I go to work on testing a brand-new PVD watch to see how difficult it is to scratch and if the finishing beneath the PVD coating is decent enough to continue to wear.
To make it clear: DLC is also PVD, because PVD is a METHOD of coating metals (Physical Vapour Deposition). You can even have real gold PVD coatings. DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) is the one of the hardest black coatings out there, when I scratched another watch with my PVD by bumping into it there was metal particles from the other watch stuck on the coating. After wiping it there was no marks left. What you call PVD here is probably some lower end black coating. Toughness of the coating depends on the material that is being layered onto the metal - if the particles are hard the coating will be tough. For example real gold PVD coating will wear out relatively quickly because gold is soft.
PoltergeistWorks You do not coat them the same. PVD is far easier to coat, DLC is not. It’s a royal bitch to do DLC coating, you don’t just stick anything in and it works. Every new part we get takes a ton of R&D and trial runs to figure the formula out. Even then, the results vary. Most companies are doing PVD coating because it’s easy.
Wow Ok so DLC is PVD. DLC is a brand. And like with all brands some are better than others. In the beginning DLC was the best but other PVD coatings have become much better.
This was the best explanation of what these coatings are and how they work. Thank you, and I will be back when I need more Good, practical information.
Hey Lee, did you end up getting the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Black PVD coated? If so, I would love to see pictures. I am considering getting a ML Aikon with the black PVD coated integrated bracelet.
Thank you so much!! I’ve been wondering about abrasion resistance - black watches - for years. Now I know, and can begin looking at dlc watches with knowledge and confidence. Thank you very much for this most informative review. 😊😊
Hi, Patrick. DLC coating is definitely touch and resilient. I couldn't damage mine even while intentionally trying. And thanks for your kind words. Please let me know which DLC watch you acquire once it's acquired. 👌😜
Nice. What a great video with a real world experiment. I was particularly interested in knife coatings and this answers that question for me. Subscribed
I was ambivalent about you doing this but it answers questions no one else had info about. My new Parnis with PVD came today and now I know what the sapphire & PVD deal is. Basically I think I've got a fair knockabout watch.
Hi, Mike! PVD coating should withstand our regular wear and tear short of a heavy duty beating. DLC will survive more, but if one plans on wanting to use his black watch as a beater, probably shouldn't be PVD. It pleases me to hear that this video was helpful. Thanks. 👌
Hi, Kovacs Kovacs! Yes, DLC is superior. I couldn't even harm my JR. Dunno how many others would try this with their own watches so I did as it was something I've been curious about. 😱🤛
I'm getting Garmin fenix 6x sapphire. Its got sapphire screen and dlc coating on watch. Happy to see it'll last a long time in great shape, and I don't have to baby it
@@whatsonthewristThank you, sir! I currently use Samsung gear s3 , i don't know what coating it has (the color is matte black) but in 2 years of active use bazel is completely scratched up and it doesn't look good.
Don’t - thought the same and got the 6 sapphire carbon grey DLC - it got a scratch day 1 and the stainless steel underneath the DLC contrasts an ruins the watch. DLC will scratch eventually and then look like shit. Google pics of wear on a non DLC fenix at least before you decide. DLC from Garmin means nothing. The saphh glass is fire though but take care of the bezel then
2uM dlc will last in an engine piston for 85 years if kept running continuously. There are seven types of dlc coatings, and dlc is one type of PVD. PVD is a process.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is not a material. It is a process by which a metal surface such as stainless steel or titanium can be coated with a hard, scratch-resistant material such as DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). It is a myth that all DLC is impervious to scratches. Only the best quality (and ,therefore, most expensive) DLC material with the highest hardness rating (supposedly in excess of 4500 HV on the Vickers HV hardness scale) is nearly impervious to scratches.
Hi Tan, no PVD does not rub off or peel off on its own without rough physical contact against it. It's different from window tinting where that bubbles up. Thanks, good question Tan Tai Nguyen!
The issue of best scratch-resistant coatings often discussed in knife-collector's and gun-owner's communities. The general notion is that the DLC is stronger than the PVD. But I think the quality of either coating depends on the science and technology behind each method. It seems that if the PVD coating is done properly with the best materials, it might turn out to be better than the DLC that is poorly implemented.
