Rolex PVD Coating

[NCD1979]

So I've seen a few recent threads discussing PVD coatings and individual opinions with respect to the new look they provide.

My question...What does the PVD coating process look like and how long does it last before it starts to break-down, if at all? More importantly, how does this "treatment" affect the value of the Rolex, over time?

I'm seeing more and more of these PVD timepieces floating around and I'm interested in hearing your opinions...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

[Brenngun]

Nick,

Start here. http://www.projectxdesigns.com/

Then here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond-like_carbon

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by NCD1979

I'm interested in hearing your opinions...

I for one hate PVD I would never buy one, nor would I ever do that to my Rolex. However, far be it from me to tell someone what to do with their watch.

For me it makes the watch worthless but only worthless to me, some guys will pay top dollar for a PVD watch. There is a market for everything.

[Jason71]

I had one of my 16600s PVD'd because:

1--It is my watch, and I CAN DO WITH IT AS I PLEASE.

2--I have 2 others that are pristine and unmodified, so why not have a "play" Rolex??

3--I knew it would get the purists riled-up

4--I personally like it. It is unusual, and I think it looks great.

[steven.veres]

Looks stealthy.

[NCD1979]

That looks amazing!

[Lamone]

I actually like it.

[BarkMaster]

I would pay more for that than a stainless one.

[Rags]

I like the look on someone else's rolex but I wouldn't do it to mine.

[mbrokerny]

I love it JC and if you have an unmodified one as well...why not!

[Intruder99]

jclevoy, that looks great!
would another reason to have it done be if a rolex is a little worn, then this would bring it back to a new look. I guess they polish and remove scratches before applying the black coat?
Where would you take your watch to have this done and what are the costs?

I would consider having it done, perhaps after 5 years of use then get it done.

So effectively you buy 1 watch use it then have the option of completely changing it. 2 watches for the price of ...... Well 2 watches, be cause I imagine the PVD costs as much as the watch!

[Mondo]

I think that is SEXY as hell! Congrats

Mondo

[NCD1979]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Nick,

Start here. http://www.projectxdesigns.com/

Then here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond-like_carbon

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

Great info. Thanks, Rick!

[WJGESQ]

No question, that is one of the best looking Rolex watches out there--yours looks great.

[Ragna]

Suits better in sport models.. like the SD in the pics. Takes some balls to be a modder.

[chessebj]

Ugh.

[KarlS]

Think its cool and in many cases a vast improvement.

[Cru Jones]

DLC is a form of PVD coating. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is the process in which DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) is applied. In other words, PVD is the paintbrush and DLC is the paint. That being said, DLC is harder and wears better that most if not all other types of PVD, so, if a manufacturer states that their watch is PVD coated, it's probably not DLC.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I had one of my 16600s PVD'd because:

1--It is my watch, and I CAN DO WITH IT AS I PLEASE.

2--I have 2 others that are pristine and unmodified, so why not have a "play" Rolex??

3--I knew it would get the purists riled-up

4--I personally like it. It is unusual, and I think it looks great.

Hi Jason, someone just revived this older thread..... your PVD SD looks sweet! Do you still own is and if so how the coating has hold after 6 years?

[dysondiver]

jc , that looks great , it will be interesting to see an after pic in a year or two ,,, red sets it off really well .

[iAmVice]

With a DLC coating you should really be safe............

[JohnLT]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

I would pay more for that than a stainless one.

[beshannon]

Nice 6 year old thread bump

[Allectus]

This seems a bit blasphemous to "mod" a beautiful timepiece as such. Granted it actually looks somewhat interesting with a nice aesthetic until you realize it's a friggin' ROLEX! I'm sure that there are plenty of lesser brand watches which would actually benefit from a different take on their design choices. With the amount of R&D effort expended on Rolexes, I feel it is a shame to rethink the look. PVD does not belong in the Rolex paradigm.

My two centavos.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by NCD1979

What does the PVD coating process look like and how long does it last before it starts to break-down, if at all?

physical vapor deposition/PVD is a very durable coating process...often preferred in the aerospace industry over more traditional processes like powder coating or anodizing the base metal.

it can wear off in time (due to friction) but ordinarily holds up quite well under normal circumstances.

for those into the black/stealth look...wouldn't it be bizarre if Rolex introduced a carbon-fiber or resin case? chances are it would be met with a lot of ridicule & disdain.

[Dr. Robert]

I'm waiting to see the Tudor Black Bay PVD......pics look terrific!

[ltmgeller]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I had one of my 16600s PVD'd because:

1--It is my watch, and I CAN DO WITH IT AS I PLEASE.

2--I have 2 others that are pristine and unmodified, so why not have a "play" Rolex??

3--I knew it would get the purists riled-up

4--I personally like it. It is unusual, and I think it looks great.

That looks awesome.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Hi Jason, someone just revived this older thread..... your PVD SD looks sweet! Do you still own is and if so how the coating has hold after 6 years?

I'll take it out and shoot a few pics tomorrow. It's holding up quite well IMHO

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I'll take it out and shoot a few pics tomorrow. It's holding up quite well IMHO

Thanks Jason, looking forward to see the pictures!

[HACKNSACK44]

Had my bezel done..