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RT · 29 May 2007, 03:29 AM

Howdy:

This is my first time ever posting on this forum. I don't even know if I'll be able to return here after signing off, but I'll try.

Anyway, in one of the articles that I read indicated that there was NO gold plated/filled Rolex watch ever made. Is that a true fact? I have 23 Rolex watches, all different models. One is a gold shell (or may even be a gold plated or filled) Bubbleback....how can you tell?

Any advice on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 03:32 AM

Welcome to TRF, Tommy. I'll let some of the experts answer your question regarding possible plating of Rolex watches (I don't think so).

But regarding finding your way back here after you leave...You DID drop breadcrumbs along the way, didn't you?!?

Cheers, and enjoy your time here!

Welshwatchman · 29 May 2007, 03:37 AM

Rolex certainly did make gold filled models.

An example of a 1940s Bubbleback Tropical with a gold filled case.

Prince · 29 May 2007, 03:45 AM

Gold-filled for a Rolex, I can see. Not sure about gold plated. Solid gold is of course the most desired. Gold-filled is the next level and is a good quality alternative to solid gold. Gold plating is the lower level of these types and tends to tarnish and can often turn the skin green.

Gold-filled is an actual layer of gold-pressure bonded to another metal. Gold-filled is not to be confused with gold plating as filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating. Gold-filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant. It does not flake off, rub off or turn colors.

JJ Irani · 29 May 2007, 03:53 AM

Welcome to TRF, Tommy. We'd love to see some pics of your entire collection!!

Cheers - JJ

RT · 29 May 2007, 04:09 AM

That watch is very similiar to mine except for mine has a sub-dail at the 6 O'Clock position for the second hand.

My watchmaker has adamently advised me NOT to purchase anymore Bubbleback because he says it is becoming very difficult to find replacement parts.

As a matter of fact, I won a 2 tone Bubbleback on eBay a couple of weeks ago from a very reputable dealer in Florida. Unfortunately, the crown would NOT screw down onto the tube and the dealer said he did not have a genuine Rolex replacement part for it. I refused to settle with an after market crown after spending all that money on the watch. What a pity; I really like that watch otherwise.

Does anyone know of a watchmaker/dealer who carries a good supply of Bubblebback replacement parts before I make my next purchase? If not, I guess I'll take my watchmaker's advice and stay clear of that model from now on.

I collect mainly antique Rolexes. IMO, if I can pick up the phone to the manufacturer and place an order for a hundred pieces, they are not precious to me.

Thanks all for your replies and especially those wonderful close-up pictures.

President · 29 May 2007, 04:11 AM

What's this, then?
It says plated, but I'm not sure now.

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

What's this, then?
It says plated, but I'm not sure now.

Where does it say plated? Following the link, all I see is a photo of a Rolex Date with no information...

President · 29 May 2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Where does it say plated? Following the link, all I see is a photo of a Rolex Date with no information...

Scroll down here.

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

Scroll down here.

Well, it DOES say "plated". Could be - I'm not sure either. Perhaps Blowers actually means gold-filled.

RT · 29 May 2007, 04:17 AM

Prince: Thanks for your answer which was very educational and informative.
I always had trouble distingushing those two terms: gold filled and gold plated. Now, I have a better understanding of them.

I have a very sweaty hand, so all of my jewelry (watches included) have to be either solid gold or stainless steel. Gold plated stuff will make my wrist turn green while silver will make it turn black - very unsightly.

From what you told me, I guess I can try gold filled bracelets or watch bands to see if they will work for me.

Thanks again.

President · 29 May 2007, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Prince: Thanks for your answer which was very educational and informative.
I always had trouble distingushing those two terms: gold filled and gold plated. Now, I have a better understanding of them.

I have a very sweaty hand, so all of my jewelry (watches included) have to be either solid gold or stainless steel. Gold plated stuff will make my wrist turn green while silver will make it turn black - very unsightly.

From what you told me, I guess I can try gold filled bracelets or watch bands to see if they will work for me.

Thanks again.

The birds didn't eat the bread crumbs, hurrah!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

The birds didn't eat the bread crumbs, hurrah!

Nope. Tommy found his way back without a hitch. Now he can visit any time he likes!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Prince: Thanks for your answer which was very educational and informative.
I always had trouble distingushing those two terms: gold filled and gold plated. Now, I have a better understanding of them.

