DLC really is a type of PVD coating but high grade
Whem PAM GUIDE says PVD the watch can be DLC if maker has applied this high grade
I just included DLC if maker or dealer says DLC.
But the quality depends mainly on the quality of the complete process. It is very important the arrangement of the surface before a PVD coating (like occurs with all surface coating treatments)
I assure you that a simple regular PVD applied by Kroexist or Kuvarsit will be way better than a DLC applied by a low grade or non careful maker.
You cannot take either dealers or maker commercial indications as a rule or canon. And less in rep world. Unfortunately we have not yet established standards of quality (it is normal with the price of the reps).
Anyway I will show below some explanations, published in a previous post here in RWI, about PVD-DLC coatings for your info:
DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings – A high grade of PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process
Above title almost answers the possible questions.
There is a coating process called PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) which guarantees a high grade of hardness and durability in the surface of the metals. And there is a HIGH grade PVD coating called DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) which guarantees more hardness and durability.
In short, that is all
If you read the
Glossary of the PAM REVIEW-GUIDE you can read:
PVD coating- Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is the method used to deposit thin layers of material by condensation of vapor in a high temperature and vacuum environment. Better by far than a Painting treatment.
DLC coating- DLC or Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating is the highest quality in coating, the most durable and hardest to scratch. The coating is done with the bonding of high energy percursive carbon rapidly cooled down on the surface. DLC coatings are made by the PVD process and it is actually a high grade of PVD coatings.
Why Panerai indicates PVD applied in its watches?
Nowadays, knowing the cost and quality of a Panerai watch, it makes non sense not to apply DLC high grade PVD instead a regular one.
For a replica the difference of cost would be important but for a gen PAM the difference relative is negligible and the increase in quality is noticeable.
Really Panerai says PVD because Panerai doesn’t need to say that they apply DLC.
Therefore I’m saying that
Panerai is applying DLC in its watches.
Read about this subject a thread in Watchuseek started by usurp, where the poster ask Panerai about the coating of its PVD watches.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f75/pam-26-pvd-dlc-292240
The Panerai answer was:
“Dear Sir,
many thanks for your interest in our brand.
We inform you that the Pam00026 is made of a special hard black coating made by Pvd process ( physical vapour deposition) the procedure is DLC ( Diamond-like Carbon).
Dlc is a procedure for the coating of surfaces, obtained through the deposit of carbon applied to various materials to guarantee an extremely high level of hardness.
The treatment consists of the vaporisation of carbon in order for it to deposit on the substrate in a pure and controlled state-all through a special patened technique that is particularly efficient.
It guarantee high performance with an attractive quality.
We remain at your full disposal should you need further informations.
Best Regards.
OFFICINE PANERAI
Marketing & Comunicazioneâ€
This reply could be false but there is no reason for that, and, moreover, the reply makes sense.
More info related to DLC/PCD coatings
- Messina Jewelers information
http://www.messinajewelers.com/blog/black-coating-watches-pvd-or-dlc/
Black Coating Watches, PVD or DLC
by Oscar Messina
Apr.16, 2010 in Watch 101
“Right now there is a high demand for watches that are Black coated. Some watches come all factory black coated but other watches from brands such as Rolex and Audemars Piguet are customized a lot to black. One popular question is which one is better PVD or DLC?
To answer the question let’s break down what PVD and DLC means.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is the method used to deposit thin layers of material by condensation of vapor in a high temperature and vacuum environment.
DLC or Diamond- like carbon coating is the highest quality in black coating, the most durable and hardest to scratch. The coating is done with the bonding of high energy perecursive carbon rapidly cooled down on the surface. It is very similar to the process of making synthetic diamonds. Not only the process is similar but the carbon coatings have the same attributes as diamonds since they are extremely hard and very resistant to scratches. In other words it is perfect for making metal surfaces more durable.
From what we can see by DLC Coating, in simple words it is a process of depositing a carbon material in a vacuum chamber. In other words DLC coatings are made by the PVD process. The difference is that are several PVD coatings that make the watch look black with materials such as nickel and , ceramic. Usually manufacturers will specify whether the watch was DLC coated. When only PVD is mentioned it could mean that a cheaper, and less durable material was used.
If you are planning on buying a watch then You need to be sure you are buying DLC PVD Black Coated watch. The DLC is way more resistant than any other material, perhaps a little more expensive but it is worth it. Here at Messina Jewelers we only use DLC to customize our Rolex, Panerai and Audemars Piguet Watches since we want to use the highest quality in our products.â€
- Other links to consult
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=623
http://www.pvdcoatings.net/About_PVD_Coating/about_pvd_coating http://www.pvd-coatings.co.uk/Dymon-iC-coating.htm
I hope now everything is (almost) clarified
ALE
