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Paladin · 17 March 2012, 11:55 AM

I personally would never buy a watch that someone had engraved with a personal inscription or name.

There is just something creepy about it to me..... Any other thoughts on the matter?

mfer · 17 March 2012, 11:59 AM

Buy a new case back....

smallcandle · 17 March 2012, 12:17 PM

Get the inscription polished out. I wouldn't pass up a great deal just because of an engraving, etc...

MP5 · 17 March 2012, 12:28 PM

Why? I actually think its cool and have one with an engraving, I love the thought of what the previous owner did, who they were, where its been. It makes it special to me. Of course Im talking about daily pieces I can use and enjoy and not pure investment safe watches

Frogman4me · 17 March 2012, 12:33 PM

Not a deal breaker for me and depending on who owned the watch it might be a bonus. I own sub that was owned by master chief submariner and he had his name and title engraved on the caseback. Adds a lot of character IMO. But of course I prefer this over lets say "best dad in the world" engraving which would be a minus. lol

cruvon · 17 March 2012, 12:46 PM

Am with David on this one. Also if the watch is otherwise attractive and has an undesirable caseback engraving, then I wouldn't mind getting it at a discount.

greekbum · 17 March 2012, 12:47 PM

I have bought several with names or insignia on the case back. To me its a part of the watches history.

ecsub44 · 17 March 2012, 12:53 PM

I like the idea of the watch having a meaningful life prior to my ownership.

Alcan · 17 March 2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

I have bought several with names or insignia on the case back. To me its a part of the watches history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I like the idea of the watch having a meaningful life prior to my ownership.

Agree 100%

Baco Noir · 17 March 2012, 01:01 PM

My Tudor Date-Day Jumbo from the early 70s has a name engraved on the case back. It didn't stop me at all. I did read recently about a vet who was selling a red sub that he won in a poker game in vietnam from another vet, and was selling after all these years. That one would make me stay away because I felt bad for the person who lost it in a poker game in the war.

mdw3 · 17 March 2012, 01:48 PM

If you don't want to have to think about your watch's previous owners, and the history it might have had before your ownership -- don't buy vintage.

Baronrojo · 17 March 2012, 04:29 PM

Thinking about a watch's previous owners is interesting to say the least. I have a few non-Rolex vintage pieces engraved with names or messages like "To Dad 1945"...and I can't help but wonder who "Dad" was and what he was doing in 1945. It's almost like I want to thank them for letting me wear their watches 70 years later.

Art 1 · 17 March 2012, 08:24 PM

Back when we were going around and buying old mens watches fro the 30's 40's and 50's we were looking for watches that were engraved. It was interesting. Many of them were gold watches given by companies for retirement. I thought it was sad that families would let these watches go.

Andad · 17 March 2012, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdw3

If you don't want to have to think about your watch's previous owners, and the history it might have had before your ownership -- don't buy vintage.

x2

HL65 · 17 March 2012, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdw3

If you don't want to have to think about your watch's previous owners, and the history it might have had before your ownership -- don't buy vintage.

X3

TempoKing · 17 March 2012, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

I personally would never buy a watch that someone had engraved with a personal inscription or name.
There is just something creepy about it to me..... Any other thoughts on the matter?

These watches sell for a little less and they do have a following
Anyway
I bet you would not mind engravings in the back with big
numbers and the word...what do they call it

...Ahh yes COMEX.!...lol

Kingair · 17 March 2012, 09:40 PM

Doesn't bother me.
As mentioned in a previous post it can ad some character.
You can always buy another or if possible have it polished
HANW

JEC · 18 March 2012, 04:57 AM

I find it interesting and it adds some character to the watch.

However, I might hesitate if it was something unpleasant.

"100th Adult Film Dec 1987"
"For Distinguished Service to the Family - Bobby Three Fingers 1952-1968"
"25 Years of Service - Union Carbide, Bhopal Division"
"5 Years Sober - Capt. Joe Hazelwood"

SPARTAN2161 · 18 March 2012, 05:05 AM

I like the history aspect of it. It's neat

threemonkeys · 18 March 2012, 05:15 AM

I like the inscriptions. I'm sure with some of the older watches the owners have long since passed. But it's like a part of them lives on with someone else. And when I'm gone, someone can think about the history I created with my timepieces.

Keeperoftime · 18 March 2012, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEC

I find it interesting and it adds some character to the watch.

However, I might hesitate if it was something unpleasant.

"100th Adult Film Dec 1987"
"For Distinguished Service to the Family - Bobby Three Fingers 1952-1968"
"25 Years of Service - Union Carbide, Bhopal Division"
"5 Years Sober - Capt. Joe Hazelwood"

+1

One of my grails has an engraving, I could have it polished but...

Its part of the "Charm"

1675-David · 18 March 2012, 06:07 AM

engravings are seldom very deep and usually quite easily polished out if you cant live with the inscription...

Jason71 · 18 March 2012, 07:43 AM

My 5513 is engraved with 3 initials. Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

cruvon · 18 March 2012, 07:44 AM

That being said, would I engrave a watch I bought new and that is to be handed down to my son someday? Wonder what opinions on engraving a new watch thats an intended heirloom are.

Tools · 18 March 2012, 09:54 AM

Doesn't bother me.. casebacks are cheap enough it if bothers somebody..

Light engravings can be taken off in about 5 minutes... We have a DIY over in the Reference Library..

sleddog · 18 March 2012, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Doesn't bother me.. casebacks are cheap enough it if bothers somebody..

Light engravings can be taken off in about 5 minutes... We have a DIY over in the Reference Library..

