Can You Gold Plate an Apple Watch?
Yes. Apple Watch customisation is one of the things we are asked for most, and we have been doing it since the first generation.
What gets customised
The case. Stainless steel Apple Watch cases plate extremely well — stainless is one of the best substrates there is.
Not the screen, sensors or internals. Plating is a surface process on the case only. The display, the digital crown contacts, the sensor array on the underside and the charging connection are all masked and left untouched.
Straps, optionally. Metal link bracelets can be finished to match. We also pair customised cases with exotic straps.
See our luxury watch customisation service.
Does it affect how the watch works?
No. The electronics are unaffected, charging works normally, and the sensors on the underside are masked during the process and left as they were.
What we will tell you honestly: plating is a cosmetic transformation of the case. It does not change the watch's function, and it does not extend or shorten its working life.
Which models?
We work across Apple Watch generations, including current and recent models, Ultra, and the various case sizes. Aluminium-cased models can be plated, though stainless cases give the better result — tell us which you have when you enquire.
Finishes
24k gold, rose gold and platinum (applied as rhodium) are the usual choices. We also work in 18k gold, with mirror, brushed, satin and antique surface options.
A brushed finish is worth considering on a watch worn every day — it hides handling marks far better than mirror.
Thickness matters more here than almost anywhere
An Apple Watch is worn constantly, against skin, often during exercise. That is about the hardest life a plated finish can have.
Our standard is 5 microns and we can plate up to 10 microns. For an Apple Watch we usually recommend the upper end.
Cost, time and warranty
Customisation starts at £480 for the watch body and buckle, or £590 for the full watch including the strap or bracelet, with the final figure depending on model, case size, whether the bracelet is included and the finish chosen.
Goldgenie watch customisation prices
| Customisation | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Watch body and buckle | From £480 |
| Full watch, including strap or bracelet | From £590 |
| Diamond setting | Quoted separately on enquiry |
These prices cover the precious-metal finish only. Diamond setting is quoted separately. We work with VS1-grade natural diamonds or lab-grown stones, and price depends on the stones, the setting and the design.
Most projects complete within 7 working days. Insured DHL collection and return are included outside the UK and the UAE.
Work on your own watch carries a three-year Goldgenie warranty, subject to applicable warranty terms and normal exclusions. If you would rather buy one already customised, watches purchased from Goldgenie carry a lifetime warranty.
One thing to consider first
Apple Watches are replaced more often than mechanical watches. If you expect to upgrade within a year, customisation makes less sense than it does on a watch you will keep.
If you are keeping it — or you want a gift that is genuinely one of a kind — it is one of the most striking transformations we do.
Have a look at our watch customisation page.
Getting started
Send photographs and tell us the model, the case size and the finish you want. We will assess your watch and advise on the options and cost.
We customise watches from every major maker — Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Longines and Seiko among them — along with Apple Watch and bespoke commissions. If your watch is not listed, send photographs and we will confirm what is possible.
We arrange worldwide collection using insured DHL. UK clients can also post their watch or drop it off in person at our London service office in Enfield: Goldgenie, Wenta Business Centre, 1 Electric Avenue, Innova Park, London EN3 7XU. Outside the UK and the UAE, insured DHL collection and return are included in the agreed quotation.
More details are available on our luxury watch customisation page.
FAQs
Yes. We customise Apple Watch cases in 24k gold, rose gold and platinum, and have done so since the first generation.
No. Plating is applied to the case only. The display, sensors and charging connection are masked and left untouched, and the electronics are unaffected.
Yes, metal link bracelets can be finished to match. We also pair customised cases with exotic straps.
We work across generations and case sizes, including Ultra. Stainless steel cases give the best result; aluminium can be plated but behaves differently.
Customisation starts at £480 for the watch body and buckle, or £590 for the full watch including the strap or bracelet, with the final price depending on model, case size, whether the bracelet is included and the finish.
Three ways. We operate a global insured DHL pick-up service and will arrange collection from your address anywhere in the world. If you are in the UK, you can post the watch to us or drop it in person at our London service office in Enfield. Outside the UK and the UAE, insured DHL collection and return are included in the agreed quotation.
