Vacheron Constantin: Wearing Luxury Watches

Key Points from the Discussion

• The discoloration observed on the watch case is likely due to the migration of copper within the 18k gold alloy, which then interacts with sulfur to form a type of patina, rather than an issue with the gold itself.
• This type of patina, often seen after prolonged storage, affects the non-gold components of the 18k alloy. A rouge cloth can effectively remove it without resorting to mechanical polishing, which carries the risk of altering the case's original finish.
• Some collectors express concern about the aesthetic impact of such discoloration, questioning if it indicates plating issues or damage, and suggesting it might render the watch unwearable in that state.
• Despite the potential for a rouge cloth to address the patina, the original author maintains a strict personal rule against any form of polishing on watch cases, highlighting a common collector's dilemma between preservation and restoration.