Info From Ebay

[offshore]

Found a couple of interesting guides on ebay- this one relates to plating.

No comment as to the accuracy of the statements, read and accept for yourself, but someone knows a bit about the subject.

"What is the difference between RGP, WGF, YGF, EP and SS?

RGP refers to "rolled gold plate". Rolled gold is a very thin sheet of precious metal (gold) is actually fused and laminated to a lesser metal such as brass or white metal. The two layers of metal are heated under pressure to fuse them together. The sheet is rolled very thin sheet and used to make jewelry or other objects. Jewelry made from rolled gold wear well over time – especially in watch bands which tend to rub against the skin a lot and lose gold. Rolled gold pieces are marked rolled gold plate, R.G.P., or "plaque d'or lamine". WGF and YGF refer to white or yellow gold filled. It is also called "double d'or". Jewelry is made of a thin outer layer of gold atop any base metal in a process similar to rolled gold plate. If an object is marked GF, it should tell you what the karat of the gold used is. For example, an item marked 1/20 G.F. 14kt. Indicates that at least 1/20th of the metal is 14 karat gold. To be classified as GF, an item must be at least 1/20th gold sold by weight. EP refers to Electroplating – or Galvanotechnics after its inventor, Luigi Galvani. The gold is placed over the base metal using electricity that transfers a thin coating over top of the base metal. Items can be gold plated, silver plated, rhodium plated, platinum plated, chromium plated or copper plated, etc. The thickness of the metal coat varies. Electrogilded coating is the thinnest (less than 0.000007 inches thick); gold-cased metals have a coating thicker that 0.000007 inches. SS is Stainless Steel – NOT Sterling Silver.

How can I take care of my watch to ensure that the gold layer doesn't come off?

One of the most common causes of gold coming off of an item is actually powder. Talc is abrasive and wearing a lot of powder underneath a gold plated or filled item will cause the soft gold to rub off faster. Avoid powders or perfumes on the wrist when wearing a plated or filled watch. Note that often an item will say that the bezel (top of the case) is plated, but the back is stainless steel. This is to save the expense of using more costly gold on surfaces that do not show anyway and also because of abrasion to the parts that contact the skin. If an item becomes unplated and the base metal begins to show through, a competent metal refinisher can electroplate the item for you. It is impossible to add gold by the RGP or GF process once the piece is made. You may have to re-electroplate frequently to maintain a nice gold finish. The cost is generally minimal. Ask your jeweler. Many jewelers have the capability to electroplate in their shops."

Just a copy and paste of this guide- makes interesting reading??

Offshore

[offshore]

This one relates to Omega 300 flaws- obviously a knowledgable repaholic. One of us?

Good info!

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-Spot-a-Fake...CAT:-1:SEARCH:2

Offshore

[Pugwash]

Excellent stuff. Thanks for that.

[r11co]

This one relates to Omega 300

Mmmm, vintage Omega Seamaster 300.......

[retep]

Here`s another article about gen/ fake comparison off the sm 300

Click here

[mums-mums]

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How can I take care of my watch to ensure that the gold layer doesn't come off?

One of the most common causes of gold coming off of an item is actually powder. Talc is abrasive and wearing a lot of powder underneath a gold plated or filled item will cause the soft gold to rub off faster. Avoid powders or perfumes on the wrist when wearing a plated or filled watch. ...........................................

Offshore

Got to stop using all that powder.

[Chronus]

Good info on the gold.

In a solid gold watch, would the gold still rub off at the same rate, rendering the case thinner eventually ?