Why is gold sometimes alloyed with other metals in watchmaking?

Gold is alloyed with other metals in watchmaking primarily to enhance durability and to modify its color properties. Pure gold, known as 24-karat gold, is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or damaged. By alloying gold with metals such as copper, silver, or palladium, the resulting mixture has increased hardness and strength, making it more suitable for crafting watches that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Additionally, alloying gold allows watchmakers to create various colors of gold, such as rose gold (which contains copper) or white gold (which includes metals like palladium or nickel). This versatility in color and improved physical properties significantly benefits the design and longevity of the timepieces, meeting both aesthetic and functional requirements of consumers.

Other considerations, like weight reduction or water resistance, do not directly relate to the primary reasons for gold alloying. While alloying may incidentally affect weight or other characteristics, the core motivations remain focused on durability and color customization.