PVD PLATING - PHYSICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION
This method of plating is non-allergenic, has a high hardness (TiN 2900 HV +/- 200) and resists corrosion. Today, many Olympic
watches are being plated by using the PVD process. The watch case and bracelet are placed in a chamber in a controlled vacuum
atmosphere, are charged with a negative charge then bombarded with positive ions that penetrate the surface of the case and bracelet.
An arc is created which vaporises the titanium and nitrogen gases. This combination of vaporised metal and reactive gas is then
physically bonded into the surface of the case and bracelet. The first such coating is titanium nitride (TiN), a very hard and durable
coating that is yellowish in colour. This is followed by a predominantly gold (Au) coating to give the final colour. In the event of the
gold coating being scratched, the consumer sees the titanium nitride (yellowish colour) underneath which is not so obvious.
Olympic uses the PVD plating method on stainless steel cases and bracelets and it has proved to be more durable than electroplating.
IPG PLATING - ION PLATING GOLD
The process is similar to PVD but used on brass watch cases / bracelets. Because brass is more porous than stainless steel and is prone
to oxidation Olympic watches have a layer of palladium nickel plating applied before the IPG to seal the surface. Olympic watches
with IPG plating have model numbers beginning with 75...
IPS PLATING - ION PLATING SILVER
The process is similar to PVD but used on brass watch cases / bracelets. Because brass is more porous than stainless steel and is prone
to oxidation Olympic watches have a layer of palladium nickel plating applied before the IPS to seal the surface. Olympic watches
with IPG plating have model numbers beginning with 71…
IPB PLATING - ION PLATING BLACK
The process is similar to PVD but used on brass watch cases / bracelets. Because brass is more porous than stainless steel and is prone
to oxidation Olympic watches have a layer of palladium nickel plating applied before the IPB to seal the surface. Olympic watches
with IPG plating have model numbers beginning with 85…