Reference post: Regarding the AP RG plating.

[legend]

1. The only time you can actually see the rep vs gen RG color difference, is when both are brand new and side and side.

2. For the gen RG, the only standard color is a brand new watch. Each watch weathers and changes colors according to the environment it is worn in, influenced by moisture, sunlight, temperature, mineral in the air, frequency of wear etc. My friend's gen RG color Alinghi looks completely different from my gen 15711, for example.

3. There is no such thing as "the gen RG color" for a used gen AP RG. Don't bother comparing pics, especially rendered pics, its completely meaningless. Both gen and rep RG colors WILL change in their own environments over time.

4. Variations of color exist even among batches. My gen RG RB3, and 26470 for example, look rather different in color.

So don't be too hung up over the rep (or even gen RG colors). They may start off looking different side by side when brand new, but given time, both color tones will change. There is therefore NO basis to compare the two after say..6 months of use for both. Just relax and enjoy the rep for what it is. Even if the color is spot on, the weight will never be. There is always a host of tells accompanying each AP rep and this is no exception. Just enjoy the watch for what it is, and forget about what it is not. I see a lot of members comparing pics of the gen RG vs the rep. This is a complete waste of time if a meaningful conclusion is expected. Lighting, age, filter used can all alter the appearance of the watch dramatically. One guy who really delved deep into this color aspect is QueTip and he will be able to give his opinion, which may or may not be the same as mine.

Replating the rep RG can get it to look like a new RG AP, but the color will start to change with time and the environment. Remember that always.

 

[flofas]

I have owned and daily-worn a fair share of gold plated reps over the past 8 years so i think I can contribute to this thread.

First of all I'd like to state that JF & Noob reps (the majority of AP reps sold or discussed here in these forums) have pretty good gold plating - for a rep that is. Newer XF factory gold plated reps look at least on par with those of JF & Noob, but I guess only time will tell.

Second and most important, the deciding factor that makes gold plated AP reps last long is the design of the case. All royal oaks and offshores have large flat areas but sharp and thin edges, and when you're dinging the watch in desks or doors or whatever, what you are actually hitting is those sharp and thin edges. The plating will come off those edges, but you will barely notice it, because whenever you look at the watch, the large flat areas are what's catching the eye.

Now, this was just a theory of mine back when I was wearing the RGRC everyday (or the 15400 on some occasions) and was wondering how can the gold plating hold that well, but proved true when I purchased an 116515 daytona for a franken project: The gold plating on that started wearing off on many curved surfaces after about 6-8 months of daily wear.

Another watch I used to daily wear that started to have the same problem is a Breguet 7057, although it's fair to say that the plating on that one was pretty bad to begin with. I also own a very rare gold WRAPPED vintage 6263 daytona by DW (7750 movement), which has proved to be very resistant to fading.

Now, on to the comparison with a gen: Come on guys, no-one around us notices watches, let alone the colour of the gold plating of a watch. Now if you have a favourite gold watch that you want it to look better than it already does, then yes, it's a good idea to do aftermarket gold plating with some of the guys in this forum. flying-tommy has spent way too many hours perfecting his AP rose gold plating, including comparing it to the gen, and I've also heard great reviews of the others too (can't remember the names, but they generally specialize in rolex).

For example, I now have two gold plated incomplete franken projects ready to be completed, it would be a shame to spend that much on a franken and leave it stock-plated. But regarding my other gold reps like the 15400 or the 15202 I'm thinking of buying? Or the two spare RGRCs I own to complement the franken RGRC? I can't find any real reason for me to re-plate them.

Finally, I'd like to state one last thing: We all fall victims of trying to compare photos of reps to photos of gens over the internet, which is a pointless thing, as, 1) the lighting situations are vastly different on most of the photos we're putting side by side, and 2) 99% of the photos we're trying to judge have undergone severe photo manipulation. We all know this from other, different forms of internet socialising: Photos never tell the truth. Haven't you ever met a girl from Tinder? Haven't you met any "instagram celebrity" or hollywood actor up close? Just enjoy the watch and quit looking for "tells". You will only find the tells if you're looking for them anyway.

 

[EdenAlando]

I have owned and daily-worn a fair share of gold plated reps over the past 8 years so i think I can contribute to this thread.

First of all I'd like to state that JF & Noob reps (the majority of AP reps sold or discussed here in these forums) have pretty good gold plating - for a rep that is. Newer XF factory gold plated reps look at least on par with those of JF & Noob, but I guess only time will tell.

Second and most important, the deciding factor that makes gold plated AP reps last long is the design of the case. All royal oaks and offshores have large flat areas but sharp and thin edges, and when you're dinging the watch in desks or doors or whatever, what you are actually hitting is those sharp and thin edges. The plating will come off those edges, but you will barely notice it, because whenever you look at the watch, the large flat areas are what's catching the eye.

Now, this was just a theory of mine back when I was wearing the RGRC everyday (or the 15400 on some occasions) and was wondering how can the gold plating hold that well, but proved true when I purchased an 116515 daytona for a franken project: The gold plating on that started wearing off on many curved surfaces after about 6-8 months of daily wear.

Another watch I used to daily wear that started to have the same problem is a Breguet 7057, although it's fair to say that the plating on that one was pretty bad to begin with. I also own a very rare gold WRAPPED vintage 6263 daytona by DW (7750 movement), which has proved to be very resistant to fading.