Cringe for me was revisiting this show as it was one of my first! This test was one in which I was always curious. I can vouch for my JR as being tough as nails, but mostly I know that I don't need to be extra gentle simply because it is a black watch.
it does not count an using a serrated edge knife if you have the serrations facing away from what you are trying to cut. Next time just pull out sandpaper or a file, because fingernails and ceramic tiles are not measurable grits last time I did any fabrication work.
I am surprise that the DLC coating is so strong. I hope they invent a method to turn stainless steel black during manufacturing. I saw an Invicta watch with a multicolor stainless steel (blue, green, red). I think after 20 years the DLC coating will start to become week.
Hello, mena seven. DLC is actually meant to last. Yes, I have also seen multi-colored metals but mostly titanium. The color is forged from extreme heat. It looks cool. Have a look at Zelos' website on their chronograph that looks blue and red. 👌
Hi, Simkho. I’m afraid I can’t recall at the moment. It’s been awhile since I made this video. Perhaps you can find it from someone in the comments section. Thank you.
i need DLC service on my jewelry or watches. i'm have jewelry shop in newyork and i want to know if i can get contact for who does DLC service in usa. thank you
@ alex.. You seriously do not own a watch?. There are 100 dollar watches. I only wear certain watches. Orients an omega. I gave a few watches away to people. They were orient watches. An sold some watches too. As of now i only own two orients.
@@whatsonthewrist That's like saying spaghetti is superior to boiling... Boiling is the process to cook spaghetti. You could however say that spaghetti is superior to linguine just like you could say DLC is superior (or inferior) to TiN, TiAN, AITiN, CrN, TiCN, TiAICN, ZrN... etc. However, you cannot say DLC is superior to PVD just like you can NOT say spaghetti is superior to boiling. smh
@@whatsonthewrist pvd isnt a coating its a coating process. Dlc is also pvd. The coating on that watch probably isnt damaged its discolored from the brass from the key. The coating actually wore away the key. Ive have a few things that are pvd coated and when something looks like a scratch i little soap and a dish sponge clean it up
Hi, truly independent! Sorry to hear about your Tissot. There are definitely higher quality levels to even PVD, but I prefer DLC. Thanks for sharing. 👌😁
To make it clear: DLC is also PVD, because PVD is a METHOD of coating metals (Physical Vapour Deposition). You can even have real gold PVD coatings. DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) is the one of the hardest black coatings out there, when I scratched another watch with my PVD by bumping into it there was metal particles from the other watch stuck on the coating. After wiping it there was no marks left. What you call PVD here is probably some lower end black coating. Toughness of the coating depends on the material that is being layered onto the metal - if the particles are hard the coating will be tough. For example real gold PVD coating will wear out relatively quickly because gold is soft.
Hello, PoltergeistWorks. Thanks for sharing your experience. 👌😁
PoltergeistWorks You do not coat them the same. PVD is far easier to coat, DLC is not. It’s a royal bitch to do DLC coating, you don’t just stick anything in and it works. Every new part we get takes a ton of R&D and trial runs to figure the formula out. Even then, the results vary. Most companies are doing PVD coating because it’s easy.
I came to this video for the information that I got from this comment. Thank you.
Wow
Ok so DLC is PVD. DLC is a brand. And like with all brands some are better than others. In the beginning DLC was the best but other PVD coatings have become much better.
@@NotBOB-81 what is better than DLC?
This was the best explanation of what these coatings are and how they work. Thank you, and I will be back when I need more Good, practical information.
Hi, W. TRAVIS BREEN. Thanks and it pleases me that this video was useful to you. 👊
I’ve wanted a Maurice Lacroix Aikon Black PVD coated watch for a while but have been so nervous about this finish...you’ve convinced me! Thanks man
Hi, Lee. I will add their are different quality levels to both PVD and DLC finishes. But yes overall DLC is a stronger finish. 👊
Thanks for the heads up!
Hey Lee, did you end up getting the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Black PVD coated? If so, I would love to see pictures. I am considering getting a ML Aikon with the black PVD coated integrated bracelet.
