A Duo of Duometre à Chronographe: Platinum or White Gold?

May 01, 2014,00:20 AM
 

Since the Duometre à Chronographe was introduced in White Gold in January 2010, I was never able to tell which one I prefer, and I'm still, four years and a half after, waving between the platinum or the white gold.

You already know these pictures:


 


 
 
 So, I decided to go further in the analysis of these 2 pieces, and managed to take some macro pictures of what makes a real difference between these 2, the dial.


Black on white, or white on black?

It goes much farer than this, and not only chromatically speaking.

The Time hands ( as well as the applied hour markers ) are, in both cases, in white gold, while the Chronograph hands are heated blue for the platinum version, and in rose gold for the white gold Duometre.

 



 
 In both cases, the time and the chronograph functions are neatly separed, with this color code.On these two white metal Duometres, you will find the multi level subdials, for our greatest pleasure, which is less visible in the real than on pictures, when it comes to the WG version.


 


 


 There is a more sublte difference to be noticed... The grained dial, which is the pleasant rose gold and platinum Duometres " apanage ", while the white gold enjoys a smooth dial.

I  find this difference somewhat coherent with the spirit and the aesthetics of the two watches.

Aesthetically, I'm not sure that a black grained dial would be as appealing as it is when it is white....

Therefore, the blend between classicism ( not to say retro ) and sportivity would look very weird, in my opinion.

Change the color of the dial, it will totally change the watch, its spirit, which goes indeed farther than just a chromatic difference.

While the Platinum Duometre can be seen as an understated and very elegant watch, the White Gold iteration doesn't loose its elegance, but adds strenght to it.

In a certain way, the white gold is an easier watch to love, as you immediately get its beauty, when it takes time to discover the charm, the discrete appeal of the platinum.

The question is to know if the " easy " love is a love which will last, and if the platinum is not THE true love.

After 48 months, I can say that both the platinum and the white gold Duometres are equally appealing, both TRUE love.

They don't play the same partition, that is all...

The grained dial is a plus, as it is part of the Duometre DNA, of its " bienfacture ",but the black dial is truly awesome.

 
 
 


2 other factors which may make a difference:

- The price:  The platinum is approximatively 20 000 Euros more expensive than the white gold.

- The weight: The Duometre à Chronographe, as any other Duometre, is not a small watch, with its 42 mm case.

The difference is really sensible, in weight, between the platinum and the while gold.

Some will love, some will feel not too comfortable with the heavier case.

One thing is sure: You won't go wrong with any of them!

Best,

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-05-01 00:22:57 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-05-03 04:41:24


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Hard to tell...

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-01:07
mmmmm maybe but only maybe Pt slightly over…but again,two different watches,two different feels….. Is the plat really 20 k more expensive?I don t recall that…..but,price lists have gone mad in the last few years… Mo

Last retail for the WG was 42 K euros. Add 20 more for the Pt.

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-01:10
While it was 35 K Euros in 2010 for the WG, 52 K Euros the same year for the Pt. The Pt was 45 K Euro in 2007. Best, Nicolas

You go around with the last 10 years price list?

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-01:12
Or you are just a Devil….. Mo

More impartial toward the white gold piece

 
 By: rnaden : May 1st, 2014-01:09
For me, it's always been the more attractive one. Not to say the platinum version is bad, but to my eyes, the black dial and the different colors of the hands for the time and chronograph is a very nice combination, especially the rose gold on black. At s... 

I was very happy with the Pt...

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-01:15
If only it was not stolen... But once I have to live with that, I must say that I cannot tell... I would slightly prefer the WG, too... Which has a superb strong look. Best, Richard, and thanks for your input! Nicolas

Some (painful) pictures...

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-01:11
Sorry about thisNico….I really wish you to get you duometre soon…..You deserve it more than anybody. Mo ...  

I well remember when we took these pictures... :(

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-01:13
I don't know if I deserve it, but one thing is sure, I damn want it! Best, Nicolas

You do deserve it,,if there was a JLC god….

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-01:14
I am sure you are very close……as for me..I am waiting……. Mo

There MUST be a God at JLC! :)))

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-01:17
As for you, still waving with the QL enamel, I suppose? Damn nice Watch! Best, Nicolas

Oh yeah... Waiting to see one live again..

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-03:13
I Will go with mine and compare.... Mo

I am afraid so.... I am sad

 
 By: moc : May 1st, 2014-04:52
Terrible isn't it?:) Mo

In this match...

