plat daytona is a bit strong IMHO. Granted I don't love the dial so maybe I'm a bit tainted, but I could never imagine trading my 5990 for a platona for instance.

[sechsgang]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

Agree. Rolex PM pieces easily approach PP price points. Much rather go with the PP in that case. Unless you buy preowned (even then), the Rolex PM piece will depreciate faster than a new car driven off the lot.

Same watch, same movement but some gold or platinum with the huge markup over SS. For me, it's SS or nothing when it comes to Rolex.

Could have just quoted this, as my thoughts exactly.

[Beauregard]

I would be sorely tempted by an ice-blue dial platinum Submariner.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

Agree. Rolex PM pieces easily approach PP price points. Much rather go with the PP in that case. Unless you buy preowned (even then), the Rolex PM piece will depreciate faster than a new car driven off the lot.

Same watch, same movement but some gold or platinum with the huge markup over SS. For me, it's SS or nothing when it comes to Rolex.

Not for me, I've realised I don't need the complications, AC and PC for example, that are PP's wheelhouse, so a PM Rolex is a great choice and far better value at this price point than a SS PP.

[One Ping Only]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Platona in the cards?

I was thinking WG Sub, until we went on the Pt Sub tangent

[behardt]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

I am pretty new to this forum and am trying to learn a bit more about the allure of some watches. It seems like Rolex will, at least sometimes, make a dial for a particular watch that is only available on the PM alternatives. Like the beautiful blue dial for the platinum Daytona. I understand the reasoning of that as a marketing strategy. It says to those in the know, "Hey, this is a platinum watch!!!"

But other than that -- after all, few people would spend an extra $50k for a different dial -- what is the allure of white gold and platinum. I like the idea that it is subtle in a way that, say, a diamond bezel is not. But I don't really have an appreciation for what characteristics of those two precious metals attract people. I have not looked at the same watch side by side to compare the look of platinum, white gold and stainless steel, but I have never noticed a watch or piece of jewelry and thought, "Ah, platinum [or white gold] -- nice!"

I get it. I was once on the same page. WG sub changed the whole game for me. Sold all my YG & RG. I have a SS sub as well and the metal color differences are huge in some lights. The WG has a beautiful, rich, warm color that is different than the SS and it "shimmers" in the light. Everybody sees color differently and people have a different level of seeing detail (seeing subtleties).

For me, the I loved YG (and RG) for years, but reached a point where it drew too much attention and I didn't like that anymore. People would stare at my watch in meetings, stores, etc. After 30 years of wearing rolexes, I just wanted to go more subtle and SS & WG really match my personality. YG (and RG) looks great on some people and matches their personality...

Bottom line, for me: I love the hue and shine of WG. I like SS too, but it's much chromier and not as rich as WG. I personally don't like Plat because it's too white for me. OCD? Probably...

Be who you are at the time, don't make excuses about it. Respect all, be cool.

[jcs2000]

White gold and platinum are both classic.
The biggest advantage with Platinum is the density. It feels so solid.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by AK797

Not for me, I've realised I don't need the complications, AC and PC for example, that are PP's wheelhouse, so a PM Rolex is a great choice and far better value at this price point than a SS PP.

I agree that it is pure personal preference.

WG Rolex watches compete in a similar price range as a WG Patek Annual Calendar in leather straps. Many prefer the sporty WG Rolex, whereas others will go for the elegant dressy Patek AC. I think it depends on how you wear your watch and your lifestyle.

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by jcs2000

White gold and platinum are both classic.
The biggest advantage with Platinum is the density. It feels so solid.

The " Luster " & the " Warmth " of the WG drawing me in ! But not the " Weight " !