I have currently the same question and am leaning towards the WG model for my 40th birthday. But it is a close call.
What speaks to me from the white gold model:
- it is the original version of that reference and looks more technical
- It looks more understated and only those in the know know
- I have already a rose gold Patek (5170R) and matching rose gold Patek cufflinks
- The colour scheme makes it look a bit more casual
What speaks to me from the rose gold model:
- the movement is said to be a bit more hassle-free (it has also 2 more rubies), at launch of the 5235G it took Patek almost 2,5 years to bring them to market
- Readability is a bit better (even though the white hands look a bit cheap, frosted white gold or something like that would have been better)
- It looks more premium to the untrained eye and dresses up a bit more
My wife is 100% on the rose gold model, just because of readability and more premium looks but who are we if we would always listen to our wifes. 😆
Best regards,
Thomas