Actually this is not true. The alloy on the white gold bezel is specially crafted by Rolex to not tarnish; it's palladium not rhodium plated. This is what my AD told me and you can confirm this by perusing any Rolex forum site or even calling Rolex. I love all gold metal colors whether pink yellow or white. On jewelry yes white gold can be a pain because it needs it be redipped but underneath the gold it is yellow gold and redipping is only necessary after a while. Also many high end jewelers use white gold in high end jewelry whether vca, Cartier, chopard, Piaget etc. and IMO it is definitely NOT the poor mans platinum.
Steel and white gold or two tone?
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Actually this is not true. The alloy on the white gold bezel is specially crafted by Rolex to not tarnish; it's palladium not rhodium plated. This is what my AD told me and you can confirm this by perusing any Rolex forum site or even calling Rolex. I love all gold metal colors whether pink yellow or white. On jewelry yes white gold can be a pain because it needs it be redipped but underneath the gold it is yellow gold and redipping is only necessary after a while. Also many high end jewelers use white gold in high end jewelry whether vca, Cartier, chopard, Piaget etc. and IMO it is definitely NOT the poor mans platinum.
I finally decided to go for the mop with Roman numerals fluted jubilee BUT I've just found out about the 904 stainless steel having a higher nickel content than standard stainless steel. I have a nickel allergy but I'm ok with standard ss. I've been really careful about which jewellery I wear for years. Really not sure about the Rolex now.......can't risk spending so much money if it's going to be unwearable and I'm soooo disappointed! Have been looking at an Omega De Ville Prestige with mop, diamonds and Roman numerals as a possible alternative. Going to start a thread about nickel allergy.......
So sorry to hear about the nickel situation after all the research and getting attached to the watches you've looked at! But I definitely agree with you, never spend money, large or small, on anything that you cannot use even if it's a beautiful piece like this. The Omega De Ville Prestige with MOP and diamond will look gorgeous! You can always add a vintage Rolex into your collection later
There are so many people who have nickel allergies (though not myself) so I am very surprised Rolex uses such a high alloy content when it's completely avoidable
I did a LOT of research on this back in 2013 when I had what I thought was an adverse reaction to my new Rolex. It wasn't my first and I'd worn them for many years. The reason Rolex uses such a high blend of nickel in their SS is because it's a superior formulation that resists corrosion. Think battleship hulls and the like. You could dig a Rolex out of the sand at the bottom of the sea a hundred years from now and it would probably be in stellar condition. It turned out I was sensitive to the rose gold links, not the stainless, but I sure learned a lot in the process.
Cartier and Tag Heuer are very careful to make hypo-allergenic metals in their watches. I alternate my watches, so that helps if your skin is sensitive. Peace.
Thanks Skylark116, I'm liking the 28 size now so waiting for the mop models in ss. Your post has helped me a lot.
I have (what we think is) a Nickle allergy as well. Neither of my SS rolexes have ever caused a problem. Still can't wear white gold or most silver, so it definitely hasn't gone away but the watches have never been an issue.
Neither have my Cartier watches if you're really afraid and looking for others to check out.
Neither have my Cartier watches if you're really afraid and looking for others to check out.
Hi Evie, Glad I could help. I have the ss/ white gold bezel and white gold roman numerals in 28mm, and love it ( circa 2014) I opted NOT to do the MOP because on cloudy days it can look rather dull, grey even. But, again, it depends on your preference. I liked the bright crisp white, so do consider that, especially if you like the silver/bright clean look. I'll post a pic later.
OK, so I had to wait for the light to change, so you could see what I am talking about. The mother of pearl on the Tag and Cartier are lovely when they catch the sun and make a little rainbow, but more often they look gray. The white face on the Rolly is crisp no matter what. Hope this helps!
Oh, I just wanted to say, since the original question was whether to get ss or gold and ss, I go through the same thing all the time. I wear silver/white gold/platinum 95% of the time, but then I miss my golds...when my skin tone or my mood changes, and I want a gold and ss watch to tie in with my gold necklace or whatever. But, in the end, I go back to the white metals. What I've found is that a little gold bracelet next to my silver toned watch gives me an excuse to wear my gold necklace or earrings and I don't have to feel weird like my watch doesn't match ( I know, I know...so bizarre the internal rules we make). Upshot? I absolutely LOVE the Rolly SS w/MOP and think it would make you happy for years. Enjoy, and post a pic!