Thank you so much!! I’ve been wondering about abrasion resistance - black watches - for years. Now I know, and can begin looking at dlc watches with knowledge and confidence. Thank you very much for this most informative review. 😊😊
My pleasure, Eric. Best of luck. Let me know which black watch you eventually will get v
Thanks for the video. I'll purchase a DLC watch for my next purchase because of you!
Hi, Patrick. DLC coating is definitely touch and resilient. I couldn't damage mine even while intentionally trying. And thanks for your kind words. Please let me know which DLC watch you acquire once it's acquired. 👌😜
Well produced and informative video! Good job!
Thank you and I hope it was helpful, Floatinfred Fred.
Nice. What a great video with a real world experiment. I was particularly interested in knife coatings and this answers that question for me. Subscribed
I’m glad you found this video helpful. And thanks, Giant Fatberg.
Sir you´ve got balls. Congrats!! DLC all the way
Rua Mayor, haha! Thanks though! Yes, DLC is far superior to even PVD's best coating!
I was ambivalent about you doing this but it answers questions no one else had info about. My new Parnis with PVD came today and now I know what the sapphire & PVD deal is. Basically I think I've got a fair knockabout watch.
Hi, Mike! PVD coating should withstand our regular wear and tear short of a heavy duty beating. DLC will survive more, but if one plans on wanting to use his black watch as a beater, probably shouldn't be PVD. It pleases me to hear that this video was helpful. Thanks. 👌
Hi Rich,
Well I don't know what to say with this video.
But some good testing there.
Merry Christmas Rich and may you have a Richer New Year!
Hi, Sunny! Thank you! Always appreciate ya. 🙏😁
This is a cool video. Now I don’t have to stress when my PVD watch gets scratched. Nice Jean Richard, by the way.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad it was helpful.
Great vid man 💪💪💪💪
Thank you, Thanh Nguyen! 👍😁
hey, tks for sharing, great video.
Hi, David! It took some self-convincing so thanks! 👌😜
Thanks for the help
My pleasure, Antonio.
Assuming the same, minimum thickness of coating, it's well known in the watch community that DLC is superior to PVD. It was hard watching it though.
Hi, Kovacs Kovacs! Yes, DLC is superior. I couldn't even harm my JR. Dunno how many others would try this with their own watches so I did as it was something I've been curious about. 😱🤛
Awesome video! May I ask if you have any idea if Seiko uses DLC? Like the SLA061 for example.
Hi, Kirby Young. I like the SLA061 a lot. It’s a cool watch but the black case isn’t identified as DLC. It only indicates a hard coating. And thanks.
I'm getting Garmin fenix 6x sapphire. Its got sapphire screen and dlc coating on watch. Happy to see it'll last a long time in great shape, and I don't have to baby it
Hi, Oleg. Congrats on your Fenix. My DLC watches have stood up well, but admittedly I baby mine. 👊
@@whatsonthewristThank you, sir! I currently use Samsung gear s3 , i don't know what coating it has (the color is matte black) but in 2 years of active use bazel is completely scratched up and it doesn't look good.
The material may simply be paint or ion plated. You could have it coated in DLC. At least you won’t get lost with either watch.
Don’t - thought the same and got the 6 sapphire carbon grey DLC - it got a scratch day 1 and the stainless steel underneath the DLC contrasts an ruins the watch. DLC will scratch eventually and then look like shit. Google pics of wear on a non DLC fenix at least before you decide. DLC from Garmin means nothing. The saphh glass is fire though but take care of the bezel then
@@hendrikmarais9092 good to know. Thanks
2uM dlc will last in an engine piston for 85 years if kept running continuously. There are seven types of dlc coatings, and dlc is one type of PVD. PVD is a process.
Hi, Waqar Ghulam. Yes DLC is a stronger process than PVD. Thank you.
Muy bueno 👌🏼!
Muchas gracias, Pato. 👊
Nice video
Hi, dp! Thanks, it was kinda hard to do but I was also curious. 👌😜
Interesting video. What do you think of Orient's level of quality on the IP or PVD coating?
