It would help if PM bracelet links were hallmarked

[Zsprings]

Why is it that Rolex PM bracelets do not have a hallmark on each individual link? Whenever I watch a TV show about items going up for auction, those old 9ct gold watch chains always carry a hallmark on each and every one of the numerous links?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Zsprings

Why is it that Rolex PM bracelets do not have a hallmark on each individual link? Whenever I watch a TV show about items going up for auction, those old 9ct gold watch chains always carry a hallmark on each and every one of the numerous links?

That was true many years ago my Grandfathers rose gold chain from 1895 has every link marked. But today most all gold chains/bracelets have just one hallmark normally on the fastening link or clasp. Places like the UK have one of the strictest assay marking laws in the whole world.

[MILGAUSS88]

I have seen the chains that had every link hallmarked, even in silver.
But those are the exceptions to the rule, most gold watch chains were only hallmarked on the end clasps.
I think the Hallmark on each link was more of a marketing choice.

What perplexes me, is how can high-end watch companies like Patek Philippe use pressed jewels on their movements and cheap metal dials.
In the past you could find Gold Jewel settings, or chatons, and enamel dials on low-end watches.
And "Geneva stripes" were kind of the utilitarian version of damascene.

Now only the highest end of high end can afford to do that?

[Zsprings]

Those 9ct gold watch chains from the last century, can by the weight and colour of the metal, give a reasonable idea that they are gold.... But today, we have white gold. A Swiss hallmark on those removable WG Rolex bracelet links would be a help when buying pre owned.
Suppose I am going through a deceased relatives bits and pieces left to me, of whom the rumour was to have owned a white gold Rolex and find a couple of individual white metal Rolex bracelet links, but no Rolex watch. How could I sell either as white gold or stainless steel? A white gold link might be worth £400+, a SS link £60.

[Master_Grogu]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

What perplexes me, is how can high-end watch companies like Patek Philippe use pressed jewels on their movements and cheap metal dials.
…
Now only the highest end of high end can afford to do that?

Make no mistake, high end is not the same now than it was before. Patek has clearly selected the profit part of its arbitrage opportunity.

[Zsprings]

The odd thing is that even some jewelry salespeople I've spoken to, think white gold on a ring is a finish which can be removed. But it is of course an alloy of gold (all the way through).
As the some of links with a Rolex bracelet are removable, then surely those individual separate links might be stamped '750' or have a hallmark. Who is to say when buying pre owned, the separate links are gold alloy and with white gold that they are not removable stainless steel links? Checking online how to determine if an object is gold, it is suggested a drop of vinegar on the metal, no change on under the droplet, the metal is gold.