You have been unhappy with the look of your watch – the gold plating or rose gold plating is gone!
If so, you’ve probably noticed how your watch case looks worn after years of faithful service. Scratches and dents tell the story of your watch’s journey, but they also mean it’s time for fresh gold plating.
We want to bring back that beautiful finish your watch had when you first got it or even put it back to its original glory, especially if it’s a vintage Swiss brand. A watch’s shine shows its true value.
Expert Watch
& Plating Services
Is your watch losing its golden colour? Welcome to our London watch plating service. We’ll bring back that brilliant finish and make your watch look amazing again
Revive your timepiece case colour metal back to brand new, nice and easy with us.
Our London workshop uses modern techniques to give your watch a fresh appearance with yellow gold, rose gold, rhodium, or chrome plating.
Get your watch plated today and see the difference.
Has your watch lost its shine? Our London Hatton Garden workshop handles everything from start to finish using proven methods to make your watch look great again.
Our Specialized Plating Services
We work closely with every client to ensure we design the perfect space for them. Browse some of our recent projects below.
Exceptional Plating Quality
Our experienced plater uses advanced electroplating methods to create high-quality finishes that go beyond standard industry work while keeping your watch case structure intact.
Complete Watch Plating Service
Our detailed plating process brings back your watch's original beauty and also makes it stronger, ensuring your watch keeps its value for years to come. We remove patina and dirt from vintage watch cases before gold plating or rose gold plating.
Custom Watch Plating Options
Whether you like the warm look of rose gold or the classic appeal of yellow gold, we create personalized plating solutions to match what you want. If you want us to remove your gold plating and replace it with rose gold plating instead, that's absolutely possible.
Available Finishes
We offer premium electroplated finishes for vintage watches and quality timepieces:
- Gold Plating (18k, 14k, 9k) – Classic yellow gold in various shades
- Rose Gold Plating (18k, 14k, 9k) – Beautiful warm finish
- Rhodium Plating for white gold watch cases and bracelets – Won’t tarnish, very durable
- Chrome Plating for pocket watches and Military watches
- Black DLC – Black finish for modern watches
All finishes are color-matched to original specifications or your preferences.
Our Professional Process
Each watch case, buckle, and metal strap receives our detailed quality check using professional loupes or microscopes to examine the entire watch surface. The watch surface is our top priority since the plating needs to bond properly with the metal underneath.
We completely dismantle the watch, even if it’s water-resistant, because it needs polishing, case repair if needed, and deep cleaning in our ultrasonic machine. All dirt must be removed and the metal surface must be completely clean before we can plate any watch or pocket watch. Our in-house watchmaker handles this task. The watch gets completely stripped down – this depends on the watch type. If it’s a dress watch, we work on the case and buckle. Sometimes it’s a watch with a metal bracelet. This professional task requires our full attention.
We fix all surface problems through refinishing, filling scratches, adding metal with laser welding when needed, restoring the shape, and polishing to the right brightness level.
Our advanced electroplating techniques ensure gold plating thickness of 5-20 microns for the best durability and appearance – much thicker than standard jewelry plating. For example, 1970s Omega cases get 20 microns on both case and bracelet.
Since this is craft work, sometimes you might see patches where the metal didn’t get perfect conductivity. Our strict quality controls ensure reliable, excellent results that last over time and regularly exceed expectations.
We work with all types of watch case materials and understand each one needs different preparation.
Most vintage and antique watches we plate are made from brass (like many Omega models), though we occasionally see rare silver watches like vintage Omega art deco pieces, and obviously Cartier.
Modern watches in stainless steel and titanium require special chemical surface preparation before plating.
Luxury & High-End Brands We've Plated
Our workshop has experience with premium Swiss and international brands including Omega (Seamaster, De Ville, Geneve), Rolex (early gold-plated Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models), Longines (Flagship, Conquest), Jaeger-LeCoultre (vintage Memovox, Futurematic), Tissot (Seastar, Visodate), and Hamilton (Thin-O-Matic, Ventura).
We also work with Movado (Kingmatic, Datron), Bulova (Accutron, Oceanographer), Gruen (Precision, Curvex), and American classics like Elgin dress watches, Rotary watches.
Mid-Range & Vintage Classics
Seiko Watch Plating Services
Professional gold and surface treatments for Seiko timepieces. Expert electroplating services for Japanese watches including vintage models and modern collections.
Movado Watch Gold Plating Service
Professional gold plating for Swiss Movado timepieces.
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We regularly plate Seiko (Lord Marvel, some Grand Quartz models), Citizen (Leopard, Cosmotron), Benrus (Sky Chief), Wittnauer chronographs, and Swiss-made Lucien Piccard dress watches.