I have a very sweaty hand, so all of my jewelry (watches included) have to be either solid gold or stainless steel. Gold plated stuff will make my wrist turn green while silver will make it turn black - very unsightly.

From what you told me, I guess I can try gold filled bracelets or watch bands to see if they will work for me.

Thanks again.

You're welcome, Tommy. Glad to be of service.

Yes, solid gold, gold-filled or stainless are your best bets for jewelry or watch bracelets. Cheers!

RT · 29 May 2007, 04:24 AM

Blowers Jewelers might have confused gold plated with gold filled, just like I did.

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Blowers Jewelers might have confused gold plated with gold filled, just like I did.

That's exactly what I'm thinking, Tommy!

RT · 29 May 2007, 04:27 AM

Bread crumbs didn't help me, rice droppings did. I am Chinese!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Bread crumbs didn't help me, rice droppings did. I am Chinese!

Whatever works for ya, Tommy! Good job!

Obsession · 29 May 2007, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Howdy:

This is my first time ever posting on this forum. I don't even know if I'll be able to return here after signing off, but I'll try.

Anyway, in one of the articles that I read indicated that there was NO gold plated/filled Rolex watch ever made. Is that a true fact? I have 23 Rolex watches, all different models. One is a gold shell (or may even be a gold plated or filled) Bubbleback....how can you tell?

Any advice on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!!

Every part that has yellow color on a Rolex is %100 gold, as Mr JJ says...

JJ Irani · 29 May 2007, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aykun325

Every part that has yellow color on a Rolex is %100 gold, as Mr JJ says...

That is true of the modern day Rolex watches. The older ones did have the gold filling.

JJ

SPACE-DWELLER · 29 May 2007, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

That is true of the modern day Rolex watches. The older ones did have the gold filling.

JJ

The crown of the TT Sub - for example - is gold filled, too.

SPACE-DWELLER · 29 May 2007, 07:03 AM

And WELCOME to the FINEST Rolex Forums of the world, period!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

And WELCOME to the FINEST Rolex Forums of the world, period!

Hands down!

JJ Irani · 29 May 2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

The crown of the TT Sub - for example - is gold filled, too.

WRONG!!

It's a solid 18 K gold MONOBLOC cap with steel threads incorporated inside!!

SPACE-DWELLER · 29 May 2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

WRONG!!

It's a solid 18 K gold MONOBLOC cap with steel threads incorporated inside!!

That's just a posh marketing way of saying it is gold filled

Alex Stylianou · 29 May 2007, 04:51 AM

Nice Pics

RT · 29 May 2007, 05:02 AM

Prince: One more question.....what about gold shell? Is it the same as gold filled? Will gold shell watches show wear on the edges of the lugs after a period of time?

Prince · 29 May 2007, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoTommy

Prince: One more question.....what about gold shell? Is it the same as gold filled? Will gold shell watches show wear on the edges of the lugs after a period of time?

I have never seen a gold shell watch. Gold shell can be used for touch-up gilding, and to apply fine lines and details on paint surfaces, called assiste.

Gold shell is genuine gold powder suspended in gum arabic and formed into little circular shapes that look like small (about 0.25 to 0.5 inch diameter) watercolor blocks. Gold shell is in 0.3, 1 and 2 gram sizes. Gold shell is usually 23.75K and comes in a round plastic tray.

Gold shell is applied with a soft-hair brush like paint, and when dry has a finely grained, matte finish. It can be brightened up quite a lot with burnishing, but it can never quite equal the brilliance of gold leaf.

This is not a technique usually associated with watch production.

JJ Irani · 29 May 2007, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

I have never seen a gold shell watch. Gold shell can be used to touch-up gilding, and to apply fine lines and details on paint surfaces, called assiste.

Gold shell is genuine gold powder suspended in gum arabic and formed into little circular shapes that look like small (about 0.25 to 0.5 inch diameter) watercolor blocks. Gold shell is in 0.3, 1 and 2 gram sizes. Gold shell is usually 23.75K and comes in a round plastic tray.

Gold shell is applied with a soft-hair brush like paint, and when dry has a finely grained, matte finish. It can be brightened up quite a lot with burnishing, but it can never quite equal the brilliance of gold leaf.

