There is a lot of debate on whether or not Rolex uses PVD coating. Some people say that they do, while others believe that they do not. The truth is that most Rolex designs don’t come with PVD coating, but you can choose to add the coating if you wish. Let’s take a look at what PVD coating is and whether it’s worth it.

What is PVD coating?

PVD, which is short for physical vapour deposition, is a form of coating that is commonly used on various types of materials. It can be used to coat metals, plastics, and ceramics in order to improve the durability and appearance of these materials.

How is PVD coating made?

The process to make PVD coating involves heating up the material until it begins to turn into a gas. This gas is then sent through chambers that contain different chemicals that are designed to react with the gas and change its properties. This reaction will usually result in a new layer being added over the original surface of the material that has been coated. The end result is a harder surface with improved resistance against damage or wear.

How Does PVD Coating Work?

PVD uses electricity to transform metal into a powder and then deposits it onto the surface of another metal. The technique was invented in the 1950s by Russian-born American engineer Vladimir Zlokazov. It’s widely used today on everything from watches and jewellery to cell phone casings and dental implants.

Because PVD coating protects against corrosion and wear, it makes sense for many applications where surfaces are subject to friction or other forms of abrasion. It’s one reason why manufacturers use it so frequently on industrial equipment like machine tools – the coating helps reduce maintenance costs while also improving product performance.

The process itself is fairly simple. First, a metal component or other object is placed inside a vacuum chamber. In the case of watches and jewellery, this involves carefully lifting them off their bracelets using specialised tools. The chamber then floods with gas at high pressure to produce a vapour.

Inside the gas bath, electricity (typically one of several available types) causes metal ionisation – an electric arc forms between the source material and an electrode where the metal undergoes rapid oxidation. This produces tiny particles that are drawn toward the substrate as they cool down and condense into solid matter.

Depending on temperature and pressure settings, these particles can be very small or large enough to mimic traditional paint particles used in spray painting. Once deposited onto a surface, the coating undergoes an immediate chemical reaction with oxygen to harden into a layer of oxide that acts as a barrier between the substrate and its surroundings.

The PVD coating process is relatively simple, but achieving consistent quality results does require some finesse. The thickness of the deposited metal particles can vary depending on electrical current and other factors like temperature. This will affect how strong or durable a coating turns out; for example, in watch applications, thicker coatings are more likely to interfere with nearby gears than thin ones.

In addition to affecting product performance and lifespan, inconsistencies in particle size can also create aesthetic flaws that reduce overall surface finish quality. For this reason, manufacturers need to ensure they calibrate their machines correctly when installing new technology or switching to a new metal source.

What are the Benefits of PVD Coating?

First and foremost, PVD coating makes your watch more resistant to wear and tear. A PVD coating will protect the watch from scratches and marks that can happen with daily use, so it’s perfect for an active person who takes part in sports or other physical activities. In addition to its scratch-resistant quality, PVD coating is also useful because it lasts longer than paint does.

Ultimately, PVD coating is a versatile, cost-effective way to protect against corrosion and wear. The technique is widely used in watchmaking and jewellery production, as well as other industries where surface finishing is important – such as aerospace engineering and automotive manufacturing. And with the development of improved controls and more reliable machinery over the years, PVD coating is poised to see continued growth in the coming decades.