Chopard

I own a vintage Mille, and just bought a Classique Homme (men's formal dress watch) in white gold. Can anyone tell me what sort of white gold was used, e.g. for instance, is it rhodium platded, or plated with any other element? I am concerned about polishing out very fine scratches in the case.

Hi Tonygumbrell

I am not sure of the vintage pieces.  For the L.U.C series, the white gold consists of 13% of palladium and the balance is pure gold, to ensure the original greyish colour even after a few years of use and polishing.

Do you have the model / reference of your watch? Typically engraved on the caseback.

Kong

When I sent 1.96  and quattro for a service to NYC few years ago  Chopard people mentioned that the cases need to be re-plated after refinishing. Both watches were early versions of LUCs: 1.96 was actually one of the first released (LE of 100 with the hinged back) . Perhaps latest  white gold LUCs are no longer rhodium plated.

Hi Mark

The final layer / process is still rhodium-plated.  The key is in case of any wearing of the rhodium layer, the base does not show out yellowish.  If not at least 13% of palladium was added, the expose base tend to be yellowish and unsightly.

Kong