This is not a technique usually equated with jewelry or watch production.

I thought your root beer was gold shell, Allan!!

Prince · 29 May 2007, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I thought your root beer was gold shell, Allan!!

Don't mess with me, O Great Flat "S" Guy!!!

29 May 2007, 03:29 AM	#1
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	Gold plated Rolex? Howdy: This is my first time ever posting on this forum. I don't even know if I'll be able to return here after signing off, but I'll try. Anyway, in one of the articles that I read indicated that there was NO gold plated/filled Rolex watch ever made. Is that a true fact? I have 23 Rolex watches, all different models. One is a gold shell (or may even be a gold plated or filled) Bubbleback....how can you tell? Any advice on this subject will be greatly appreciated. Cheers!!

29 May 2007, 03:32 AM	#2
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Welcome to TRF, Tommy. I'll let some of the experts answer your question regarding possible plating of Rolex watches (I don't think so). But regarding finding your way back here after you leave...You DID drop breadcrumbs along the way, didn't you?!? Cheers, and enjoy your time here! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

29 May 2007, 03:37 AM	#3
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	Rolex certainly did make gold filled models. An example of a 1940s Bubbleback Tropical with a gold filled case. __________________ ..33

29 May 2007, 03:45 AM	#4
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Gold-filled for a Rolex, I can see. Not sure about gold plated. Solid gold is of course the most desired. Gold-filled is the next level and is a good quality alternative to solid gold. Gold plating is the lower level of these types and tends to tarnish and can often turn the skin green. Gold-filled is an actual layer of gold-pressure bonded to another metal. Gold-filled is not to be confused with gold plating as filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating. Gold-filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant. It does not flake off, rub off or turn colors. __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

29 May 2007, 03:53 AM	#5
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Welcome to TRF, Tommy. We'd love to see some pics of your entire collection!! Cheers - JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

29 May 2007, 04:09 AM	#6
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	That watch is very similiar to mine except for mine has a sub-dail at the 6 O'Clock position for the second hand. My watchmaker has adamently advised me NOT to purchase anymore Bubbleback because he says it is becoming very difficult to find replacement parts. As a matter of fact, I won a 2 tone Bubbleback on eBay a couple of weeks ago from a very reputable dealer in Florida. Unfortunately, the crown would NOT screw down onto the tube and the dealer said he did not have a genuine Rolex replacement part for it. I refused to settle with an after market crown after spending all that money on the watch. What a pity; I really like that watch otherwise. Does anyone know of a watchmaker/dealer who carries a good supply of Bubblebback replacement parts before I make my next purchase? If not, I guess I'll take my watchmaker's advice and stay clear of that model from now on. I collect mainly antique Rolexes. IMO, if I can pick up the phone to the manufacturer and place an order for a hundred pieces, they are not precious to me. Thanks all for your replies and especially those wonderful close-up pictures.

29 May 2007, 04:11 AM	#7
President Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: M.Thatcher MP Location: Le Locle Watch: Bear Grylls Posts: 2,913	What's this, then? It says plated, but I'm not sure now.

29 May 2007, 04:17 AM	#11
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	Prince: Thanks for your answer which was very educational and informative. I always had trouble distingushing those two terms: gold filled and gold plated. Now, I have a better understanding of them. I have a very sweaty hand, so all of my jewelry (watches included) have to be either solid gold or stainless steel. Gold plated stuff will make my wrist turn green while silver will make it turn black - very unsightly. From what you told me, I guess I can try gold filled bracelets or watch bands to see if they will work for me. Thanks again.

29 May 2007, 04:24 AM	#15
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	Blowers Jewelers might have confused gold plated with gold filled, just like I did.

29 May 2007, 04:27 AM	#17
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	Bread crumbs didn't help me, rice droppings did. I am Chinese!

29 May 2007, 07:03 AM	#22
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	And WELCOME to the FINEST Rolex Forums of the world, period! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

29 May 2007, 04:51 AM	#26
Alex Stylianou "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 1,785	Nice Pics

29 May 2007, 05:02 AM	#27
RT Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 355	Prince: One more question.....what about gold shell? Is it the same as gold filled? Will gold shell watches show wear on the edges of the lugs after a period of time?

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