WatchTech

Modern gold PVD vs. traditional gold-plating by Marcus Hanke Remember the times when gold plated or gold filled watches were the poor mans gold watch? It was rather common to wear timepieces that were encased in steel (well, sometimes even brass) a...  

Deeply appreciate the techicalities here. Cheers PAt

Thanks for this. Very informative and crystal clear. I have just looked at how many we'll known respected brands use gold PVD, it was very surprising. Anyway, I do think most of us here have never considered buying a gold PVD, or even a gold plated watch.... 

Raymond Weil, who set 10 microns as a standard, back in 1976, had ruled this area for many years (they got away from it, but I think they're returning to it slowly, but with rose gold). Their 10m holds up MUCH better than any PVD I've ever seen. Frankly, ... 

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Very interesting article, thanks for your research and well written report.

Now I understand the difference between Gold Plating and Gold PVD. Will be more careful about it in the future.

One more of many from dr. Hanke's Laboratory Thank you very much indeed Best r egards Damjan

...from an Omega bumper automatic from the late 1940's or early 1950's. Unbelievable that at that time 80 microns was considered a reasonable plating, versus 5 microns today! ...  

Titanium Nitride must be the gold-plating industry's best friend! Thanks for sharing this Marcus!

one of them being that it is extremely hard (2450 HV) and thus all the more resistant to scratching and wear. So why cover it with a thin layer of gold, which is not? Besides, I love the color on industrial tools! In the hands of the right (watch) designe... 

... and I doubt that this customer group would be equally attracted to a watch if the golden colour is not the result of at least a thin golden layer, but of an unprecious metal. Technically-minded customers are more likely to accept the latter. Just look...  

But why is only 0.3 microns deposited? It could be as thick as anyone desires. It is true that PVD is an expensive process due to the equipment used. I always thought gold PVD was only TiN anyway. We use this material whenever we want a nice gold coloured... 

ONe of PVD's big advantages is that it is easier to achieve a flawless surface. Any watchmaker, who had a galvanic lab coating some of his work pieces, perfectly knows what I am speaking about. It is extremely difficult finding able and careful enough for...  

although I suspect that many people reading it prefer solid steel to plated gold of any thickness. Excellent investigation and clear write-up. Thanks.

Outstanding research piece. Larry

Very interesting article. I feel much more educated on this topic now! Thanks, Dave

explanation of PVD as it pertains to watch making. I come from a semiconductor background and coatings are a day to day experience in our world as you are aware. My companies have 129 patents in coating or machines that make these coatings. Your article i... 

I just read your comment after returning from vacation. Generally, I have the impression that "gold PVD" will disappear, at least from the marketing material. More recently, I have read only "gold-colored PVD", making clear that it is different from "real...