Gold Plating the steel Apple Watch not possible?

[Mac 128]

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.

They don't have it now for the same reason they don't have enough stock on hand for all the orders they are filling. It's the same reason the iPhone and iPad 1G only came in black. It's the same reason they don't have a gold link bracelet, or Milanese loop for the Edition, even though we've seen them give one away to the godfather of fashion.

There's only so much they can manage in one rollout, and they made a decision to limit the options. There will absolutely be a gold sport watch to match a users iPhone -- the essential product the watch is designed to be used with and physically mimic. And this is exactly why there will be a cheaper gold clad option too, because not everyone will wear a silver or black watch. And this is why there will be a white gold, or platinum Edition.

But to try to roll out every single option at once on a massive product launch for a product with no history or market equivalent, would be foolish. In most cases Apple only offers one choice on the first generation of anything the produce, and quickly follow it up with options as soon as they get a handle on it.

 

[Arran]

I'm no plating expert, however, I have watched quite a few things on TV about various plating of various metals with different substances.

It wasn't the Open University was it?

Happy days. Nothing like being a bored fourteen-year-old, watching a bearded metallurgist wittering on about the complexities of Atomic Layer Deposition at 6:25 am on a Sunday morning.

And all because there was absolutely nothing else on TV!

 

[bunnicula]

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.

Whatever. Half the names on here have some variation of "mac" in them.

Your responses seemed to indicate that you think gold plating watches is a swell idea, so for all I knew, you had ideas to do it yourself. Girl, chick, woman, female. Since I am one, I can pretty much use whatever term I like.

It's not hard to notice the branding on ANY product. If people would never notice it, it wouldn't even exist. Pretending you don't see badges on cars and realize what type they are is a bit disingenuous, don't you think?

Anyway...as I said, but I'll direct it at the OP...if someone wants to gold plate (whatever) they can knock their socks off. I don't actually care. I just find human motivation to be fascinating.

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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 .

It'll wear off. That's pretty clear.

 

[Rogifan]

They don't have it now for the same reason they don't have enough stock on hand for all the orders they are filling. It's the same reason the iPhone and iPad 1G only came in black. It's the same reason they don't have a gold link bracelet, or Milanese loop for the Edition, even though we've seen them give one away to the godfather of fashion.

There's only so much they can manage in one rollout, and they made a decision to limit the options. There will absolutely be a gold sport watch to match a users iPhone -- the essential product the watch is designed to be used with and physically mimic. And this is exactly why there will be a cheaper gold clad option too, because not everyone will wear a silver or black watch. And this is why there will be a white gold, or platinum Edition.

But to try to roll out every single option at once on a massive product launch for a product with no history or market equivalent, would be foolish. In most cases Apple only offers one choice on the first generation of anything the produce, and quickly follow it up with options as soon as they get a handle on it.

I'm not convinced gold will show up anywhere other than the expensive models. I guess we'll see who ends up right.

 

[flyinmac]

Whatever. Half the names on here have some variation of "mac" in them.

Your responses seemed to indicate that you think gold plating watches is a swell idea, so for all I knew, you had ideas to do it yourself. Girl, chick, woman, female. Since I am one, I can pretty much use whatever term I like.

It's not hard to notice the branding on ANY product. If people would never notice it, it wouldn't even exist. Pretending you don't see badges on cars and realize what type they are is a bit disingenuous, don't you think?

Anyway...as I said, but I'll direct it at the OP...if someone wants to gold plate (whatever) they can knock their socks off. I don't actually care. I just find human motivation to be fascinating.

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It'll wear off. That's pretty clear.

Not everyone is that worried about brands and models. I was in someone else's car last night. You know what I know about it? It was bigger than mine cause there was more room, and it is some shade of dark color. You know what I cared about it? It got us where we were going.

The neighbors in my building have a red car and a blue one. What kind, I have no idea. It's a car. I know the color because I've seen them every day for a couple years now. And those are my friends. Some other random person in a parking lot? I'm barely going to notice that they're there, unless they're in my way. I certainly don't care what they're driving.

I see thousands of cars a day on the road. I don't care what kind they are. I only care where they are relative to where I'm driving. I wouldn't notice or care if it's a Mercedes or a Subaru. As long as we're not gonna crash into each other, I'm happy.

