Discernible differences in physical appearance between Rolex 904L & WG ?

[DylanFox]

Is there any discernible differences in physical appearance between Rolex 904L steel and WG? I'm sure there is. I have yet to see a WG in person on someone wrist, however, I did see a WG Pepsi in a case and looked at a SS GMT with a black ceramic bezel and from my vantage point I couldn’t really tell the difference between the SS & PM bracelets.
To the experts out there, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to spot the WG bracelet over the SS. Thanks!

[123Blueface]

Different hue, different luster.

[GradyPhilpott]

To the casual observer, probably not, but in comparison, the WG looks a bit less white.

I'm sure there will be plenty of images posted about this.

[samson66]

I have the stainless DJII with white gold fluted bezel. You can see a difference when they are right next to each other. The gold gives a very slight goldish hue where the SS stays white. It shows up more in certain lights. But they are very close to each other.

[jb335]

Only a trained eye will tell. No one in the general public will know it's PM. Some see that as a pro, others see it as a con.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by DylanFox

Is there any discernible differences in physical appearance between Rolex 904L steel and WG? I'm sure there is. I have yet to see a WG in person on someone wrist, however, I did see a WG Pepsi in a case and looked at a SS GMT with a black ceramic bezel and from my vantage point I couldn’t really tell the difference between the SS & PM bracelets.

To the experts out there, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to spot the WG bracelet over the SS. Thanks!

Here is a 904l Seadweller between two 18k Rolex.

Completely different.

[henry333]

^^^ nice

[Mystro]

There is a slight hue difference but 99% wont see it.



If both are metals are polished, its tough to see a difference.

[DylanFox]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Here is a 904l Seadweller between two 18k Rolex.

Completely different.

Excellent comparison photo! thanks for sharing. You can clearly see the SS has a lighter, more whitish hue when compared to the WG.

[joli160]

Huge difference side by side

[Snow-Dweller]

Here you go

[DylanFox]

WG has a goldish hue that is easily identifiable when both watches are showing side by side. Thanks for posting!

[Snow-Dweller]

Another shot

[TimeToWatch]

There’s definitely a noticeable difference. WG looks a bit more yellow than 904L in most light. In certain lighting, WG almost looks like YG. I love it’s many various appearances, it’s like how the bezel of the BLNR changes color depending on light.

[Ravager135]

WG just has a different glow to it. It does take on a very mild yellow tone to it over time.

The weight and hallmarks are going to be your easy indicators.

[Ravager135]

Rolex precious metal also just looks insanely good in person. I can't describe it any other way. There are two tone pieces I haven't even considered that I see in person and the gold just pops off the watch next to the steel.

[crew]

You can also tell the difference as soon as you pick up a gold watch, especially if you’re used to a SS one.

[lecorsaire]

It's harder to tell the difference when both watches have PCLs especially when seeing it on someone else's wrist. Side by side the difference is very obvious. Under the kind of lighting used in concerts it's always impossible to differentiate them unless you are familiar with other differences like the dial, model, etc. I would say platinum can be recognized more easily than white gold since nothing else really looks like it.

[T01]

Easily distinguishable, especially when put next to one another. SS looks more like surgical steel. WG has a yellow hue and it far warmer in color. However, you do have to know what you're looking for. To the untrained, non WIS it is easily mistaken for steel, hence it's popularity for those who desire the weight of precious metals without the attention.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Here is a 904l Seadweller between two 18k Rolex.

Completely different.

nice photo for comparison!

IMO it's easy to tell the difference. Interestedly though, I always find the WG on a 116619 more white looking that the WG on a 116719. Perhaps the blue dial and bezel color trick the eye.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Another shot

Not sure if this is the best comparison shot. Looks like a strong incandescent light (3500k) on the WG while there seems to be a pretty strong daylight (5500k) source on the SS.

[faz]

Originally Posted by T01

Easily distinguishable, especially when put next to one another. SS looks more like surgical steel. WG has a yellow hue and it far warmer in color. However, you do have to know what you're looking for. To the untrained, non WIS it is easily mistaken for steel, hence it's popularity for those who desire the weight of precious metals without the attention.

I have trained my newbie eye and can tell the difference if in the showcase of an AD or side by side next to a SS piece, but while in the wild and worn by others, I can't tell. Usually other hints (bezel of Pepsi, dial color of Daytona, etc.) are the giveaway for me in those cases.

On a related note, I don't get the desire for the added weight though. Right now my 6 digit hulk is on the heavy side for me (coming from a 5 digit bluesy), and the new addition Tudor BB is even heavier than that, and I do feel the weight and would have preferred it to be lighter. I have loved trying on Tudor Pelagos or Omega Planet Ocean titanium, and was thinking lighter watch would be so much easier to wear.

[Banks]

There is a lovely rich creaminess to the WG. But as many mentioned, to th untrained eye of the general public, most wouldn’t pick up on it unless shown side by side

[Banks]

Originally Posted by faz

I have trained my newbie eye and can tell the difference if in the showcase of an AD or side by side next to a SS piece, but while in the wild and worn by others, I can't tell. Usually other hints (bezel of Pepsi, dial color of Daytona, etc.) are the giveaway for me in those cases.

On a related note, I don't get the desire for the added weight though. Right now my 6 digit hulk is on the heavy side for me (coming from a 5 digit bluesy), and the new addition Tudor BB is even heavier than that, and I do feel the weight and would have preferred it to be lighter. I have loved trying on Tudor Pelagos or Omega Planet Ocean titanium, and was thinking lighter watch would be so much easier to wear.

Agree on this. There is ample weight to SS GMT and Sub. Would love WG Pepsi but wouldn’t necessarily have the added weight as added weight as a pro.

[Oceanlover914]

I personally found that the wg has a slightly creamy look, and not in a bad way. I liked the look of the Smurf when compared to a ss model. The wg has a rich lookin my honest opinion. Kind of like cream vs. milk.

[Earnyourturns]

https://quillandpad.com/2016/12/18/h...recious-metal/

[gt0279a]

You can usually tell by all those extra scratches on the gold PCLs

[Dompropat]

904L? I think you mean Oystersteel...

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Mystro

There is a slight hue difference but 99% wont see it.



If both are metals are polished, its tough to see a difference.

You're killing me Mystro!!!!! My absolute favorite configuration of a DJ. I'm in the minority who prefers the DJ2.

[Muxi]

An unpolished and stored WG piece seems to develop a certain distinctive satin patina that is sort of a mild sepia tone. I like it very much.