Gold Plating the steel Apple Watch not possible?

[slimpaul]

Well then you would have a fake Edition.

Not something I would be particularly proud of.

Different strokes.

No. I will have a custom bespoke Apple Watch. I prefer the look of a gold case, but don't need it to be solid gold, nor do I have $10,000 to splurge on one.

 

[Lucifer666]

No. I will have a custom bespoke Apple Watch. I prefer the look of a gold case, but don't need it to be solid gold, nor do I have $10,000 to splurge on one.

Oh I see. You like the color. With the added benefit that chicks kiss up to you.

Makes sense to me

 

[diablo2112]

I can comfortably say that a huge number of folks posting in this thread don't know a thing about what they're talking about. You can easily gold-plate stainless steel. Also, good gold coatings don't wear off (see the term "HGE" associated with jewelry if you want more details).

There will be a steady and large market for gold-plating Apple Watches, along with other coatings like TiN (hard gold), TiAlN (various blue and purple) and who know what else; it's inevitable. Just wait.

 

[bunnicula]

No. I will have a custom bespoke Apple Watch. I prefer the look of a gold case, but don't need it to be solid gold, nor do I have $10,000 to splurge on one.

The 100,000 dollar question is:

Will you tell people who ask that it's "custom bespoke" because you don't "have $10,000 to splurge on one" or do you want people to think it's an Edition?

If the former, no biggie. If the latter, that's tacky.

 

[leeingham]

If you really want a gold plated Watch then the better course of action would be to order one from Goldgenie for a smidgeon over £2500 (42mm, inclusive of VAT). Not a great deal more than £859 + £1275, and gives you infinitely more 'comeback' if there are any problems with the plating/functionality. You'd need to check the terms of the guarantee, of course: can't see any Watch-specific warranty terms on the website.

My sister is a freelance events organiser, working mostly in fashion/design. She uses Goldgenie exclusively for knocking up all sorts of knick-knacks for goodie bags. I believe they have some sort of relationship with Apple (so I'm surprised they'd agree to plate a user-supplied Watch).

Having worked for apple and see a number of phones come in gold plated - warranty is void due to the tampering of the device

 

[flyinmac]

The 100,000 dollar question is:

Will you tell people who ask that it's "custom bespoke" because you don't "have $10,000 to splurge on one" or do you want people to think it's an Edition?

If the former, no biggie. If the latter, that's tacky.

Realistically, nobody cares. It only matters as a state of mentality here on MR.

Nobody in real life cares, or is going to ask what it's made of. I've had gold jewelry, played, pure, and even some that were really cheap.

I've got some $5 necklaces that are more impressive looking than ones which were real gold.

Nobody asks. Nobody cares. It's all just what you want. If you think it is a status thing, guess what... Only you will care.

I've never had anyone ask or care whether it's real gold, pure gold, plated, or completely fake junk jewelry. It's of no matter to anyone other than the owner.

Now, if you want people to care about jewelry, put a dodge ornament on a Chevy. Now, that they'll ask about on their own. And the responses are funny. Especially when they find out you only wanted to plug a hole.

 

[MH01]

Ignore the repair centre. I'm sure a service will be added by someone in the near future to turn the Apple watch into an edition watch for 1/10th the price.

I actually think this is a great idea , if gold plated well, no one is going to tell the difference between the models by looking at this.

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The 100,000 dollar question is:

Will you tell people who ask that it's "custom bespoke" because you don't "have $10,000 to splurge on one" or do you want people to think it's an Edition?

If the former, no biggie. If the latter, that's tacky.

have you ever asked if someone's Rolex is real gold or gold plated SS model?

The only tacky part will be if he saves on the gold plating process and it starts to wear off .

 

[1000]

What gets me is that the gold iPhones look perfectly good with their artificial gold finish. Why the heck could'nt they take the same route with the watch ?

1000

 

[Honey Badger]

OP, if an inexpensive gold smart watch is all you want, why jump through hoops to get it? The Pebble Time Gold Watch will sell for like $300 or whatever so maybe that might be an option for you. They actually don't look that bad if you like that sort of thing.

 

[slimpaul]

What gets me is that the gold iPhones look perfectly good with their artificial gold finish. Why the heck could'nt they take the same route with the watch ?

1000

So they could give the people going for the Edition a greater sense of individuality. After all, I'm sure they would expect a product thats distinguishable from the other 99% when spending this much money.

OP, if an inexpensive gold smart watch is all you want, why jump through hoops to get it? The Pebble Time Gold Watch will sell for like $300 or whatever so maybe that might be an option for you. They actually don't look that bad if you like that sort of thing.

Thanks brother, I'll stick to the "real thing"
Does like quite decent though

 

[slimpaul]

I've just come across another gold plating company. This time a US one. They offer two interesting gold case combos I've never seen before - with a space grey link bracelet and a gold milanese loop! The first one looks like some some kind of racing edition

 

[kdarling]

I've just come across another gold plating company. This time a US one. They offer two interesting gold case combos I've never seen before - with a space grey link bracelet and a gold milanese loop! The first one looks like some some kind of racing edition

Thanks for the link!