Gold plating service on Rotary Watch
Rotary Watch Gold Plating Service - British Heritage Timepieces
Russian Watches
Among collectors, we have particular expertise with Russian timepieces that are very unique and require special attention. Our full service includes polishing and plating these distinctive watches.
These Russian watches often have unique case shapes and designs and metal alloys that require our specialized knowledge to plate correctly while preserving their historical character.
English Watch Brands
services
Our service Re-plating
Our London workshop has particular expertise with British timepieces including Smiths (Deluxe, Astral, Empire models), Vertex (post-war dress watches), Ingersoll UK, and pieces from prestigious British jewellers like Mappin & Webb and Garrard.
Understanding Gold-Filled vs Gold-Plated
- Gold-filled watches (thicker, more durable gold layer) – common in Gruen, Elgin, Waltham (mainly american pocket watches and american watches)
- Gold-plated watches (thinner layer that wears over time) – found in many Swiss Japanese vintage pieces and French
We can also plate over gold-filled watches by adding another layer of gold microns on top when the original gold-filled surface shows oxidation or wear. This process refreshes the appearance and extends the life of your gold-filled timepiece.
Rose Gold Plating: Colours and Karats for Watch Cases
Rose Gold Plating: Colours and Karats for Watch Cases
Most vintage watches are yellow gold-plated, making rose gold extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. While rose gold has become trendy lately on fashion watches and new models, finding authentic vintage rose gold-plated pieces is quite special.
Rose Gold Karat Variations in Plating Solutions
The color intensity of rose gold depends on the karat and alloys used in the solution:
Each watch manufacturer has their own custom solution recipe, so we do our best to match the rose gold color. However, many factors can affect the final result, including the type of base metal and the age of the watch. Different eras used different solution compositions. Plating is a science with many variables involved.
From Vintage Rarities to Custom Bespoke Rose Gold Watches
Russian Soviet Rose Gold Plated Timepieces
We’ve managed to re-plate rare rose gold models such as special Raketa “Copernicus” pieces with sunburst dials, Poljot “De Luxe” dress watches, and extremely rare Slava “Meridian” world-time pieces. These were often diplomatic gifts or special editions.
Swiss & International Vintage Rose Gold Plated Watches
We’ve restored rose gold-plated Omega Seamaster De Ville models with linen dials, slim Longines Conquest dress watches, rare Hamilton Thin-O-Matic pieces, and Bulova “President” models from the 1960s-70s.
Fashion watches, mainly in quartz, have been trending among women with beautiful case designs and stunning rose gold colors.
FLAIR
Popular Ladies' Fashion Watch Brands We Rose Gold Plate
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We are familiar with rose gold electroplating brands like ladies’ Rotary (British heritage with Swiss movements), Timex (vintage-inspired Marlin and Q reissues), Seiko (Dolce ultra-thin models), Citizen (Eco-Drive Stiletto), and modern fashion brands like Olivia Burton, Daniel Wellington, Fossil, Skagen, and Anne Klein and Giorgio Armani.
ROSE GOLD
Important Considerations for Fashion Watch Plating
Cost vs. Value Assessment Most modern fashion watches are mass-produced in Asia using PVD plating machines. For our workshop, which specializes in vintage and Swiss branded timepieces, plating these watches often costs more than buying a replacement – unless the watch has sentimental value.
We’ll always give you honest advice about whether plating makes economic sense for your particular timepiece.
When Fashion Watch Plating Makes Sense:
When to Consider Replacement:
- Sentimental value (gift from loved one, special occasion)
- Discontinued models you can’t replace
- Higher-end fashion brands worth restoring
- Vintage fashion pieces from the 1980s-90s
- New mass-market fashion watches (under £100 original price)
- Common models easily available new
- Severely damaged cases requiring extensive repair
Modern PVD & DLC Coatings Service
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) became popular in watches during the 1980s when brands like Rado and Hublot started using this technology for more durable finishes. We can apply PVD gold coatings to your watch case, which will contain real gold in thin layers (0.1-5 microns) and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) for ultra-hard black finishes. These coatings are popular on modern fashion watches and luxury brands like Hublot and TAG Heuer but we can do this service in any types of watches.
Our PVD Experience
We have applied PVD coatings to numerous customer watches, from fashion pieces to high-end timepieces. The process involves vaporizing metals in a vacuum chamber and depositing them onto the watch surface at a molecular level. This creates a bond that’s much stronger than traditional plating methods.
PVD Gold vs Traditional Gold Plating
PVD gold contains real gold but in thinner layers than our traditional electroplating (which uses 1-20 microns). However, PVD is more scratch-resistant and durable. We can apply PVD in various gold tones including yellow gold, rose gold, and even custom colors that aren’t possible with traditional plating.
DLC - The Ultimate Durability for Watch Coatings
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating provides exceptional hardness and scratch resistance. Our DLC coating for customers wanting deep black finishes that won’t wear off easily. It’s perfect for sports watches and modern timepieces where durability is essential.
