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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Copper plating on watch movement parts is fading

2007

Hello
My name is Tim I am a watchmaker in phoenix az .I have been trying to restore omega watch movements from the 50's and 60's . It is no problem to copper plate them but after a few weeks they turn in color. When first plated they are a bright pink color .I am looking for any information on how to do this so the color stays bright .I think I may even be looking for something other than copper or a copper mix with about the same color? Not sure at this point.
I have been experimenting for a few months and need help .

Thank you,

Tim Mackrain
watchmaker - Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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I'm a little confused about what you are trying to do, Tim. Proper copper plating is copper color, like a new penny (pennies are made by plating zinc with copper), certainly more orange than pink or salmon color. What solution are you using and what are the parts made of -- bronze and brass? And how does copper plating 'restore' them? Thanks.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

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Ok, I got the same issue, I also work on Omega movements, most of the watch plating and parts are made of copper/brass combination (I guess, I don't know that much) but yes, the plating starts fading because every time they get service chemicals are used to clean them and that also help for the wear of the plating over many years.

I guess a good solution that I have read is nickel plate first and that copper plating so the piece is back to his original shine, (I planing to Use Rose gold solution for some movement), Or can the same fade watch be over plated with the copper or gold solution?

Now, I never in my life had gold plate nothing I just been researching and reading, but I always fall in to this page because you guys work a lot on this type of plating business.

Your professional input will be awesome, because we watchmakers love beautiful movement and to service a watch and see those fading colors, than close the back case and let it go, is painful, especially collectible watches.

Thanks for your time.

Hector Marquez
- Miami, Florida, USA
January 14, 2011