Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
WG and Ti
The "precious" materials have an unusual place in the brand because of their other high-tech ones, the technical movements and the brand's image.
At the beginning, several clients, though looking at RM for finding something different than the traditional watchmakers, asked for gold or Pt because it is a part of how we identify a luxury good, for ourselves regarding the prices or for how they look.
Ti cases were not that frequent for RM watches.
After a while clients could exprience the additional comfort of Ti cases and many didn't come back to gold after that.
Hence, today, you still have gold cases but a very significant part of the production is made of Ti (and now Carbon-based more and more).
So, if the reference you're talking about is an early model, Ti will be more sought after and much rarer to find.
If you're looking for something coming later (let's say after approximately 2005-2007), then Ti is easier to find.
A RM002 in Ti is rare, while gold is not that so for that reference.
A RM011 in Ti is not rare at all.
White gold bezel can be polished by the brand and you can of course buy a new bezel if needed (though I think it may be quite expensive). The bezel is more than a classical watch bezel of course and is part of the case itself (thus more expensive than for a traidtional brand's part). It will of course depend of your use. However, the Ti material is harder than WG, thus less hairlines (especially without polished edges).
RM's cases shape make them very comfortable, maybe the best I could experienced. I tried the RM030 in RG with Ti caseband. The weight was quite higher than a Ti version, it i noticeble, but as the case is comfortable, it is perfectly ok is well placed on the wrist when the arm is vertical (watch stopping on the hand or staying on the wrist). Replacing the Ti case band with gold will bring another weight.
Gold vs Ti, two very different ways of feeling the watch. The light weight is a pleasure on its own but I would imagine that choosing gold is something I think we also get used to. Especially since you already like heavy cases.
The main difference between WG and Ti's look is indeed the shine but not only, it is also the much clearer gold aspect. The Ti case is very grey and WG is like a clear Steel. The WG bezel's edges are polished and it gives a nice light to the watch without being too shiny. The Ti hasn't. You can ask certainly for a polished edge if yours hasn't got this finishing. It is worth asking an RM boutique if that's possible.
So, from my point of view, it is lightness (comfort and high-tech) versus better look.
For me, I think I would prefer Ti, otherwise I would feel that something is missing. But that's very personal.
I tried the RM030 RG + Ti caseband and it could be the exception (RG). Just because RG is something I like a lot, especially when combined with the grey color of Ti. Otherwise it is Ti over WG for me.
I would say that I go WG not because easier to get but because I really want it over Ti. Otherwise, I would wait.
Of course it depends on the reference.
If I wanted a RM002, I could think about WG instead of Ti.
Best, Mark
WG vs Ti
Many RM references are offered in white gold or titanium. The impression I have is that the DNA of a RM leans towards titanium but curious to know how others look at this. Would you consider a WG RM? Given the large flat bezel would the WG case be more pr...
White gold is considerably heavier
And in my opinion will show scratches more. However it is easier to polish a gold watch. Titanium would be my personal choice. Cazalea
I've had the same dilemma for my RM010.
Titanium is very light and technical which is RM's DNA. However, in the case of the RM010, the WG case catches the light whereas the Ti is kind of dull. Also, I like the way the bevelled and polished case edges and screw holes reflect the light. You don't...
thanks for thoughtful feedback...
looking at the little technical stats I find for RM timepieces seems most references are about 30%-40% heavier in WG over Ti. The RM011-03 in Ti is 119g and in RG 166g. So assume about 30-35% difference. This 11 is a big reference and I am considering a s...
WG and Ti
The "precious" materials have an unusual place in the brand because of their other high-tech ones, the technical movements and the brand's image. At the beginning, several clients, though looking at RM for finding something different than the traditional ...
Thanks a lot for this very detailed response Mark
You are correct, decide what you really want, then decide whether you want to pay for it. If not, then do not get it.... that is generally the mantra to live by and have been the right way to choose watches as well. In my case here the Ti is considerably ...
I keep coming back to Ti
I've been lucky enough to have WG and NTPT over the last few years but they've moved on and I'm back to Ti ... I love the colour tone of titanium and the relatively light weight Just got my Ti RM030 back from service including a light refinish ... couldn'...
yes seems like the consensus leans towards Ti... for a good reason
the rm030 is quite an amazing piece, have no doubts you enjoy it. Please do share pics if you find the time! Wristshot would be great!
Stunning!!!
The RM030 is a piece I like a lot. Do you prefer this to the previous references you have had? I can see how an automatic movement can be practical... thanks for sharing!
Hi Keks
First off I'm excited that you are considering joining the RM family The first RM I ever got was the RM10 RG and let me tell you something I truly believe that the RG that RM makes is THE best in color and looks compared to the market I had the watch for ...
that is some excellent feedback...
very much value in reading this to me at least... but still not sure whether to go Ti or WG! Think race is close as it can get, perhaps timing and circumstances will be the deciding factor! ' In terms of models there are quite a few that sparks my interes...
I do love the RM030
It always comes down to personal choice but I prefer the slightly larger case size of the RM030 over the RM010s I've had previously and I prefer th aesthetics to the RM011 which has now moved on (never really used the chronograph and I like a sweeping cen...
I can really see your point
the 030 and 029 in Ti look like amazing regularly wearable pieces to me. I like those a lot.... and can absolutely seeing myself going down that route for my first RM. But at this very moment what is haunting me are some of the early production pieces, th...
Ok here's my input again
If your going for the 002 then the Ti would be harder to get as opposed to the WG but in this model I would actually go with the WG and the main reason is that due to the 002 being of smaller size like the 005 If your going for the 003 the size is almost ...
thanks for your very thorough thoughts....
very happy read these thoughts coming from you, knowing you are a big fan of the brand. I can see why.... Now, your opinions are very valuable to me but still find choosing very difficult.... Love your deduction process in figuring out what my eyes are se...
My top picks as well to be honest
But I think that in this case the 004 is the winner It has THE perfect size and has one of the best split second ratrappante out there and it is RMs ultimate chrono and now a signature movement I miss mine dearly and kick myself to this day for letting go...
Another perspective ...
First of all, I only like to refer to DNA of biological entities that reproduce. Until RM watches are able to reproduce, their DNA is questionable at best. A titanium watch has the advantage that it is lighter and potentially more comfortable to wear. On ...