Please Help!!

[howardj]

I have a vintage Rolex Crocodile watch band purchased in 1971 from Bucherer in Geneva Switzerland ( photo below) as a replacement band for an 18K Rolex Cellini ( also pictured) thinking that the original band ( same except for color) would need to be replaced at some point.

I was asked what the markings on the clasp were. They read PLAQUE G on the left side of the clasp then on the right it says ROLEXSS in an oval shape and underneath that it says SWISS.

I was devastated thinking that I had an 18K clasp in reserve and then I looked at the clasp on the watch and it has the same markings.

Can anyone help me with how what must be a gold plate over sterling silver clasp gets put on an 18 K watch 41 years ago??

I would really appreciate anything that anyone can tell me.

Thanks in advance.