Hi, Romeo. Imho they are as well done as others in the price range. 👌
@@whatsonthewrist Thanks for your reply! Best wishes!
Best wishes to you too!
Also bear in mind that was a 20 dollar watch, with presumably a two dollar coating. DLC beats the cheap version whatever though.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is not a material. It is a process by which a metal surface such as stainless steel or titanium can be coated with a hard, scratch-resistant material such as DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). It is a myth that all DLC is impervious to scratches. Only the best quality (and ,therefore, most expensive) DLC material with the highest hardness rating (supposedly in excess of 4500 HV on the Vickers HV hardness scale) is nearly impervious to scratches.
Thank you. That is correct, Michael.
Does it pvd black coating get worn off time by time ?
Hi Tan, no PVD does not rub off or peel off on its own without rough physical contact against it. It's different from window tinting where that bubbles up. Thanks, good question Tan Tai Nguyen!
The issue of best scratch-resistant coatings often discussed in knife-collector's and gun-owner's communities. The general notion is that the DLC is stronger than the PVD. But I think the quality of either coating depends on the science and technology behind each method. It seems that if the PVD coating is done properly with the best materials, it might turn out to be better than the DLC that is poorly implemented.
Yes very true. There are also aesthetic differences. PVD allows more finishing options versus the matte finishing of DLC.
Hello, i wanted to ask what's that tune at the beginning call? I Been looking for the name for a long time
Hi, sadro 45! Thanks for your question. I’m afraid I don’t recall at the moment. 🤷♂️
@@whatsonthewrist ahh geezz, well thanks anyway i appreciate your time
I wonder how the DLC would be on a Steinhart?
Hi, Justin. Could be interesting indeed. 🤛😜
is that ur G-AMG?
Does anyone know how to remove scratches from DLC?
Hey, Christian. If the scratch is deep you might have to have it refinished.
Any idea if the Apple Watch Series 7 stainless steel in Graphite has the DLC coating?
I do not believe it is, DK.
@@whatsonthewrist So you think it's PVD?
It’s aluminum so perhaps ion plated or simply colored.
My PVD coated ring was shot after just 2 weeks. After watching this I'm beginning to think it wasn't Damascus steel or PVD coated.
Hi, Hector Fly Rodriguez. That sucks. Unless your watch went through a blender it should be fine.
how do you fix scratches on these watches
Hi, Jean. I would bring it to a watch maker and maybe he can put a new coating. If not, there are a few places that can. Best of luck.
All I can say is *CRINGE* throughout this vid. very interesting practical test
Cringe for me was revisiting this show as it was one of my first! This test was one in which I was always curious. I can vouch for my JR as being tough as nails, but mostly I know that I don't need to be extra gentle simply because it is a black watch.
DLC is a bit tougher only like a knife sharpener stone can cut it
What is Porsche design P6360 price?
Hi, Kamal. I saw one on Jomashop for around $1300. Good luck. ✌️😁
it does not count an using a serrated edge knife if you have the serrations facing away from what you are trying to cut.
Next time just pull out sandpaper or a file, because fingernails and ceramic tiles are not measurable grits last time I did any fabrication work.
Where were you quoted $130 for original pvd? Thank you
I can’t recall as I made this video awhile back. But I think I came across a couple of more service centers.
I am surprise that the DLC coating is so strong. I hope they invent a method to turn stainless steel black during manufacturing. I saw an Invicta watch with a multicolor stainless steel (blue, green, red). I think after 20 years the DLC coating will start to become week.
Hello, mena seven. DLC is actually meant to last. Yes, I have also seen multi-colored metals but mostly titanium. The color is forged from extreme heat. It looks cool. Have a look at Zelos' website on their chronograph that looks blue and red. 👌
Who quoted you the PVD job to have redone?
Hi, Simkho. I’m afraid I can’t recall at the moment. It’s been awhile since I made this video. Perhaps you can find it from someone in the comments section. Thank you.
wrist watch check ... coffee cup check... wEAK SUACE!@
i need DLC service on my jewelry or watches. i'm have jewelry shop in newyork and i want to know if i can get contact for who does DLC service in usa. thank you
International Watch Works does this type of work. I think they're located in North Carolina but I think you can send them your watch. ✌️😁
thank you!
