Top 5 Precious Metals at Feldmar
Fans of luxury watches know that value and worth are not always what they seem. A simple, inexpensive quartz watch can become a rare collector’s item worth tens of thousands of dollars while a stainless steel sports watch – with the right pedigree of ownership – can shatter records at auction.
Of course, technical mastery comes into play too where value is concerned. A watch with a highly engineered minute repeater movement will surely be worth more than an everyday workhorse movement found in thousands of watches. But what about materials?
Often overlooked as a contributing factor in watch valuation, the materials used to craft even small components can make a big difference in determining how much a watch is worth. While hundreds of materials from resin to rhodium can be found in luxury watches, precious metals are in a league of their own. We’ve compiled the top 5 precious metal watches available at Feldmar. Read on!
Ruthenium
One of the rarest metals on earth, ruthenium was also one of the last elements to be discovered. Commonly used in technological applications like making specialized electrical contacts and transistors, a small group of watchmakers have managed to make dials from this special elemental compound. It’s also treasured for its use in solar technology applications!
Silver
Silver ain’t just for second place anymore! While rare, watch cases made from silver have been cherished almost as long as watchmaking itself. Offering a gleam that just can’t be replicated by steel, silver provides an unmistakable element of quality to a luxury watch. Introduced in 2021, the Tudor Black Bay 925 features an all-silver case that catches the light in ways that must be seen to be believed! And in the midst of the craze for bronze-cased watches that will patina over time, silver is a step up, offering a similar quality in the way it will oxidize with age. The best part? A simple polishing with the right materials will restore that like-new glimmer to even the most tarnished silver! It’s a whole new way of interacting with your watch and we’re here for it!
Gold
What can be said about gold watches that hasn’t already been said? For generations, a gold watch has been… well, the gold standard for luxury. Gold watches are so highly regarded that references to them have even crept into the English lexicon. Synonymous with retirement, the “gold watch” has become a symbol of recognizing a lifetime of service. But like all things, even this definition has evolved! Today, there are more gold watches available than ever, with seemingly every new release available in a gold version. Yellow gold isn’t your thing? That’s okay! Keep an eye out for white gold and rose gold in a variety of carats.
Platinum
A truly precious material, platinum watches are extremely rare. Reserved for the absolute pinnacle of watchmaking, platinum watches are available from only a select few skilled watchmakers like Ulysse Nardin. Discovered by native peoples in ancient times, when the first Europeans encountered platinum in 1557, it was described as “a strange metal… that no fire could melt”. Difficult and expensive to work with, platinum has the ability to elevate an already incredible watch into another strata.
The 5th Annual Sol Meller Memorial Blood Drive Medal
Okay, okay, we know it’s a “medal” and not a “metal” but these medals are the most precious ones in the store! Awarded to everyone who participates in our annual blood drive, these classy medals are a symbol of our appreciation for the generosity of everyone who takes part in this important event. Held each year in memory of Sol Meller who was a generous blood and platelet donor in his life, the Memorial Blood Drive is a chance for you to roll up your sleeve and give back. Mark your calendar for November 30!
Make your appointment to give blood today here. We’ll have breakfast/lunch, snacks, shirts, and (of course) precious medals for those who participate! We look forward to seeing you!
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
Read more from Tom Roth
