Views On Vintage Engravings?

Perhaps Paul Newman’s engraved Daytona‘s and JFK’s Tank are some of the most famous scratchings on a case. However, I’ve been looking at a lot of affordable engraved vintage pieces lately, particularly Longines. Longines it seems were very popular here in the UK as retirement gifts. Some of the engravings are from companies long since gone, many from industries we no longer see here at all. Whilst I’ve not yet pulled the trigger and bought one I do find these engravings fascinating. I think they really add to the character of the watch and researching the companies that gifted them could be fascinating. So my question to you is what are your thoughts on engraved vintage?  It might be fun to discuss and share any interesting etchings your pre loved watches have. 

cheers 
 

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I love the idea of engraving my own watch or even having a vintage engraved piece should it have an interesting backstory. That said, if it simply says something like To James with Love or something sentimental to the previous owner (and I know nothing about the history), I’d be less incline if only it may not feel like my watch. That’s personal of course, and I am sure if it were a Paul Newman Daytona I’d happily own James’ watch 😂 

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bevelwerks

I love the idea of engraving my own watch or even having a vintage engraved piece should it have an interesting backstory. That said, if it simply says something like To James with Love or something sentimental to the previous owner (and I know nothing about the history), I’d be less incline if only it may not feel like my watch. That’s personal of course, and I am sure if it were a Paul Newman Daytona I’d happily own James’ watch 😂 

😂 I couldn’t possibly accept that Daytona that’s not my name 😂 you have a good point so much depends on what the engraving says and how you connect with it. 

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Personally, I don't look at the back of the watch after initial inspection unless I'm changing bands or considering service. I'd forget it was there, so it wouldn't matter. On a wristwatch. Personalized pocket watches are a different matter.

In non-celebrity cases, personalization usually devalues an item. The market has spoken in that regard.

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I have some, and as I never see them it doesn’t give me too much grief. I would laugh if one just said, “turn over to tell time”

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Porthole

I have some, and as I never see them it doesn’t give me too much grief. I would laugh if one just said, “turn over to tell time”

Contacting engraver now...

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Got this at a local thrift store and love the idea that once it was a treasured gift.

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Alyndara
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Got this at a local thrift store and love the idea that once it was a treasured gift.

Lovely watch and I agree it is nice to know it has made more than one person happy. 

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I personally think it's really cool.  Most of my watches were gifted by my wife to me for a milestone.  I hope to pass my watches down to my kids one day.  They can see the engravings and remember me and their mother and the occasions that we celebrated as a family. As to buying a watch that was engraved, for me it comes down to whether or not the engraving speaks to me.