[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

 

[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