Patek Philippe - Platinum vs. White Gold…

Platinum vs. White Gold…

May 19, 2019,21:11 PM

…inspired by a comment from Dr. Kol in another thread about the ‘yellowing’ of white gold vs. platinum.

I have never been a fan of white gold, preferring steel for it’s durability and scratch-resistance. At the same time I have always wanted a platinum watch and wonder if there is a compromise?

As a golfer I know a bit about forged steel clubs. By hitting the metal with a strong press, the metal gets harder and denser. This is akin to the new process by which Patek is making the cases of the ref. 5172.

Does this ‘stamping’ process improve the hardness and durability of the white gold vs the traditional method? I am not a big fan of polishing and would rather not have to resort to that to keep a case looking good.

This does not answer the question of the yellowing of white gold, but perhaps this stamping method makes different in this regard? I understand (and I am often wrong) that PP has stopped the rhodium plating of white gold cases.

If not, I may have to wait for the 5172 to be released in either yellow gold, steel, or platinum before I consider taking the plunge.

Any expert advice welcome…

Best, m

Comments: view entire thread

I don't think the stamping process improves the hardness of white gold. It is a matter of metal, not technics. White gold will always be more " tender " than steel... [nt]

By: amanico : May 19th, 2019-22:40

There are stories about everything and then there’s the simple truth.

By: dr.kol : May 19th, 2019-22:44

White gold used in watches is typically 18 ct. which means 75% of the material is gold. As we all know, pure gold is yellow. It’s easier to color 75% yellow to red that to white. Kari

I agree with Kari

By: uaewatchguy : May 19th, 2019-23:41

I’m not a fan of white gold also because of the yellowish tint to it . You can see the difference between the white gold and steel in the below pic Wish patek made the 5740G in either a P or A . Iqbal crop picture ...

There are different WG composition

By: patrickh : May 20th, 2019-00:00

If they added a high % of Palladium (Platinium like), the color is much more like Pt. To note Laurent Ferrier uses WG with Palladium on his cases ;-)))

So does Patek. [nt]

By: Centurionone : May 20th, 2019-02:38

And Rolex [nt]

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : May 20th, 2019-09:02

WG = Not WG

By: Jurry : May 20th, 2019-02:05

White gold comes in many variations, 18ct is used most often with rhodium layer on top. But there are so many variations it’s hard to tell. It will always be a trade off between durability, scratch resistance, color or hue and last but not least personal ...

It's possible via either alloy or other means to get a harder gold.

By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : May 20th, 2019-09:06

The 18k rose gold alloy used in FPJ movements is as hard or harder than brass. Charles Frodsham claims that by cold rolling their 22k yellow gold, they achieve the same hardness as an 18k alloy. It's not my area of expertise, but it seems very possible to...

I was in the same position and so I bought a platinum watch (as a scientific experiment, you understand)

By: cazalea : May 20th, 2019-11:08

but I don't wear it in rough conditions and so far don't see any scratches that bother me. Cazalea ...

Nice watch! [nt]

By: patrick_y : May 20th, 2019-11:44

Great info from all...thanks...

By: mdg : May 20th, 2019-12:04

...I am not sold on white gold as I'd prefer steel or platinum. I have always been a fan of yellow gold and would be happy with that choice (softness and all). On dress watches I like the 'heft' of platinum and the stealth factor is an added bonus to me. ...

White gold = ivory color. Platinum = white

By: rip9er : May 21st, 2019-16:45

Price aside (although an ounce of gold is higher than platinum 😂) there are subtle color differences which intensify after years of use. White gold tends to have a slight yellowish tone over time. I find people exaggerate the yellow (mostly since they des...

From an article....

By: rip9er : May 25th, 2019-00:46

Patek Philippe states to this day stainless steel is the most precious metal they produce. This is due to the fact that some of the most expensive auction pieces to have ever sold were stainless steel variants of a model normally fitted with a precious me...