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : May 1st, 2014-01:31
WG is clear winner for me aesthetically speaking foremost and price-wise as well It would complement your Lange piece greatly ;) Best Damjan P.S. You are called Mr. Black aren't you so.... ;)

both?

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : May 1st, 2014-03:26
to bad finance is often an issue.. :-( The white dial gives it more of a dressy look, as far as you could call this chrono a dress watch, but the white dial PT case combo makes it look more grown up/adult. The WG/black dial is more sporty, more youthful. ... 

Both is of course the ideal solution, but not too realistic...

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-03:38
Although I know some guys who are collecting Patek 5070s in all the metals... Why not doing the same with the " A Chronographe "? Aaah, and by the way, yes, the WG UTT is a highyl recommendable one... Still stuck in my mind. ;) Best, Nicolas

Well, I'm late to this thread

 
 By: 4Js : May 1st, 2014-03:58
Damn time zone differences! Everything has been well pointed out, including the only weakness of this watch to left wrist wearers. If I am to spend Nicolas' money, and BTW, I have been told by other purists who we won't name, they I spend everyone's money...  

Reading you and seeing your wristshot, I was thinking...

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-04:10
That the Duometre à Chronographe is a fine ( one of the finest ) Chronographe in Platinum, and that the WG version adds a certain coolness which is dangerously attractive... Thanks, Joe, for your feedback! Nicolas

Speaking on a purely hypothetical level.. Humble me would go..

 
 By: hs111 : May 1st, 2014-04:18
.. for the WG, black- dialled version, out of 3 major reasons: 1/ I simply love black dials, and I also like the smooth surface, maybe weak argument, but I also like the QL in black more than the other(s) Also this black / WG combo has a unique coolness f... 

Quite nicely elaborated, hs. Thanks for your feedback and your wishes.

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-04:21
Let's hope I will come here, one day, shooting high and loud " Habemus Duometrum "! ;) Best, Nicolas

WG/black for the SEXINESS...

 
 By: DTL : May 1st, 2014-23:16
It is the most beautiful version of possibly the most important modern JLC. Is the Duometre Chrono destined to be an icon?

Yes, DTL, I have this conviction.

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2014-23:46
What do we have, here? A new case, a new movement, dedicated to the new Watch, a new dial, an original concept ( the Dual Wind ), a very well thought Watch which, for once, gives as much place to the Chronograph as to the Time ( and not only a chronograph... 

Nico...

 
 By: DTL : May 2nd, 2014-21:24
Those who know, know...those that don't, don't need to know.

Lovely review of these two beauties.......

 
 By: Sandgroper : May 2nd, 2014-02:29
As you say Nicolas, this is not a small watch and with its large dial aperture, the Platinum with the white dial looks much bigger than the White Gold with the black dial. Of course I am biased as I own a WG with black dial. For me, besides the looks of t... 

It is important to read an owner's feedback on this watch.

 
 By: amanico : May 2nd, 2014-02:40
I hope to be able to do so, in a not too distant time! Yes, you are right, each of them has its own character. At the point that I would dream to each both of them. Elegance on one side, elegance and coolness on the other side. Hmmmm! Best, my friend, and... 

You know I had the platinum for a short while

 
 By: Asimut : May 2nd, 2014-08:10
Where it did get wrist time and even some dead-sea abuse ;-) But, I totally went for the white gold. I just love the contrast - guess I'm not a big fan of white dials (only one in my stable!) Now, the best Duometre for me is the UTT and the best looking c... 

I know, I know... If you could have kept it a bit longer, maybe I would still have it! :(

 
 By: amanico : May 2nd, 2014-08:21
I do get your point, Bijo. The Black Dial WG Duometre à Chronographe is really something, and adds some power to the Watch. Some coolness, too. I also agree on the UTT. A very sophisticated Duometre, for sure. Did you see the Duometre QL enamel? That is a... 

WOW!

 
 By: FremStar : May 2nd, 2014-12:05
No Other words but AMAZING! Thank you!

I think it's obvious which one...

 
 By: elliot55 : May 7th, 2014-07:41
... of these beauties I have been lusting for. Your post has caused me to drool on my keyboard! All the best. my friend - - Scott

Oh, you know me so well...

 
 By: elliot55 : May 7th, 2014-07:54
.... but I'm also loving the Geophysic in platinum. When are you going to be stateside? - Scott

Well, more eastside, in a close future...

 
 By: amanico : May 7th, 2014-08:04
But I would love to spend a week in So Cal, too! Best, my friend. Nicolas

I can make the trip East, but...

 
 By: elliot55 : May 16th, 2014-07:48
... you are always welcome at Chateau Goldmundt! - scott