Top Secret Rose Gold Alloys | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

Proprietary Rose Gold Alloys

Rose gold has become increasingly popular in the recent decades. Warmer and more mysterious than yellow gold, yet more noticeable than white gold, the precious metal has a unique allure when used in a luxury timepiece.

The creation of rose gold requires for copper to be added to the alloy; and is achieved only with utmost care in stabilizing the mixture of metals. This delicate balance, as well as the increasing popularity of rose gold in the market, has led watchmakers to create their own special formulas of rose gold alloys.

Here’s a quick guide to the proprietary rose gold alloys in the market today.

ROLEX Everose Gold

In the early 2000s, Rolex built its own state-of-the-art foundry where it began to cast its own metals. It was an unprecedented step for a watchmaking brand — not only did it allow Rolex to ensure that only the finest materials are used in their watches, it also allows them to determine a watch’s aesthetic, mechanical and dimensional properties.

In 2005, Rolex unveiled Everose, their patented rose gold alloy that, as its name suggests, will retain its luster for long. Instead of the usual component of rose gold – gold, copper and a hint of silver – Rolex adds Platinum, whose effects appear to be two fold.

First, it serves as a bonding agent and prevents fading that can be caused by water, salt, sweat or UV rays. It also provides the luster that Rolex watches have become known for.

OMEGA Sedna Gold

Omega’s trademark rose gold is called Sedna Gold, unveiled in 2013 with the Omega Constellation. Similar to Rolex’s Everose gold, the Sedna Gold is an 18 karat gold alloy that combines Gold, Copper, and a third element to bond and protect the luster of the metal. In Omega’s case, it’s palladium instead of silver.

The Sedna Gold’s unique rose gold colour is a result of blending the right proportion of copper, with palladium, whose presence ensures that the reddish shade of Sedna Gold will last for long.

After making its debut with the Constellation, it is now used in the Seamaster and Speedmaster lines.

A. LANGE & SOHNE Honey Gold

Since 2010, A. Lange & Sohne has also created their own rose gold alloy called Honey Gold. As its name suggests, it is only slightly rosy and has yellow undertones. The company keeps their formula a well-kept secret, but has declared Honey Gold to be tougher than platinum. For this reason, molding a watch using this precious alloy is more difficult, and thus it is used only on their most special models.

PANERAI Goldtech

While Rolex and Omega add a third metal to their rose gold, Panerai increases the copper component of their patented alloy known as Goldtech. The higher percentage of copper gives the material a rich and intense sunset hue

Aside from 24% copper, the exquisite Goldtech also contains 0.4% platinum, which prevents the material from oxidizing, thus extending the luster of the timepiece. Goldtech was introduced in 2016 with the Panerai Luminor Due line, and is now also being used in the Submersible line.

HUBLOT King Gold

Just like Panerai, Hublot opted to go for a fiery tone of rose gold. Called King Gold, Hublot’s proprietary version combines a higher percentage of copper than the standard (20.5%). Instead of gold, it contains mainly platinum, which perfectly lends itself to all elements of polishing and satin finishing. King Gold is used in the Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines.