XRF analysis of a WG Daytona

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Emreozcan

Metallurgist here: When it comes to alloying metals there are tolerances with min-max values. When we add the different determination methods (XRF analysis in this case) and different calibrations of the devices (for instance 2 different XRF devices can even find different results from same sample) we see these varying results. In practice most precise measurement devices can be found either in Universities or factories where they regularly cast metal alloys.

Bright side is that you have 3.5 Weight % more gold :)

Cheers.

We need another 6.5% to justify the 10% price rise over YG then. Spot price of Palladium is below gold and plat.

[LuminousMaximus]

Hi doubles08... Hey we are supposed to be helping the newbee's not the other way around...lol

Thanks for the info

[kilyung]

Nothing new but nice corroboration. Would be interesting to see a breakout by metals and model years to see the change in composition (if any) over the years.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by doubles08

I couple of people have asked what individual metals make up the actual alloys of various Rolexes, specifically the WG versions.

I was in a coin shop the other day and we were talking about testing the purities of various gold coins when it occurred to me that I could have my WG Daytona tested too. (XRF scanning is a non-invasive procedure, so the coin (or watch) is not damaged.)

The results of the spot we tested are below:
Gold 78.5%
Palladium 14.0%
Copper 7.8%
Silver - trace amounts

I'm not sure why the gold portion is not exactly or near 75% (as it should be), but maybe it has something to do with the unevenness of the way the alloy is mixed. Maybe a metallurgist or chemist can weigh in?

But I always wondered what made up the 1 part in 4 on a white gold Rolex that was not gold, and there you have it: Palladium and copper.

Great information thanks

[wach16]

Originally Posted by Emreozcan

Metallurgist here: When it comes to alloying metals there are tolerances with min-max values. When we add the different determination methods (XRF analysis in this case) and different calibrations of the devices (for instance 2 different XRF devices can even find different results from same sample) we see these varying results. In practice most precise measurement devices can be found either in Universities or factories where they regularly cast metal alloys.

Bright side is that you have 3.5 Weight % more gold :)

Cheers.

Very interesting...learned something new today!

[LuminousMaximus]

This is what ROLEX says:


GOLD
The source of the shine

Gold Rolex watches possess a truly captivating radiance, born of years of experience in perfecting the use of this most precious of metals. Only by controlling the whole process can Rolex guarantee a peerless, enchanting lustre on its watchcases and bracelets alike.

Rolex exclusively uses 18 ct gold, a princely alloy composed of 750‰ (thousandths) of pure gold, plus exactly the right mixture of elements including silver and copper necessary to produce the different types of 18 ct gold: yellow, white and Everose, Rolex's exclusive pink gold alloy. Jealously-guarded formulas ensure exceptional durability, polishability – and an extraordinary sheen that lasts for generations.

[TimeToWatch]

Originally Posted by doubles08

I couple of people have asked what individual metals make up the actual alloys of various Rolexes, specifically the WG versions.

I was in a coin shop the other day and we were talking about testing the purities of various gold coins when it occurred to me that I could have my WG Daytona tested too. (XRF scanning is a non-invasive procedure, so the coin (or watch) is not damaged.)

The results of the spot we tested are below:
Gold 78.5%
Palladium 14.0%
Copper 7.8%
Silver - trace amounts

I'm not sure why the gold portion is not exactly or near 75% (as it should be), but maybe it has something to do with the unevenness of the way the alloy is mixed. Maybe a metallurgist or chemist can weigh in?

But I always wondered what made up the 1 part in 4 on a white gold Rolex that was not gold, and there you have it: Palladium and copper.

I'm guessing the instrument requires calibration...