Gold electroplating is the process of using electrical current to coat a base metal with a relatively thin layer of gold. The thickness of the layer is 5-20 microns.

Closer examination of Rolex Submariner 16613 clasp will show that the actual clasp is not electroplated. The layer of gold is substantially thicker  - my guesstimate is 0.5 - 0.8 mm (500-800 microns) In essence what we have here is a thin sheet of solid 18K gold fused at high temperature to steel clasp.

Under normal 'wear and tear' condition a 16613 clasp would probably need some light to medium polishing once every 3-4 years. My guess is that gold layer would be  substantially worn or even worn out after 5 polishing cycles or approx. 20 years. I have personally polished number of clasps already with no visible abrasion to gold layer.

On contrary electroplated surfaces should not be polished. Even a very light buffing will remove gold plated deposit and expose the base metal.

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