electroplating Gold Plate, 18 or 24 k?

[Waggy]

Good day experts,

I am about to restore a gold plated watch, I have done nickel plating before and plan to do my first gold plate soon. There are different versions of plating solution eg 18k and 24k, can anyone advise which is the preferred type for a watch case? I assumed that 24k is softer than 18k so may wear more quickly (??) - but these are just my initial thoughts. Can anyone advise on which k gives the best balance of appearance and durability before I invest in the plating solutions ie 18k, 24k or xxk.

My plan is to:

1. Remove the existing watch plating and take the case to base metal (looks like brass)
2. Polish/clean etc,
3. Nickle plate (I assume this is needed?)
4. Clean etc
5. Gold plate

PS: I appreciate every set up is different but if there is any other general advice/rules-of-thumb etc on plating, this would be greatly appreciated; voltage, current, duration etc.... 

[oldhippy]

Here is some info on going about it. You are right the higher the k in gold the softer it is so if you want it to last go for a low k. 

https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/how-gold-plating-is-done-step-by-step/