question on white gold Rolex

[timelord]

Do white gold Rolex watches need to be rhodium plated every so often as one does with white gold jewellery? I notice white gold to pit especially with the rings. Has anyone ever noticed any pitting in a white gold watch under the back gasket?

[SCD]

Unlike most white gold, Rolex's white gold is not rhodium plated to begin with. It's an alloy of gold that's white through and through and there is no plating of any kind. What you see on the surface is the same as what's below the surface, 18K gold.

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by SCD

Unlike most white gold, Rolex's white gold is not rhodium plated to begin with. It's an alloy of gold that's white through and through and there is no plating of any kind. What you see on the surface is the same as what's below the surface, 18K gold.

bingo!

[RRGHOST1]

I think you will be perfectly safe with Rolex white gold.

[saralk]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to the forum and am having a blast. I have considering buying a 2006 white gold daytona black dial with factory diamond dial with black leather and a new brown leather strap unused for 11K. What do you guys think of the watch and the price. Please all feedback welcome. Thanks again for your time.

[GMTJOHNNY]

From my experiences, typically SILVER is plated with rhodium to inhibit oxidation. I have not heard of gold needing this since the valence electrons are all full in gold and thus unable to be oxidized at all. A noble metal indeed.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by GMTJOHNNY

From my experiences, typically SILVER is plated with rhodium to inhibit oxidation. I have not heard of gold needing this since the valence electrons are all full in gold and thus unable to be oxidized at all. A noble metal indeed.

It's not so much that the gold will oxidise, it's more of a colouring issue - over time, standard white gold alloys will lose the rhodium plating and begin to show yellow through. Tends to only really happen with rings, it's a regular thing for customers to bring in wedding bands or engagement rings for a spruce up But yes, rhodium plating silver makes it a much easier metal to use every day!

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by SCD

Unlike most white gold, Rolex's white gold is not rhodium plated to begin with. It's an alloy of gold that's white through and through and there is no plating of any kind. What you see on the surface is the same as what's below the surface, 18K gold.

That is not true, just look at my WG bezel on my beater.



I've heard on the new 6 digits references it should be as you mention.

[GMTJOHNNY]

OMG! I was thinking it through more from the rings perspective and was never sure if that was caused from the nickel or other alloys used. Well known that these alloys react with the skin chemistry to turn fingers blue/purple and the rings a differennt color.
IMHO... I am sticking with traditional yellow gold. People think it is stainless steel. Interesting picture of your beater though. When are you going to do another photo show if its restoration?! Thanks for sharing!!

[SCD]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I've heard on the new 6 digits references it should be as you mention.

Aha. :)

[rudegar]

Originally Posted by Jocke

That is not true, just look at my WG bezel on my beater.



I've heard on the new 6 digits references it should be as you mention.

Wow, did you wear that through the car wash :) My 30 year old wedding band hasn't taken that much flak!