Thought I'd link it Larry!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=171274

A great tutorial from Larry, and many other superb links can be found in the reference library. This section should be frequented more often!

cruvon · 18 March 2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleddog

Thought I'd link it Larry!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=171274

A great tutorial from Larry, and many other superb links can be found in the reference library. This section should be frequented more often!

Awesome tutorial!

sleddog · 18 March 2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruvon

Awesome tutorial!

As are many others from Larry!

Brenngun · 18 March 2012, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Doesn't bother me.. casebacks are cheap enough it if bothers somebody..

Light engravings can be taken off in about 5 minutes... We have a DIY over in the Reference Library..

Larry, Great tutorial. Would you follow the same process for an 18K case back? If not how would you modify the procedure or tools?

17 March 2012, 11:55 AM	#1
Paladin "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: So. California Posts: 1,232	Vintage rolex with personalized engravings on caseback..... I personally would never buy a watch that someone had engraved with a personal inscription or name. There is just something creepy about it to me..... Any other thoughts on the matter? __________________ 1601, 1675/3, 16753, 16750, 16750, 16700, 16610, 18238

17 March 2012, 11:59 AM	#2
mfer "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Mik Location: USA Posts: 13,724	Buy a new case back.... __________________ member#3242

17 March 2012, 12:17 PM	#3
smallcandle "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Kansas Watch: 16610, Omega PO Posts: 1,898	Get the inscription polished out. I wouldn't pass up a great deal just because of an engraving, etc... __________________ Things got out of control and I had to stab a clown...

17 March 2012, 12:46 PM	#6
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Am with David on this one. Also if the watch is otherwise attractive and has an undesirable caseback engraving, then I wouldn't mind getting it at a discount. __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

17 March 2012, 12:47 PM	#7
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,418	I have bought several with names or insignia on the case back. To me its a part of the watches history. __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

17 March 2012, 12:28 PM	#4
MP5 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: ATX Posts: 2,886	Why? I actually think its cool and have one with an engraving, I love the thought of what the previous owner did, who they were, where its been. It makes it special to me. Of course Im talking about daily pieces I can use and enjoy and not pure investment safe watches

17 March 2012, 12:33 PM	#5
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Not a deal breaker for me and depending on who owned the watch it might be a bonus. I own sub that was owned by master chief submariner and he had his name and title engraved on the caseback. Adds a lot of character IMO. But of course I prefer this over lets say "best dad in the world" engraving which would be a minus. lol

17 March 2012, 12:53 PM	#8
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	I like the idea of the watch having a meaningful life prior to my ownership. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

17 March 2012, 01:01 PM	#10
Baco Noir "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: Colorado Watch: this ya'll Posts: 4,970	My Tudor Date-Day Jumbo from the early 70s has a name engraved on the case back. It didn't stop me at all. I did read recently about a vet who was selling a red sub that he won in a poker game in vietnam from another vet, and was selling after all these years. That one would make me stay away because I felt bad for the person who lost it in a poker game in the war.

17 March 2012, 01:48 PM	#11
mdw3 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 677	If you don't want to have to think about your watch's previous owners, and the history it might have had before your ownership -- don't buy vintage.

17 March 2012, 04:29 PM	#12
Baronrojo "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: CA Watch: Rolex Posts: 268	Thinking about a watch's previous owners is interesting to say the least. I have a few non-Rolex vintage pieces engraved with names or messages like "To Dad 1945"...and I can't help but wonder who "Dad" was and what he was doing in 1945. It's almost like I want to thank them for letting me wear their watches 70 years later.

17 March 2012, 08:24 PM	#13
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Back when we were going around and buying old mens watches fro the 30's 40's and 50's we were looking for watches that were engraved. It was interesting. Many of them were gold watches given by companies for retirement. I thought it was sad that families would let these watches go.

17 March 2012, 09:40 PM	#17
Kingair "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA Watch: Not enough ;-) Posts: 21,232	Doesn't bother me. As mentioned in a previous post it can ad some character. You can always buy another or if possible have it polished HANW

18 March 2012, 04:57 AM	#18
JEC Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: J. Location: Montreal Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 232	I find it interesting and it adds some character to the watch. However, I might hesitate if it was something unpleasant. "100th Adult Film Dec 1987" "For Distinguished Service to the Family - Bobby Three Fingers 1952-1968" "25 Years of Service - Union Carbide, Bhopal Division" "5 Years Sober - Capt. Joe Hazelwood"

18 March 2012, 05:05 AM	#19
SPARTAN2161 Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Nick H. Location: Amherst, NY Watch: me flip Posts: 1,901	I like the history aspect of it. It's neat

18 March 2012, 05:15 AM	#20
threemonkeys "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Craig Location: Seattle-ish, USA Watch: GMTIIc, AK, LVc Posts: 7,022	I like the inscriptions. I'm sure with some of the older watches the owners have long since passed. But it's like a part of them lives on with someone else. And when I'm gone, someone can think about the history I created with my timepieces.

18 March 2012, 06:07 AM	#22
1675-David "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 6,061	engravings are seldom very deep and usually quite easily polished out if you cant live with the inscription...

18 March 2012, 07:43 AM	#23
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	My 5513 is engraved with 3 initials. Doesn't bother me in the slightest. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

18 March 2012, 07:44 AM	#24
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	That being said, would I engrave a watch I bought new and that is to be handed down to my son someday? Wonder what opinions on engraving a new watch thats an intended heirloom are. __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

18 March 2012, 09:54 AM	#25
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Doesn't bother me.. casebacks are cheap enough it if bothers somebody.. Light engravings can be taken off in about 5 minutes... We have a DIY over in the Reference Library.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

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