What is the difference between platinum and white gold?

Platinum and white gold are often confused and this may be due to a misunderstanding that arises when translating white gold into Korean. Platinum and white gold are fundamentally different metals with different chemical symbols. Platinum has the chemical symbol Pt while white gold is gold with the symbol Au that is alloyed with silver copper platinum palladium and more using Rolex's proprietary gold casting technology to produce 18-carat white gold.

How to tell the difference?

It is easier to distinguish white gold and platinum when they are side by side but it can be difficult to tell when you see them alone. In photos they often look quite similar.

ⓒ Monochrome

This is a Day-Date made with both platinum and white gold. Can you tell the difference at a glance? I will reveal the answer shortly.

ⓒ Jewelryshoppingguide

Color

When comparing the colors of platinum and white gold platinum has a slightly bluish hue while white gold has a yellowish tint as you would expect from gold. Stainless steel which is the most commonly used metal is familiar to our eyes so you will recognize it easily. Ah this is stainless steel~

Price

The price of a product varies greatly depending on the material. Platinum is the most expensive followed by white gold and then steel. Platinum is the most expensive because it has a high melting point making it difficult to process and it is produced in smaller quantities. Interestingly in terms of raw material price gold is about twice as expensive as platinum. As of December 1 2022 platinum is about $1, 045 per ounce and gold is $1, 800.

ⓒ Rolex

As mentioned earlier platinum is rare as a raw material and can only be processed by a limited number of high-end brands. The Day-Date Ref. 228236 released by Rolex in 2022 features the first fluted bezel made of platinum. This is proof that Rolex has maximized its platinum processing technology.

Day-Date 40 228236

40mm, Ice Blue/Roman, President

Weight

The order of weight is the same as price. Platinum is the heaviest and steel is the lightest. Platinum is a much heavier metal compared to its volume so when you put it on your wrist you can feel the weight that matches its price.
The order is steel < white gold < platinum. For the Day-Date 40 the platinum watch weighs about 270g while the white gold watch weighs about 210g so the difference is significant.

The easiest way to tell

As I mentioned the weight is noticeably different so when you put it on your wrist you can clearly tell. Here is the answer to the earlier question. The Day-Date Ref. 228239 with a bright blue dial is made of white gold while the Day-Date Ref. 228206 with an ice blue dial is made of platinum. If you knew that the ice blue dial is the signature color for platinum you may have guessed it easily. As you continue to experience watches you will naturally be able to distinguish them soon.

Day-Date 40 228239

40mm, Bright Blue/Roman, President

Day-Date 40 228206

40mm, Ice Blue, President