Very frequently, at the end of a sale, we are asked to engrave an engraving on the watch case: a small distinguishing mark, a personalisation, a fetish, a sort of personal tattoo, nothing to do with the modifications discussed in the last issue. Dates, names, initials, dedications, coats of arms, drawings are engraved... There are many techniques: freehand engraving, diamond-tipped pantographs, milling cutters, lasers, sometimes linked to computers. Enamels can even be applied to the engraving afterwards. Practically all precious and non-precious materials can be engraved; special care is required only in the case of treatments applied to certain watch cases (gilding, chrome plating, burnishing, etc.). For many customers, customisation is a passion, a must-do at all costs, even when it is almost impossible to achieve - to the 'delight' of the poor engravers. Some require engravings on the most unthinkable parts, and our advice to desist is of little use; no way, and so an invasive engraving appears to the detriment of the watch's original aesthetics. Cases of disappointment on seeing the watch after engraving are not rare, and on some occasions new casebacks have even been ordered... It is true that in the vast majority of cases, engravings do not alter the integrity, and not at all the functionality, of the watch: in almost all cases we can only speak of minor 'wounds' to the aesthetics of the watch. The most important and specialised shops have books dedicated to the dozens of styles that can be used to engrave a watch: with characters ranging from the simplest to the less well-known. Some watches are certainly more prone to engraving or practically predestined. This is the case, for example, with the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre: the House itself offers various possibilities, some of which are decidedly interesting. A. Lange & Söhne during assembly gives the option, at the customer's request, to engrave their initials on the balance bridge. In the near future, Vacheron Constantin will offer the possibility of a new and broader choice of personalisation during the construction phase, with the application of even long and complex phrases. In some cases, which are much rarer, engravings have been requested on the glass panes of table clocks: the passion for personalisation at all costs... In conclusion, the request for engravings or personalisations on watches is part of everyday life in shops, but I repeat the advice not to exaggerate so as not to alter the aesthetics of the timepiece, and if possible to avoid engraving the screw-down case backs, as over the years it is difficult to put names or initials, phrases or dates back in the right direction. We also advise against engravings on the clasps, as they are subject to breakage or wear and therefore inevitable replacement. Finally, it is better to be cautious with very special, collector's, or very rare watches: grandfather's or father's initials will not always be welcome the day you want to sell or auction it.
