[ivorbiggin]

I have 2 watches that have gold colored bezel and crowns, a Citizen NYOO45D, and an Orient 2ER00004D, (Rollie 16613 rip off.)
On both watches the gold color has partially worn through to the base metal on the crown and bezel. Any ideas on how i can restore the gold color please?
Ive tried using gold paint and lacquer and a gold color Sharpie pen with lacquer , but the results are not all that good.
The value of each watch is sub £50 so i dont want to invest fortunes.

Thanks
Ivor.

 

[killsnapz]

The equipment need to apply the gold tone to most modern watches is extremely expensive. The only way to apply a gold tone finish that is durable is by using a process called “physical vapor deposition" This process actually blasts the base material with the gold tone substance embedding it into the base metal. What this basically means that no hobbyist will ever be able to afford to do this in the garage. Plating with real silver or real gold is a much simpler process believe it or not. I have often wondered what the cost would be if I collected all of my spare gold tone cases that have worn though and sent them all in at once what it would cost. I have actually done an experiment on a $20 eBay pick up of a Seiko with a badly worn gold tone. I took it apart and went at it with the buffing wheel and the black rouge. I was able to burn off all of what was left of the gold and then I finished of the case with a brushed aluminum top and I polished the sides and back to a high gloss. It came out great. Of course this only works on watches that the base metal is aluminum and not one that the base metal is brass!

Michael

 

[7s26b]

Good jewelers usually have access to re-plating gear. Maybe ask Bry if he knows where you can get TiN pvd/dlc/sputtering done?

 

[rob3rto]

How about someone like this?
Obviously you'd have to search for similar sevices near you.

www.goldgenie.com/gold-plating-services.php

 

[ivorbiggin]

Thanks for the input gents.
Goldgenie might be a tad expensive, £850 to plate an Iphone case, Hmmmm.
I want to keep these watches as original as possible so polishing out the gold tone is not really an option, might be different if i was modding them.

7s, is that Bry as in Bry1975? I seem to recall him doing a black pvd 6309 case in one of his posts.

 

[rob3rto]

What about those goldplating tubs?
Medallion I think.
I plated a yale key. The blade part faded quickly but the rest lasted over two years.

 

[ivorbiggin]

What about those goldplating tubs?
Medallion I think.
I plated a yale key. The blade part faded quickly but the rest lasted over two years.

Ive looked at Medallion, according to the destruction's it wont work on stainless steel or aluminium

 

[7s26b]

Yeh, Bry1975, he should know.

 

[killsnapz]

Thanks for the input gents.
Goldgenie might be a tad expensive, £850 to plate an Iphone case, Hmmmm.
I want to keep these watches as original as possible so polishing out the gold tone is not really an option, might be different if i was modding them.

7s, is that Bry as in Bry1975? I seem to recall him doing a black pvd 6309 case in one of his posts.

If you are desiring an original finish then PVD is the only way to go because that is how the watch was originally done. I also saw the post where someone had their watch done in a black PVD coating. Using actually gold for plating can be done with inexpensive equipment if your handy. The problem is the gold itself is so expensive it makes it very cost prohibitive and the finish will not be as durable and the PVD coating. I am looking for someone here on this side of the pond who could provide this service also with no luck so far. 850 quid is pure madness to plate an Iphone case! Who would do that?

Michael

 

[ivorbiggin]

Thanks 7s, ill drop him a PM.

 

[groundhogman]

Hi, you could try http://www.goldplating1.co.uk/. Prices seem reasonable.

 

[ivorbiggin]

Hi, you could try http://www.goldplating1.co.uk/. Prices seem reasonable.

Yes prices do seem very reasonable, thanks for the link, ill be sure to follow it up.

 

[Timegentlemenplease]

Hello. Did anyone have any luck with this?

 

[Mantolaman]

This is an old post but the question still remains. While searching for an answer I found this site: http://www.replateit.com/pricing.html

 

[Mike__V]

I never really looked into it, but I bookmarked this years ago. Cheap enough to be worth trying???

http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/brush-plating-products/plug-n-plate-kits.html