If someone wants to plate their watch to be gold, that's up to them. Their personal style. And why pay a lot for it? If all they want is gold color on a budget, I can appreciate that.

If they're thinking someone's gonna notice and be impressed, then it's a waste. Nobody's going to notice on their own or care. You'll have to make a point of showing it to someone for them to even make a comment, and the nice comment they make to you verbally with likely be while they're thinking "yawn" in their head.

I have nice gold watches. Silver watches. And plastic watches. Nobody's ever cared which I wore, or even commented on them. But, I might put on one of the other with an outfit for an evening out. Simple color coordination.

Those who are looking at the Apple watch as a status symbol are going to find that they've wasted their money.

Spending money for the sake of envy is always a waste. Getting something that serves a utility is practical and worth the money.

And yes, I'd wear a cubic zirconia if I wanted to complete a look for a nice evening out. Would I expect admiration and envy? No. Is anyone going to ask if its diamonds? No. Is anyone other than me going to care what it is? No. Will a date notice? No. The only comment might be "you look nice tonight". And that's enough.

But, then again, I'm the type who would be satisfied with plastic rings at a wedding. It's not the material items in life that matter. Maybe I just come from old values, and I'm glad for it.

 

[Mildredop]

A lot of effort for a ugly watch.

 

[bunnicula]

Not everyone is that worried about brands and models. I was in someone else's car last night. You know what I know about it? It was bigger than mine cause there was more room, and it is some shade of dark color. You know what I cared about it? It got us where we were going.

The neighbors in my building have a red car and a blue one. What kind, I have no idea. It's a car. I know the color because I've seen them every day for a couple years now. And those are my friends. Some other random person in a parking lot? I'm barely going to notice that they're there, unless they're in my way. I certainly don't care what they're driving.

I see thousands of cars a day on the road. I don't care what kind they are. I only care where they are relative to where I'm driving. I wouldn't notice or care if it's a Mercedes or a Subaru. As long as we're not gonna crash into each other, I'm happy.

If someone wants to plate their watch to be gold, that's up to them. Their personal style. And why pay a lot for it? If all they want is gold color on a budget, I can appreciate that.

If they're thinking someone's gonna notice and be impressed, then it's a waste. Nobody's going to notice on their own or care. You'll have to make a point of showing it to someone for them to even make a comment, and the nice comment they make to you verbally with likely be while they're thinking "yawn" in their head.

I have nice gold watches. Silver watches. And plastic watches. Nobody's ever cared which I wore, or even commented on them. But, I might put on one of the other with an outfit for an evening out. Simple color coordination.

Those who are looking at the Apple watch as a status symbol are going to find that they've wasted their money.

Spending money for the sake of envy is always a waste. Getting something that serves a utility is practical and worth the money.

And yes, I'd wear a cubic zirconia if I wanted to complete a look for a nice evening out. Would I expect admiration and envy? No. Is anyone going to ask if its diamonds? No. Is anyone other than me going to care what it is? No. Will a date notice? No. The only comment might be "you look nice tonight". And that's enough.

But, then again, I'm the type who would be satisfied with plastic rings at a wedding. It's not the material items in life that matter. Maybe I just come from old values, and I'm glad for it.

I think that you and I actually have the same point of view about this, but I feel like you are assuming that I am somehow impressed by symbols of wealth. I'm not.

This, however, does not mean that I don't notice them. I'm not blind and I pay attention to a good many things from makes/models of cars to which department store I've just walked into. It's good to be aware of one's surroundings. If I got sideswiped in a hit and run, is it more useful to the police officer if I'm able to recall the make/model of the vehicle or just "Umm.. it was blue with 4 wheels?"

See what I mean here? I drive a Chevy Volt, btw. I'm actually more likely to notice an electric or a PHEV because I have an interest in them. Same goes for nice jewelry or an Apple Watch (since it's a new product category in which I have an interest).

I notice when other people have iPhones, but I think little of it, other than... oh... that's an iPhone.

I don't wear costume jewelry because I'm not a big fan of it. I wear a few pieces that are high-quality in classic styles because this is my preference. I think other women look great in their costume jewelry sometimes, but I know it doesn't really suit me. I've tried it, but it doesn't.

I'm a bit of a minimalist in my style of dress, I suppose?