I really think Apple missed the boat by jumping straight to the expensive solid gold Edition for a relative handful of buyers, instead of first offering a gold plated (or even just gold colored) version for a larger group who might prefer it over a silver-ish color.

 

[Rogifan]

I had a gold iPhone 5S. I thought it was beautiful but in no way would I compare champagne colored aluminum to gold jewelry - real or plated. theres no way Apple would ever sell something like that.

 

[bunnicula]

Ignore the repair centre. I'm sure a service will be added by someone in the near future to turn the Apple watch into an edition watch for 1/10th the price.

I actually think this is a great idea , if gold plated well, no one is going to tell the difference between the models by looking at this.

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have you ever asked if someone's Rolex is real gold or gold plated SS model?

The only tacky part will be if he saves on the gold plating process and it starts to wear off .

I don't pay close attention to watch brands, just how they look. I've never found a man more attractive due to his watch. Whether or not someone is wearing a Rolex or a Timex is of no significance to me. A Rolex could be a fake or an heirloom passed down for a few generations. Meaning...the OP could be wearing a genuine Rolex that didn't cost him a dime.

With the Apple Watch, you have a new product with a fairly expensive version and getting it golf plated is pretty much a way to make it look (to some people) like you have 17,000 dollars to drop on a new tech gadget. Like I said, if one were the sort who'd tell people (if asked) that it's not the Edition, then hey...do whatever.

If one's purpose was to deceive others with it, I dunno. Strikes me as dishonest, but that's just me.

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I had a gold iPhone 5S. I thought it was beautiful but in no way would I compare champagne colored aluminum to gold jewelry - real or plated. theres no way Apple would ever sell something like that.

You don't think Apple would sell a gold aluminum Apple Watch? I bet they will. And a rose gold aluminum one. To match people's iPhones. Those will be new Sport cases. And nobody will think they're Edition models.

 

[BvizioN]

Why would you want to pay money to look like a dick? That's what'll happen if people think you're strolling around with a 10k quid Apple watch

I know it's extremely easy to get that impression but what about people who genuinely like the look of it? Why would I look like s dick if I like the look of the addition? Surely I don't like how it's priced but gee...I feel that there is some stigma being build around it.

 

[bunnicula]

Realistically, nobody cares. It only matters as a state of mentality here on MR.

Nobody in real life cares, or is going to ask what it's made of. I've had gold jewelry, played, pure, and even some that were really cheap.

I've got some $5 necklaces that are more impressive looking than ones which were real gold.

Nobody asks. Nobody cares. It's all just what you want. If you think it is a status thing, guess what... Only you will care.

I've never had anyone ask or care whether it's real gold, pure gold, plated, or completely fake junk jewelry. It's of no matter to anyone other than the owner.

Now, if you want people to care about jewelry, put a dodge ornament on a Chevy. Now, that they'll ask about on their own. And the responses are funny. Especially when they find out you only wanted to plug a hole.

So, it's not a status thing?

Of course nobody will ask if it's real. But, people will exclaim "look! There's that Apple Edition Watch!" Or "Wow! You got the Apple Edition! (With respect for your fat wallet gleaming in their eyes)," and I'm guessing (based on this convo here, so maybe I'm misinterpreting your possible actions) you plan not to tell anyone otherwise.

Eh. Chicks do that with fake diamonds. I'm just not a cubic zirconia type and gold plated jewelry looks, well, gold plated to me. But, I reckon you're right that most people don't care.

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I know it's extremely easy to get that impression but what about people who genuinely like the look of it? Why would I look like s dick if I like the look of the addition? Surely I don't like how it's priced but gee...I feel that there is some stigma being build around it.

I think it's attractive. I tried some on a few days ago at the Apple Store. They're quite heavy and they feel different than the SS models. I liked the yellow gold and red modern buckle more than I thought I would. It's a striking combo. Ditto the rose gold and white sport band. Go figure!

Ultimately, the SS matches my wedding rings (platinum) and all my other rings (platinum or white gold) and the SS matches what I'm willing to spend, so I'm buying SS.

Still, the Edition is indeed an attractive watch. Which surprised me. I dunno what a gold plated knockoff would look like, though.

 

[mrex]

Gold Plating the steel Apple Watch not possible?

Stainless Steel cannot be gold plated. I know I am in the jewelry business and have done all sorts of plating. It's just not possible. Now you can paint it gold or have a gold case made for it but you cannot gold plate stainless steel period. Oh and by the way I've seen plenty of sapphire watch crystals that were scratched and they weren't scratched by diamonds or sapphires.

im a chemist and i dont see why you couldnt plate stainless steel. a common method for plating stainless steel is to use woods nickel at first and then gold plate the object. if anyone is trying to do that at home, remember to work quickly after the nickel strike. the object should be put into the gold bath right after rinsing...

