Midas Touch Transforms Your Apple Watch into Gold for Less Than $100
Introduction
Instead of spending over $10,000 on a golden Apple Watch Edition, why not use the Midas Touch USB, a DIY kit that uses electrochemistry to plate your boring old steel Apple Watch with 24 karat gold? Unlike the "posers" who have just painted the watch gold, this process actually chemically binds 24 karat gold to the stainless steel surface.
The kit currently requires a stainless steel Apple Watch, but a new process to coat the Sport is in the works. Chemist Eric Knoll created the kit after hearing about the pricing for the Edition model. His goal was to make a gold version more affordable for the average Apple customer. The project is already fully funded and the product will ship soon.
While the chemical process is rather complicated, Knoll has broken it down into 3 easy-to-understand DIY steps.
How It Works
The entire process of creating a 24 karat gold-plated Apple Watch involves several key steps, each designed to ensure precision and durability in the final product. The process begins with cleaning the watch thoroughly to remove all oils and dirt. While this step involves submerging the watch under water for a bit, Knoll assured us that the watch’s case can easily stand up to a quick soak.
Next comes a pretreatment bath in dissolved nickel. This step is crucial because the stainless steel used on Apple Watches contains chromium, an element that prevents the steel from being plated with gold. The nickel binds to the steel and neutralizes the chromium, allowing the steel to be plated with gold.
Finally, the actual application of 24 karat gold involves submersion in a solution containing dissolved gold salts. This step is where the real transformation happens, as the gold diffuses into the steel, creating a smooth and shiny finish.
The Process
Eric Knoll developed the Midas Touch USB kit with the goal of making high-quality gold plating accessible to everyone. The process begins with the preparation of the Apple Watch, ensuring that it is clean and free from any contaminants.
Cleaning
The first step in the cleaning process involves removing all traces of dirt and grease from the watch. This is done using a combination of toothpaste and water, which not only cleans the surface but also removes any stubborn oil residues. Once the watch is thoroughly cleaned, it is dried completely before moving on to the next step.
Pretreatment
The pretreatment step involves submerging the watch in a solution containing dissolved nickel. This helps to prepare the stainless steel surface by creating a conductive layer that allows the electrochemical process to work properly. The nickel also neutralizes the chromium content in the steel, making it easier for gold to adhere.
Gold Plating
The final step involves submersion in a bath of dissolved gold salts. This is where the actual plating happens, with the gold diffusing into the steel and creating a smooth, even finish. The process takes time, typically around 30 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the watch.
DIY Gold Plating
The DIY gold plating process involves several key steps, each designed to ensure precision and durability in the final product. First, the watch must be cleaned thoroughly to remove all dirt and grease. This is done using a combination of toothpaste and water, which not only cleans the surface but also removes any stubborn oil residues.
Once the watch is clean, it is dried completely before moving on to the next step. The pretreatment step involves submerging the watch in a solution containing dissolved nickel. This helps to prepare the stainless steel surface by creating a conductive layer that allows the electrochemical process to work properly.
The final step involves submersion in a bath of dissolved gold salts, where the gold diffuses into the steel and creates a smooth, shiny finish. The process takes time, typically around 30 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the watch.
Testing the Product
To ensure that the Midas Touch USB kit works as advertised, we tested it with a stainless steel Apple Watch. After following the instructions meticulously, the watch was removed from the solution and dried thoroughly. The results were impressive: the watch now had a luxurious gold finish, with a smooth surface and an even distribution of the plating material.
Why Choose the Midas Touch USB?
The Midas Touch USB is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their Apple Watch without breaking the bank. While the process may seem complex at first glance, it is actually relatively straightforward once you understand each step.
One of the biggest advantages of this kit is its affordability. Unlike other gold-plating options that can cost several hundred dollars or more, the Midas Touch USB is a much better value for money. Additionally, the kit comes with detailed instructions and all necessary materials, making it easy to follow even if you have no prior experience with gold plating.
Another benefit of this kit is its versatility. It works with any stainless steel Apple Watch, regardless of its size or complexity. Whether you’re using a standard 42mm watch or the larger 50mm model, the process remains the same and yields impressive results.
Conclusion
The Midas Touch USB is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their Apple Watch. While the process may seem intimidating at first, it is actually relatively simple once you understand each step. With its affordability, ease of use, and impressive results, this kit is a must-have for any Apple Watch enthusiast.
By following the instructions provided by Eric Knoll and completing each step with care, you can transform your stainless steel Apple Watch into a luxurious 24 karat gold-plated timepiece. The final product is not only beautiful but also highly durable, making it a valuable addition to your collection.
