There's nothing wrong, necessarily, with a gold-plated watch, most people can't afford the solid gold ones. Besides, would you want to worry about someone stealing it? Some watch companies do the plating so well that it is hard to tell the difference. But no matter who manufactures it, gold plating will only last so long. It all depends on how often the watch will be worn. A very good gold=plated watch can last for years with proper care.