- Modern fashion watches needing colour refreshing
- Sports watches requiring maximum durability
- Custom colour requests (blue, gunmetal, bronze tones)
- Watches exposed to heavy daily wear
If you’re not happy with your old PVD coating, we can remove worn PVD coatings and reapply new coatings.. Many customers bring us watches where the original PVD has worn at the edges – we strip and recoat them completely.
Watch Plating Costs and FAQ
We provide free assessments with accurate quotes. Pricing depends on gold market prices, watch complexity, surface condition, and plating type. Book your free evaluation for an accurate quote.
Every watch is unique and requires proper inspection. Our free assessment ensures accurate pricing with no surprises.
Professional examination, detailed written quote, expert plating advice, and consultation. The assessment costs nothing.
Yes, we provide collection and delivery services within London for your convenience. We also offer special delivery via Royal Mail and DHL anywhere in the world.
Most watches are completed within 5-7 working days from assessment. Complex vintage pieces may require additional time.
It all depends on the watch metal and your choice, but the metal type is the most important factor. Gold electroplating works best for vintage brass cases offering thicker layers. PVD is ideal for modern stainless steel watches and sports pieces, providing superior scratch resistance with thinner layers (0.1-5 microns). We’ll recommend the best option during your free assessment based on your specific watch.
Ideally the minimum should be 5 microns, but for a restoration on Omega for example it should be 20 microns. The thickness depends on the watch brand, original specifications, and intended use. We match historical standards during your free assessment.
Yes, stainless steel requires special chemical surface preparation, but we can apply gold plating or Rose gold finishes.
Our gold plated watches are quite scratch-resistant due to our thick plating process. Whilst the finish is durable, we always recommend treating plated watches with care to maintain their appearance.
A: Yes, though we’ll give you honest advice about cost versus value. For sentimental pieces or discontinued models, plating makes sense. For common mass-market watches under £100, replacement might be more economical.
Both use real gold but with different processes and characteristics:
| Feature | PVD Gold | Traditional Micron Gold Plating |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.1–5 microns | 1–20 microns |
| Durability | More scratch-resistant | Excellent longevity |
| Process | Vacuum deposition | Electrochemical bath |
| Gold Content | Real gold (but thin) | Real gold (thicker) |
PVD Gold: Perfect for modern sports watches and pieces requiring maximum scratch resistance.
Traditional Micron Gold Plating: Ideal for vintage watches and luxury timepieces. For quality watch work, we recommend a minimum of 5 microns.
Ideal for vintage watches and luxury timepieces.
We’ll recommend the best option during your free assessment based on your watch type and intended use.
PVD gold is more durable than regular gold plating but can still wear off over time, especially at edges. High-quality PVD coatings like those from Rolex, Omega, or Hublot last much longer than cheaper versions.
PVD gold is more durable than regular gold plating but can still wear off over time, especially at edges. High-quality PVD coatings like those from Rolex, Omega, or Hublot last much longer than cheaper versions.
Many premium brands use PVD including Rolex (some Daytona and Datejust models with “Rolesor” PVD gold accents), Hublot (Classic Fusion in PVD rose gold), Omega (Seamaster and Speedmaster editions), and TAG Heuer (Carrera with PVD gold coating).
Yes, our experienced watchmaker handles complete dismantling and reassembly, protecting all internal components.
Yes, we specialize in plating complicated vintage timepieces from the 1950s and 1960s, including watches with micro rotors, chronographs, and other complex movements. Our experienced watchmaker carefully dismantles the movement from the case, and the case then goes into the electroplating tank for treatment.
Yes, from vintage Swiss brands (Omega, Rolex), French watches, American to Russian timepieces and modern fashion watches. Each requires specialized knowledge we’ve developed over years.
Watch Plating Near You
Looking for “watch plating near me”? At Jewellery Watch Repairs and Restoration London, we’re the UK’s premier specialists for professional watch gold plating, rose gold plating, and PVD coatings.
Our London Hatton Garden workshop, with years of established reputation, has provided bespoke services for clients locally across the UK, mainland Europe, and internationally. Whether you own a vintage or modern watch, our expert electroplating restores your watch’s original beauty with 5-20 micron gold thickness.
We offer complete watch plating services including surface preparation, electroplating, and Black DLC coatings. All finishes are colour-matched to original specifications.
Global shipping available via Royal Mail, FedEx, and DHL. Free assessment included.
Contact Us
Fancy getting your Watch Plated?
Contact info
- Phone: +442036331531
- mail@jewellerywatchrepairsandrestoration-london.co.uk
JWRR Watch Plating workshop Address
Opening Hours/ Apppointment only
- Monday - Friday 8am - 17pm
- Saturday 10am - 8pm