Engraving

[JETNASH]

Has anyone ever had an engraving on their watch? Obviously not good for resale but other thought good or bad?

Thank you in advance!

[MovieGuy]

If you have the caseback engraved, buy another one so that you can swap it out if and when you sell/trade/etc.

[Mk2rick]

i have a soft spot for engraving but I would like to look for an engraver that can do it by hand rather than by machine / laser. I wonder if there are anyone in this forum who knows of a solid old school engraver.

[Andad]

This question has been asked quite often.

I’m with movieguy.

I would buy and engrave a replacement caseback and keep the original one in the box.

You then have the best of both.

[geoach]

I have my late father's DD he had it engraved with a personal line, it makes the watch that more special .

[travisb]

I've thought about it but never done it for any of my watches.
I did have a watch engraved for my father though.

[frank gama]

Recently bought an OP31 for my daughters 21st birthday and had it engraved by my AD for £80. They apparently sent it back to Rolex who did the engraving. I was given few fonts to choose from.
Very pleased with the results.

[EverCloserUnion]

Originally Posted by frank gama

Recently bought an OP31 for my daughters 21st birthday and had it engraved by my AD for £80. They apparently sent it back to Rolex who did the engraving. I was given few fonts to choose from.
Very pleased with the results.

A little off topic, but what a lovely thing to do for your daughter - credit to you.

[joli160]

If you want to make it really nice go for a hand engraving

[1William]

I am not mush of one for engraving. But we each have what we like.

[brandrea]

I would like to get one of mine engraved … just haven’t gotten around to it.

[Carguy87]

DL Rides has a sub that he had fully engraved case and bracelet…it’s an absolute stunner! As far as a more simple caseback engraving, go for it! Worst case you can buy a replacement case back if you decide to sell down the road.

[Maleg]

What king of engraving? A personalized note on the caseback or full scroll and beadwork on the entire case?

[ltmgeller]

It's personal to commemorate something special. Go for it.

[-dustin]

had the caseback of our 10yr anniversary watches engraved by the jeweler/ AD i got our watches from. no ragerts.

[JETNASH]

Thank you all for your input. I treated myself to a YMWG42 because of the success of my business over the past 30 years and wanted to engrave something special so it can be passed down to my children, hoping they will cherish it. I maybe naive but hoping that is the case…lol

Thank you all again!

[Big Kahuna 0311]

I engraved the clasp of my Explorer II with the initials of my wife and 2 children and the case back with my name and Fathers Day 2023 when I purchased it I really love it and never plan to sell.
I personally would easily buy a vintage piece with a previous engraving and be happy with it. Was just looking at some old Hamilton’s today with old engravings from General Motors 1988 and such. I think it’s pretty cool.

[geoach]

Originally Posted by geoach

I have my late father's DD he had it engraved with a personal line, it makes the watch that more special .

I might add my father did the engraving by hand with the right grinder and his outstanding steady hand.....he was a tool and die draftsmen.....really special thats it's done by his own hand

[rolexjackson]

I have had several pieces given as gifts that I had engraved. I think it adds a very thoughtful touch to a gift that is as timeless as a Rolex. I have always gone to my AD to have it done. If that isn’t an option in your case I would seek out either a gunsmith or a trophy shop. Both of these types of shops would be able to help you.


Life is short buy the watch-

[Calatrava r]

Engraving adds a nice personal touch on watches owners intend to keep or pass down.

[mannyv11]

I’ve had a few watches engraved. I enjoy the nice little touch

[dddl]

My wife gave me a two tone thunderbird in '92 on our first anniversary, engraved with her initials, our 2nd anniversary date, surrounded by a heart.
I love it, and since I retired in January of '17 it has been my daily wearer and I don't care about trade value...

[Robf52]

As a personal gift or memento, I think a hand engraved personal line can be a treasured sentimental keepsake.

[MovieGuy]

Originally Posted by dddl

My wife gave me a two tone thunderbird in '92 on our first anniversary, engraved with her initials, our 2nd anniversary date, surrounded by a heart.
I love it, and since I retired in January of '17 it has been my daily wearer and I don't care about trade value...

I always really liked the Thunderbird / Turn-O-Graph models from that era. To me they were a nice mixture of luxury and sport.