Watch plating

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello,

Could you please help.

I had a customer bring in a sentimental cheap watch with the gold
plating worn off the back. It now irritates his wrist and hea asked
me to fix it. I’m not sure if i can help him. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks
steve b

2 
I had a customer bring in a sentimental cheap watch with the gold
plating worn off the back.

Hi Steve;

Been there, done that. About the only thing I’ve been able to come up
with is to clean the watch case as thoroughly as possible and paint
on a thin layer of good epoxy on the back. Sort of a plastic
coating. Trying to re-plate that base metal, especially after it’s
pitted and corroded, is pretty much impossible, and not a very
lasting solution anyway.

David L. Huffman

3

Hello Steve,

I know nothing about watch repair, but here’s a naive thought.
Mount the watch on a leather cuff - these were popular in the late
60’s. Only the leather and buckle touch skin.

If that’s too casual, I’d suggest creating a plate of sterling or
gold that fits under the watch, and is held in place by the spring
bars. The plate would have rising extensions with small holes that
match the spring bar ends. The spring bar holds everything in place
when inserted into the ends of the watch band. This could be
disassembled for watch repairs.

Hope these thoughts give you some alternatives - I’m interested to
see what others have to say,

Judy in Kansas