Hey all...

I have been seeing some watches lately with a black PVD coating instead of the factory brushed/stainless steel. I have seen it on several Rolex's, Pan's and a few others...

Just curious, what does this process involve? Has anyone done it before, if so anywhere you recommend? I havent asked my jeweler yet, just thought id post up asking around...

Thinking about doing this to either my Yachtmaster or Santos 100..

Here are a few images of what im talking about.

 

PVD - physical vapor deposition

Described in very layman terms!

Process where metal is ionized either through a high potential electric field such as a plasma or in conjunction with a chemical process. The process essentially drives the ionized metal of choice (i.e., titanium nitride, gold, platinum, etc.) onto a substrate where several things may occur. The metal ion may have enough energy to become driven (similar to a rail gun) into the substrate or the ion may land and a surface reaction may occur.

Regardless, the deposition process is typically a few microns thick (if that since the process can be very inefficient with it highly dependent on which method is chosen).

PVD coatings can be very hard and durable, but that depends largely upon the stoichiometry of the gases used and proper surface treatment of the substrate before deposition. A good example of hard but brittle deposition is a titanium-nitride drill bit that you see advertised.

I now ramble...hope this helps.

 

There are some places that can do it, I know for example Apbands for the ROO watches. However they can get scratched pretty easily it depends, that PAM looks amazing.

 

I think it's really cool. These guys are among the better ones: Pro-Hunter

 

I love this quote "The Pro-Hunter is to Rolex, As AMG is to Mercedes-Benz"

 

The last pic of PAM 317 is not PVD coated, that's a ceramic case.

PVD cases are prone to scratches, I'd prefer to look for ceramic or forged CF cases.

 

Bamford and sons are also top notch, right along pro-hunter...

I love the blacked out milgauss GV they offer!

 

Jack at International Watch Works does an amazing job as well.