I certainly don't look down on anyone who wears costume jewelry, but I can tell you that if they try to pass it off as genuine, I do find that a bit odd. Why put on airs? What's the point? If you like it, don't be afraid to announce to people who ask that it's just a costume piece you picked up. I'd think that people would be fascinated to know what manufacturer is making such attractive, affordable pieces of jewelry. Know what I mean?

I tend to go with what appeals to me, personally, and not what I think will appeal to others. I have a smallish circle of friends (though many acquaintances that I have maintained contact with over the years) and none of them give a rip one way or another about labels... it's more about what looks nice, feels nice, and that they enjoy.

Subaru makes really nice cars.

Anyway... I think I should tell you that the reason I started asking about this when the OP posted is because I've seen so many threads on MR over the years about "what people will think when they see me with this blingy new iPhone" and "which one of these is gonna impress my friends" and the latest "what do you plan to tell people once they see you out being an ambassador for Apple?" to feel like, for some folks, being SEEN is super important.

I plant to hole up here at the house with my husband and family and send each other goofy drawings, but I'm easily amused. LOL.

I'm halfway kidding. I do have friends who ordered the Apple Watch. Some as soon as orders started and others a few days later. Everyone seems happy about it and none of them are (as far as I know) comparing their choices to other people's choices to see whose is the most impressive. I bought my husband a nicer (or, maybe, more expensive) watch than I bought myself because the one he liked most was more expensive. The one I liked most was less. No biggie. They both look great on us and I think we're both happy with the choices after having tried them on.

In all seriousness, if I were the OP, I'd wait to see if Apple releases some gold aluminum models (to get the golden tone for fashion reasons) and/or some other midrange models, just so I could keep my product warranty intact.

But, that's just me.

It's been nice talking to you. I often find that after going around the point a few times, I find out that someone I've been chatting with might have a very similar opinion as mine. In person, we would've discovered this sooner, I think. Written communication isn't always perfect, especially on message boards.

 

[flyinmac]

I think that you and I actually have the same point of view about this, but I feel like you are assuming that I am somehow impressed by symbols of wealth. I'm not.

This, however, does not mean that I don't notice them. I'm not blind and I pay attention to a good many things from makes/models of cars to which department store I've just walked into. It's good to be aware of one's surroundings. If I got sideswiped in a hit and run, is it more useful to the police officer if I'm able to recall the make/model of the vehicle or just "Umm.. it was blue with 4 wheels?"

See what I mean here? I drive a Chevy Volt, btw. I'm actually more likely to notice an electric or a PHEV because I have an interest in them. Same goes for nice jewelry or an Apple Watch (since it's a new product category in which I have an interest).

I notice when other people have iPhones, but I think little of it, other than... oh... that's an iPhone.

I don't wear costume jewelry because I'm not a big fan of it. I wear a few pieces that are high-quality in classic styles because this is my preference. I think other women look great in their costume jewelry sometimes, but I know it doesn't really suit me. I've tried it, but it doesn't.

I'm a bit of a minimalist in my style of dress, I suppose?

I certainly don't look down on anyone who wears costume jewelry, but I can tell you that if they try to pass it off as genuine, I do find that a bit odd. Why put on airs? What's the point? If you like it, don't be afraid to announce to people who ask that it's just a costume piece you picked up. I'd think that people would be fascinated to know what manufacturer is making such attractive, affordable pieces of jewelry. Know what I mean?

I tend to go with what appeals to me, personally, and not what I think will appeal to others. I have a smallish circle of friends (though many acquaintances that I have maintained contact with over the years) and none of them give a rip one way or another about labels... it's more about what looks nice, feels nice, and that they enjoy.

Subaru makes really nice cars.

Anyway... I think I should tell you that the reason I started asking about this when the OP posted is because I've seen so many threads on MR over the years about "what people will think when they see me with this blingy new iPhone" and "which one of these is gonna impress my friends" and the latest "what do you plan to tell people once they see you out being an ambassador for Apple?" to feel like, for some folks, being SEEN is super important.

I plant to hole up here at the house with my husband and family and send each other goofy drawings, but I'm easily amused. LOL.

I'm halfway kidding. I do have friends who ordered the Apple Watch. Some as soon as orders started and others a few days later. Everyone seems happy about it and none of them are (as far as I know) comparing their choices to other people's choices to see whose is the most impressive. I bought my husband a nicer (or, maybe, more expensive) watch than I bought myself because the one he liked most was more expensive. The one I liked most was less. No biggie. They both look great on us and I think we're both happy with the choices after having tried them on.