 

[izzle22]

im a chemist and i dont see why you couldnt plate stainless steel. a common method for plating stainless steel is to use woods nickel at first and then gold plate the object. if anyone is trying to do that at home, remember to work quickly after the nickel strike. the object should be put into the gold bath right after rinsing...

I stand corrected, after some more research and talking to colleagues, you actually can gold plate SS. It's just not suggested because it will wear off quickly on a watch.

 

[Piggie]

I stand corrected, after some more research and talking to colleagues, you actually can gold plate SS. It's just not suggested because it will wear off quickly on a watch.

Well there are probably tens of thousands of Gold Plated watches being bought by customers every week around the world, so it would seem normal people like them.

Or, as sadly some here would say, Some low class scummy slobs who are poor are buying crappy fake worthless low quality watches as they know no better.



Must admit, I have NEVER witnessed such snobbery on ANY internet forum before than I have here. It's quite disturbing.

 

[mrex]

every plating will wear out - it is just a thin layer on the object. Even gold. There are some hardened gold solutions that resist scrathes better than pure gold. But most of them contains chemicals that you dont want to get to touch with your skin. Some may be better, dont know...

 

[flyinmac]

So, it's not a status thing?

Of course nobody will ask if it's real. But, people will exclaim "look! There's that Apple Edition Watch!" Or "Wow! You got the Apple Edition! (With respect for your fat wallet gleaming in their eyes)," and I'm guessing (based on this convo here, so maybe I'm misinterpreting your possible actions) you plan not to tell anyone otherwise.

Eh. Chicks do that with fake diamonds. I'm just not a cubic zirconia type and gold plated jewelry looks, well, gold plated to me. But, I reckon you're right that most people don't care.

I simply don't make what I'm wearing a conversation piece, and neither does anyone else. I guess my friends and family and for that matter local general public aren't as shallow as what you're accustomed to.

I'm more familiar with conversations about life, and what's going on, than people making any kind of comment about what anyone happens to be wearing. They and I simply don't care. They'd hardly notice I had a watch, let alone make any kind of exclamation about brand and model.

 

[bunnicula]

I simply don't make what I'm wearing a conversation piece, and neither does anyone else. I guess my friends and family and for that matter local general public aren't as shallow as what you're accustomed to.

I'm more familiar with conversations about life, and what's going on, than people making any kind of comment about what anyone happens to be wearing. They and I simply don't care. They'd hardly notice I had a watch, let alone make any kind of exclamation about brand and model.

I just observe people and group interactions. My friends and family aren't shallow (or I do not see much evidence if they are), but it's kind of hard to not notice what someone is driving when they're right there beside you in the parking lot, no?

Maybe you are surrounded by people who don't read the Internet and aren't interested in the Apple Watch, so they'd have no clue. I dunno. The point is largely irrelevant. You're the only person that knows exactly why you want a gold plated Apple Watch instead of the actual Apple Edition, really.

I hope your plating plan pans out well for you if you decide to go for it.

 

[Rogifan]

You don't think Apple would sell a gold aluminum Apple Watch? I bet they will. And a rose gold aluminum one. To match people's iPhones. Those will be new Sport cases. And nobody will think they're Edition models.

No I don't think they will. If they were going to why don't we have it now? The new MacBook comes in all three colors.

 

[bunnicula]

No I don't think they will. If they were going to why don't we have it now? The new MacBook comes in all three colors.

Takes the spotlight off the Edition is my guess. I'm thinking these are in future case plans. Especially if they launch a "rose gold" iPhone in September.

 

[flyinmac]

I just observe people and group interactions. My friends and family aren't shallow (or I do not see much evidence if they are), but it's kind of hard to not notice what someone is driving when they're right there beside you in the parking lot, no?

Maybe you are surrounded by people who don't read the Internet and aren't interested in the Apple Watch, so they'd have no clue. I dunno. The point is largely irrelevant. You're the only person that knows exactly why you want a gold plated Apple Watch instead of the actual Apple Edition, really.

I hope your plating plan pans out well for you if you decide to go for it.

So focused on making your point that you don't even realize who your replying to.

I'm not even buying the Apple Watch. It's of no practical use to me. Yet you've twice assumed I'm buying one and plating it, and in your prior response to me stated I'd be trying to impress girls with it.

Focussed and disoriented.

Now, I find the watch interesting from a technological perspective. But at this point, I'm not buying one.

And no, the people in my town are not disconnected, we're simply not that shallow. And yes it is easy to not notice what kind of car you see someone in. In the end, it's a tool. It has 4 wheels, and they go places in it. Of no importance what brand or model it is. It's a tool.

Oh, and girls aren't "chicks" unless you're used to birds. Ewwwww.