The collaboration between a watch brand and motorcycle brand leads to this Breitling Chronomat B01 42 Triumph models
Gold is a highly valued material in watchmaking, prized for its luxurious appeal and versatility. In watches, gold can be used in various forms, such as solid gold, gold-plated, or gold-filled. Solid gold watches, often made of 18-karat (75% pure gold) or 14-karat gold, are prestigious and sought-after due to their intrinsic value and luster.
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Gold plating, where a thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal, is a more affordable way to achieve a gold finish. Gold-filled watches, on the other hand, have a thicker layer of gold bonded to the metal, offering better durability than gold plating. Rose gold, a blend of gold and copper, has become particularly popular in modern watches for its unique pinkish hue.
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Use and hardness of gold
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Gold is used not only for cases but also for components like bezels, bracelets, and even watch movements in some luxury pieces. It adds weight, value, and aesthetic appeal, making gold watches symbols of wealth, craftsmanship, and style.
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The Hardness Vickers for gold varies. 24 carats, not often used for watches, has hardness of 60 to 80 HV. The more used 18-carat gold has a hardness of about 120 to 200 HV, and 14-carat gold reaches 150 to 200 HV. White gold is a little harder in general.
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Compare case materials on the Hardness Vickers scale (from hard to hardest):
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| Carbon | 20-50 HV |
| Platinum | 40 HV (950 platinum: 80-135 HV) |
| Silver | 70-90 HV |
| Bronze | 60-150 HV (100-200 HV treated) |
| Aluminium | 120-200 HV |
| Gold | 120-200 HV (18k or 14k) |
| Palladium | 150-200 HV |
| White gold | 150-250 HV |
| Stainless steel | 150-250 HV (special 1200 HV) |
| Titanium | 150-200 HV (grade 2) / 300-400 HV (grade 5) |
| Ceramic | 1200-1400 HV (1500-2000 for alumina) |
| Sapphire | 2000-2300 HV |
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Watches in gold, either yellow, rose or just gold gold (not gold plated)
The Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture Solid Rose Gold is not really new when it comes to the design and movement
CFB is refreshing their Manero chronograph with the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback 40 mm and 43 mm, some in steel, some in gold
After a recently released white Panda version it is time for the HYT Conical Tourbillon Infinity Diamonds, so with lots of glitter
To celebrate their 140th anniversary the Swiss brand launches the Breitling Navitimer B12 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Limited Edition
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar is part of the refreshment this super flat collection recently got
The Breitling Navitimer Automatic GMT 41 celebrates 140 years of Breitling commemorating their long existence in the world of watchmaking
140 years of Breitling is celebrated this year, with this Breitling Navitimer Automatic 41, among other models, like a GMT and a Cosmonaute
Last year’s Celebration model range is expanded with the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration on leather straps
For all fans of the Speedmaster, here is the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Bi-Color. Two models in steel with gold touches