In all seriousness, if I were the OP, I'd wait to see if Apple releases some gold aluminum models (to get the golden tone for fashion reasons) and/or some other midrange models, just so I could keep my product warranty intact.

But, that's just me.

It's been nice talking to you. I often find that after going around the point a few times, I find out that someone I've been chatting with might have a very similar opinion as mine. In person, we would've discovered this sooner, I think. Written communication isn't always perfect, especially on message boards.

All good points. And, I agree, if we met in person, we'd probably click quickly.

Yes, I recall some of those old forum posts also. Guys worried that a white iPhone would make people think they were gay. Well first who cares. Second, if you're a dainty guy worried about appearance, and your objects, you might be perceived as gay no matter what color it was. I advised those concerned, to put duct tape on it, and that will eliminate their concerns lol.

I personally wouldn't invest money in changing the color of an already expensive watch. But I'd be quicker to do the plating than shell out $17,000 for an otherwise identical device. Honestly, I'd be more likely to get the cheapest model and put some craft paint on it or some rustoleum paint. I've painted some computer hardware in my time.

I'm one of those that found the original iMac G5 ugly. So I ummm.... Improved it. It looked great with a little color.

I also did similar things for my daughter's computer. Anything can be made pretty.

If it served a useful purpose to me, was cheap enough, and didn't match my personal preferences, I'd make it a craft project

I'd never spend $17,000 on it. I'm too practical. I could barely justify the cheapest model.

Yes, Subaru does make nice cars lol.

I always kind of roll my eyes when I do meet the occasional person who likes to brag. One person I know professionally makes frequent point of mentioning their car. I've never seen their car, or much less them outside of an office. I'm like ok I get it, you drive a #####, who cares.

But, in my life, I've known 2 people like that. One I divorced lol.

I come from simple modest backwoods, and I've adjusted to city life. But, old values run deep.

There are some who like to try and impress. But I think in general, most accomplish the opposite when they try too hard.

While you're drawing pictures for your husband, send him a drawing of you with your feet up sipping some wine, and see if he brings you a glass

Yes, it's been nice meeting you

Forums are funny aren't they

 

[bunnicula]

All good points. And, I agree, if we met in person, we'd probably click quickly.

Yes, I recall some of those old forum posts also. Guys worried that a white iPhone would make people think they were gay. Well first who cares. Second, if you're a dainty guy worried about appearance, and your objects, you might be perceived as gay no matter what color it was. I advised those concerned, to put duct tape on it, and that will eliminate their concerns lol.

I personally wouldn't invest money in changing the color of an already expensive watch. But I'd be quicker to do the plating than shell out $17,000 for an otherwise identical device. Honestly, I'd be more likely to get the cheapest model and put some craft paint on it or some rustoleum paint. I've painted some computer hardware in my time.

I'm one of those that found the original iMac G5 ugly. So I ummm.... Improved it. It looked great with a little color.

I also did similar things for my daughter's computer. Anything can be made pretty.

If it served a useful purpose to me, was cheap enough, and didn't match my personal preferences, I'd make it a craft project

I'd never spend $17,000 on it. I'm too practical. I could barely justify the cheapest model.

Yes, Subaru does make nice cars lol.

I always kind of roll my eyes when I do meet the occasional person who likes to brag. One person I know professionally makes frequent point of mentioning their car. I've never seen their car, or much less them outside of an office. I'm like ok I get it, you drive a #####, who cares.

But, in my life, I've known 2 people like that. One I divorced lol.

I come from simple modest backwoods, and I've adjusted to city life. But, old values run deep.

There are some who like to try and impress. But I think in general, most accomplish the opposite when they try too hard.

While you're drawing pictures for your husband, send him a drawing of you with your feet up sipping some wine, and see if he brings you a glass

Yes, it's been nice meeting you

Forums are funny aren't they

Forums are indeed funny. And that wine drawing idea has merit.

 

[1000]

Has anyone held up a gold iPhone 6 directly against the case of a Rose Gold Watch Edition ? Apart from the fact that the sheen will be somewhat different, how would a watch have looked with the iPhone 6 gold finish ?

1000