Some watches are worth far more than their resale value. They carry memories, milestones and years of personal history.
A customer recently visited Ross Watch Repairs at The Shard, London Bridge with a discontinued Swiss Ellesse watch that had strong sentimental value. The two-tone bracelet had worn heavily over time, with much of the original yellow-metal finish fading away and the stainless steel beneath beginning to show through.
The customer did not want to replace the watch. They wanted to restore their watch.
Why This Ellesse Watch Needed Restoration
Unlike solid gold, a plated yellow-metal finish can gradually wear away through everyday use. Friction from clothing, desks and normal handling, as well as moisture and perspiration, can slowly reduce the plated surface over time. For watches that do not require replating, our watch polishing and ultrasonic cleaning service can help restore stainless-steel cases and bracelets where suitable.
Eventually, the base metal underneath begins to show through. On this Ellesse bracelet, that wear was particularly noticeable around the links and clasp, making the watch look far older than it needed to.
The watch itself was no longer in production and replacement cosmetic parts were not readily available. That meant simply ordering a new bracelet was not a realistic option.
This is where restoration became the better solution.
Can a Discontinued Watch Still Be Restored?
Yes, in many cases it can.
When a watch has been discontinued, manufacturer replacement parts may become difficult or impossible to obtain. However, if the original bracelet, clasp or case is still structurally sound, it may be possible to restore the existing components rather than replace them. We also carry out watch part repairs where individual components can be repaired or replaced.
For this Ellesse watch, we were able to keep the customer’s original bracelet and restore the worn yellow-metal sections through professional replating.
You can also read more about our wider Ellesse watch repair service.
Precision Gold Replating on a Two-Tone Bracelet
Replating a two-tone watch bracelet is a precise cosmetic restoration job. The yellow and stainless-steel sections need to remain clearly defined, while the plated areas must be prepared and refinished carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding metal.
Our team restored the worn yellow-metal sections and brought back the contrast of the original two-tone bracelet.
The work was completed in under two weeks.
The result was a major cosmetic transformation. Instead of replacing a sentimental watch because new parts were unavailable, the original bracelet could be retained and restored to a much fresher, near-new appearance.
Why Gold-Coloured Watch Plating Fades
On a plated watch, the visible gold-coloured surface is a layer applied over another metal. As that surface wears, the metal underneath becomes increasingly visible.
The Sheffield Assay Office explains metal plating as the process of covering one metal or alloy with a layer of another metal, often for decorative or functional purposes. The British Hallmarking Council guidance on GOV.UK also explains how precious-metal descriptions and hallmarking protect consumers in the UK.
That is why an older gold-plated or two-tone watch can look patchy even when the bracelet itself is still perfectly usable.
Watch Replating vs Watch Polishing
Polishing and replating are not the same thing.
Polishing is used to reduce scratches and restore the finish of exposed metal, particularly stainless steel. You can see more about our professional watch polishing service. Replating is used when a plated surface has worn away and the original coloured finish needs to be reapplied.
Some watches need polishing only. Others need replating. In some cases, both processes are required as part of a wider cosmetic restoration.
Because every watch is different, we always recommend an assessment before deciding on the best approach. You can view our wider watch repair services in London for more information.
Sentimental Watches Are Often Worth Restoring
A watch does not need to be a Rolex, Omega or another high-value luxury brand to be worth restoring.
We regularly see watches that were given as gifts, inherited from family members, worn for decades or connected to an important period in someone’s life. In those cases, the emotional value of the watch can be far greater than its resale value.
This Ellesse was exactly that kind of watch.
The aim was not simply to make an old bracelet look shiny. It was to preserve a watch the customer wanted to continue wearing.
Gold Watch Replating and Polishing in London
If your watch has faded plating, a scratched bracelet or a tired cosmetic finish, Ross Watch Repairs can inspect it and advise whether polishing, refinishing or replating may be suitable.
This Ellesse watch was brought to our The Shard, London Bridge workshop, where we assessed the condition of the bracelet before the restoration was agreed.
For customers who also need movement work, we can assess the watch for servicing and overhaul at the same time. Customers outside London can also use our UK postal watch repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watch Replating
Can you replate the gold colour on an old watch?
In many cases, yes. The watch first needs to be inspected so we can assess the underlying material, the condition of the existing plating and whether the bracelet or case is suitable for restoration.
Can you restore a discontinued watch if new parts are unavailable?
Sometimes. If replacement parts cannot be sourced, it may still be possible to polish, refinish, repair or replate the original components.
Can you polish a two-tone watch bracelet?
Often, yes, but plated and mixed-finish bracelets require more care than plain stainless steel. The correct process depends on how the bracelet is constructed and how much of the original plated finish remains.
How long does watch replating take?
Turnaround depends on the watch and the work required. This Ellesse restoration was completed in under two weeks.
Do Ross Watch Repairs provide free estimates?
Yes. Bring the watch to either of our London branches for an assessment, or contact us with photographs and details of the work you are considering.
Get a Free Watch Restoration Estimate
If you have a gold-plated watch that has faded, a scratched bracelet, or an older watch you would like restored, contact Ross Watch Repairs for a free estimate.
Ross Watch Repairs – The Shard
306 The Shard Retail Arcade
London Bridge Street
London SE1 9BZ
Ross Watch Repairs – Canary Wharf
Unit 4B, Cabot Place Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QT
No appointment is required for an initial assessment. You can also contact Ross Watch Repairs with photos and details of your watch, or find directions to our Canary Wharf watch repair branch.