You're welcome and good luck. Please let me know how it turns out.
i will! thanks!
I found it hard to watch. I kept closing my eyes. Very impressed how the watch held up to the abuse. Especially the key test.
Hi, Javier. Yeah the scratching against the ladder made me squirm too. My DLC JR is still strong as ever. 👌
Does dlc come in gold? Thanks for your reply 👍👍
There are different colors, gold too.
@@whatsonthewrist thanks
My pleasure.
@@whatsonthewrist also do you know where to buy good pvd or dlc gold plated stainless steel necklace and bracelet from? Thanks again
🙏😇🙏
I can’t recall at the moment. This video was from a few years ago. I think there was a place in LA.
Can you repair pvd coating?
Hi Luka, my understanding is it can be repaired. The cost varies depending on the company, anywhere from $150 or so on up. Thank you! 😁✌️
I knew you wouldn't test you jr lol!
Icuok joe, I actually did and the Jr is super tough! DLC is stronger than PVD.
no watches were killed in this video .. j
Hi, Jeffrey! A great PSA announcement. Thanks. 😜👌
What are the watches used in the video?
Hi, TrEVILlyan. If I recall, Curren and JeanRichard.😜👌
whatsonthewrist thanks boss, sorry for being late to the party
Funny, no apologies necessary. But I hope to see ya on my newest show that involves a nice giveaway. 👍😁
Thats done on a $16 chinese watch . Im sure better brands use better quality coatings.
Hi, B Rumblin'13. It’s true it’s not an expensive watch, but DLC will generally hold up very well.
Not all dlc and Pvd is the same
True, Greyman13.
Better I would agree with you for the beginning and instead gave it to me a poor guy who can just dream about watches. ☹
Hi, Alex. True but hopefully the education carried some value.
@ alex.. You seriously do not own a watch?. There are 100 dollar watches. I only wear certain watches. Orients an omega. I gave a few watches away to people. They were orient watches. An sold some watches too. As of now i only own two orients.
DLC is PVD... "Physical Vapor Deposition" is the processed used for "Diamond Like Coating"
Hi, ducatiist! Yes and DLC is superior. 👌😁
@@whatsonthewrist That's like saying spaghetti is superior to boiling... Boiling is the process to cook spaghetti. You could however say that spaghetti is superior to linguine just like you could say DLC is superior (or inferior) to TiN, TiAN, AITiN, CrN, TiCN, TiAICN, ZrN... etc. However, you cannot say DLC is superior to PVD just like you can NOT say spaghetti is superior to boiling. smh
They are both a type of coating.
@@whatsonthewrist pvd isnt a coating its a coating process. Dlc is also pvd. The coating on that watch probably isnt damaged its discolored from the brass from the key. The coating actually wore away the key. Ive have a few things that are pvd coated and when something looks like a scratch i little soap and a dish sponge clean it up
From $700 to ~$20? Talk about depreciation.
Hi, K Chu! Yep.
How to basic: watches
Ex pear a ment
Hi, TheMartialalist! I agonized over this experiment. I learned how well made Jean Richard's are if anything. 👌😁
Where is your eyebrow
They’re not DLC so they probably didn’t last very long.
Pamela Anderson from the 90s called, she wants her eyebrows back. Jk, love you x
Hey, Carlton. Yep I got her text. 😜
Pvd win
You mean DLC?
PVD is utterly rubbish. My £500 Tissot lost its colour within months of wear
Hi, truly independent! Sorry to hear about your Tissot. There are definitely higher quality levels to even PVD, but I prefer DLC. Thanks for sharing. 👌😁
Binary World Warranty?
@@seanm3226
Yep, got a new one from the store as a replacement but knew same crap would happen so I sold it
When did "unboxing" become a thing for something like a mediocre watch packed in a bubble-wrap sleeve? /SMH
Hi, bricology! Well, the video wasn't about the unboxing of that particular watch. ✌️😁
your damage techniques are super weak
Hi, Brian. Looking forward to seeing your test. ✌️
you call that a fair comparison.... are you voting Biden
Thanks and 🤷♂️.