Engraving

[TheVTCGuy]

We had this thread up about a year ago, and I was just wondering if the mood had changed, so thought I'd put up this poll.

On the back of my grail Daytona, (which I coveted for 10 years, literally) I have my initials in bold-Gothic type. It's a personal thing, I did for just myself since being on the case-back (obviously) it will not be seen. When I asked the question if I should or not, the general consesus was NO, don't do it. The reasons I heard were varied; It will decrease the value of the watch (I could alwasy buy a new caseback if I ever sell it). It amounts to "Frankening" the Rolex (I am a purist, but not sure I agree that an engraving on the back actually Franken's it up). Etc. etc. etc.

So, among us TRFers, how many have their watches engraved? How many would consider it? And how many feel it is sacrilige?

[rolexguynfl]

Mines engraved - it was a gift, so it carries that sentimental value with it. I probably wouldn't do it otherwise as a personal choice not to damage any apparent value or the value I would be paying. But I am certainly not an expert or well versed in these matter.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

We had this thread up about a year ago, and I was just wondering if the mood had changed, so thought I'd put up this poll.

On the back of my grail Daytona, (which I coveted for 10 years, literally) I have my initials in bold-Gothic type. It's a personal thing, I did for just myself since being on the case-back (obviously) it will not be seen. When I asked the question if I should or not, the general consesus was NO, don't do it. The reasons I heard were varied; It will decrease the value of the watch (I could alwasy buy a new caseback if I ever sell it). It amounts to "Frankening" the Rolex (I am a purist, but not sure I agree that an engraving on the back actually Franken's it up). Etc. etc. etc.

So, among us TRFers, how many have their watches engraved? How many would consider it? And how many feel it is sacrilige?

If you are engraving your vase at the backcase I will say no.

Your name or a special date is ok in my book.

Just do it if it feels right and as you say it's easy to put back a new backcase if you should sell it or if you regret it.

[Clogger]

I can't see any thing wrong with engraving the case back, if it's a gift to someone that would be a nice geasture, as long as it's nothing tacky. As you have said you can always get a new case back if selling.

[watchteacher]

It's very difficult to find hand engravers who will work with steel, so virtually everyone with a steel Rolex is forced to have it machine engraved, which is an inferior process. Hand engraved removes metal, machine engraving kind of pushes aside the metal, and is much shallower.

So if I had a gold Rolex that I knew I was keeping forever, and I wanted it engraved, I would do so. I wouldn't get a steel Rolex machine engraved.

[Safetrends]

So what happened to the vase, is it worth anything? I am still in suspence.

[Esexx]

My 16610 was a gift and my wife still wants me to get it engraved.

I think it is a personal decision and for me I will not get it engraved. I never plan to sell it, just give it to my oldest son when the time is right.

But, to each their own. I see nothing wrong either way.

[rfknauss]

Paul, I don't have mine engraved ...... but it is a personal choice.

[pcst]

I would do it if I really like, it will take me few weeks just to think about what to engrave with first. ;)

[chris russell]

to my daughter when she graduated from the Fire Academy I am having engraved with the Fire Services logo, her badge number and her graduation date.

And the word you want in choice #4 is 'tantamount'. ;-)

[johnny80s]

My wife had mine engraved in that it was a gift from her... And the ones put away to my daughters in that they are going to be gifts one day.

[Chris B]

RSC Bexley engraved my Son's watch for me, ridiculously cheap (about £40), & recorded with the service history with Rolex

[BLM2]

My parents gave me a DJ when I graduated grad school. They engraved it with the date and my initials. It is very special to me.

Lee

[Rock]

Engraving certainly personalises the watch and gives it that little extra bit of special meaning for the owner. Where the problem arises is when the 'relationship ceases' or the beneficiary does not accord the watch the same value as the donor and decides to flog it. I kind of wonder whether my kids will value my watches when they inherit them - maybe, maybe not. Either way, if you stumped up the $$$ then its your call.

[Colnago]

Mine are not engraved yet....but they will be when they go to my boys....the engraving I plan on is small, my initials, the date I got the watch....my son's initials and the date it passed into his care....hopefully they will do the same when they pass them on to one of my grand children (who are not here yet by the way!)

[InVision]

About the same sentiment

[JUSTROLEXES]

Voted #3 Paul...IMO the only engraving a rolex should have is the Model and serial #

[Boopie]

Mine isn't engraved but I don't have a problem with those who do. We had a family friend who, years ago, held a very prestigious job, and was presented with a Rolex for an important event (I'm intentionally being vague). His watch had a nice engraving on the back of it with his name and date of the event. That would be a very cool watch to have one day.

[Speed]

I have yet to see an engraving that looked nice...Honestly. IMHO. I have seen some with company logos stamped on them. They looked ghastly / cheap.

Guess I am a purist. The wildest I have gotten is to put a Pepsi Bezel Insert on my Coke

[sleddog]

Paul.....I think I remember the thread you refer to and I even posted to!!!!
I would never engrave the case back......Just no need and to me,never looks good(from the ones I've seen!)!
If it's what you want and would never sell,then its yours to do with what you want...

[chrislkb]

No no no