If this were an older watch like a classic gold filled Hamilton from the 1930's to 1950's, we would refer to the wear as "brassing". That's where the gold layer has worn through around the edges revealing the base metal which is usually of a different "color". In a gold filled watch, there are three "layers" of metal. The outer layer is gold (usually 10kt or 14kt), the next layer is a base metal like brass and, the next, inner layer, is the same gold fill (10kt or 14kt) as the outer layer. IE-the brass base metal is surrounded by gold. A gold plated watch, conversely, has gold only on the outer layer and that layer is usually thinner (40 microns vs. 80 microns) versus a gold filled watch. IE - it's two layers, not three.

: Sorry that I can't add anything to this interesting
: conversation. I own and enjoy a couple of gold-plated watches
: (including a Zodiac Poor Man's Camaro), but I have no
: information about the re-plating process.

: I expect that Abel Court could answer this in an instant, if you
: might be able to contact him.

: Jeff

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