Is it gold?

Amik

My father gifted me a watch he received for 25 years service at his company many moons ago.

I like the shape and roman numerals but it's a bit too blingy for me. It's so gold I wonder if it's real gold. I can't find too much information about it. It's a Seiko Quartz model number 7N22-5021. On the back it says Base Metal S. Steel Back.

Any tips would be appreciated!

mailforkev

First four Google results for “7N22-5021“ say it’s gold plated.

Amik

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119735930#Comment_119735930

Thanks! I saw that too but saw different values for the plating: 14K and 18K.

I just find it strange there's no hallmark or other indication of it being gold on the watch unless I'm missing it. Or does plating not warrant that?

Fitz II

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119738120#Comment_119738120

plating is very thin, the amount of gold involved is tiny, you dont hallmark plated items because they are not gold. Think of it as a durable spray painting of gold a few dozen microns thick. There is absoutly zero precious metal value in plated items...sorry.

Wibbs

One judge is if a "gold" watch has a steel back it's 99.9999etc% not a solid gold case. "Base metal" on the back is the description of the case material under the gold plating.