Now, on to the comparison with a gen: Come on guys, no-one around us notices watches, let alone the colour of the gold plating of a watch. Now if you have a favourite gold watch that you want it to look better than it already does, then yes, it's a good idea to do aftermarket gold plating with some of the guys in this forum. flying-tommy has spent way too many hours perfecting his AP rose gold plating, including comparing it to the gen, and I've also heard great reviews of the others too (can't remember the names, but they generally specialize in rolex).

For example, I now have two gold plated incomplete franken projects ready to be completed, it would be a shame to spend that much on a franken and leave it stock-plated. But regarding my other gold reps like the 15400 or the 15202 I'm thinking of buying? Or the two spare RGRCs I own to complement the franken RGRC? I can't find any real reason for me to re-plate them.

Finally, I'd like to state one last thing: We all fall victims of trying to compare photos of reps to photos of gens over the internet, which is a pointless thing, as, 1) the lighting situations are vastly different on most of the photos we're putting side by side, and 2) 99% of the photos we're trying to judge have undergone severe photo manipulation. We all know this from other, different forms of internet socialising: Photos never tell the truth. Haven't you ever met a girl from Tinder? Haven't you met any "instagram celebrity" or hollywood actor up close? Just enjoy the watch and quit looking for "tells". You will only find the tells if you're looking for them anyway.

Hi dude, so is there zf 15400 RG a good watch to purchase in this expert opinion? The below attached seems to show different colour variation...The intimes pic looks more yellow than red.

https://www.intime06.co/audemars-pi...ial-on-ss-bracelet-v2-sa3120-super-clone.html

https://jtime.io/us/royal-oak-41mm-...d-dial-on-rg-bracelet-sa3120-super-clone.html

 

[Nono92]

I have a question : why do the colour of gold change ? Contrary to silver, it doesn't oxyde... Are you sure it is 18k ? I have many fountain pens in gold 18k and they didn't change 20 years after...

 

[legend]

I have a question : why do the colour of gold change ? Contrary to silver, it doesn't oxyde... Are you sure it is 18k ? I have many fountain pens in gold 18k and they didn't change 20 years after...

Not true. The copper in rose gold oxidizes and that changes the color of the gold overall. You can read about it. Rose gold is a compound blended from a few metals, and some of them (copper and silver notably within the mixture) react with the environment (sunlight, temperature and minerals in the air) over time. They can tarnish, fade or change color.
https://www.afashionblog.com/does-rose-gold-turn-yellow/

I can't speak for the material composition of the gold used in your pens, but gold used in luxury watches are usually 18k gold or rose gold, and both WILL change color over time unless you are living in an oxygen-free environment. If you have a picture of your pens, and state how they have been stored or used in the 20 years, perhaps we can help find out the answers for you.

But make no mistake, 18K rose gold watches commonly change color or tone over time. I own enough of them to know and I am sure they are 18K rose gold.

 

[Nono92]

I don't know for the rose gold but I trust you if there is silver and copper...

 

[Nikz19]

3. There is no such thing as "the gen RG color" for a used gen AP RG. Don't bother comparing pics, especially rendered pics, its completely meaningless. Both gen and rep RG colors WILL change in their own environments over time.

Replating the rep RG can get it to look like a new RG AP, but the color will start to change with time and the environment. Remember that always.

^^^^^THIS.
Any rose gold, being solid and/or plated, WILL change its color over time. All a plating can do, is extend the lifetime of the plating itself, which is anyway quite good to begin with on nowadays reps.

Different story for yellow gold though. I personally yet have to see a decent one.

 

[legend]

I don't know for the rose gold but I trust you if there is silver and copper...

Nice pens! Do you happen to know if the nib and clip are solid gold or plated?

 

[Nono92]

Thanks. I don't know for the clips... Concerning the Delta Fellini, the ring is in silver and the nib in gold 18k palladium plated. The Lamy is in titanium with a 18k nib. It was the last ones by Lamy with 18k nib. Since 1997, they use 14k nibs... Delta doesn't exist anymore...

 

[legend]

Thanks. I don't know for the clips... Concerning the Delta Fellini, the ring is in silver and the nib in gold 18k palladium plated. The Lamy is in titanium with a 18k nib. It was the last ones by Lamy with 18k nib. Since 1997, they use 14k nibs... Delta doesn't exist anymore...

You sir are a man of class. You need to show your handwriting here as well, I’m sure it is as fine as your pens.

 

[Nono92]

Monsieur, vous êtes un homme de classe. Vous devez également montrer votre écriture ici, je suis sûr qu'elle est aussi fine que vos stylos.

You too ! Your word is good as gold and it is always a pleasure to listen to your advice :thumbsup:

 

[legend]

You too ! Your word is good as gold and it is always a pleasure to listen to your advice :thumbsup:

Hey I had no idea I could write French. Thank you for giving me a new skill :legend:

 

[Nono92]

LOL, I didn't pay attention to that... The power of Google translation !

 

[Miaurt]

Hello.

Please see side-by-side comparison of RG colour of gen Leo Messy LE and rep (ZF) 15202. There is practically no visual difference on the photo. If to compare alive the colour is not also different though I feel like brushing is a bit different.

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