Engraving question

[Al Wyn]

Would this put you off buying or affect value that much? Have a lovely early 1960s mens Omega that hasnt graced my wrist (it was inherited)that i will be selling soon. Its in its original box with original leather strap and it has a dedicated engraving for company service on the back of the case. Spoke to a couple of people and they said it wouldnt bother them and someone else said they would have it polished out. Thoughts of the PH time piece adorned massive please...

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I'd say that it does affect value, but to what extent is difficult to say. I guess it depends what the engraving is, polishing out may be a possibility but that is bound to affect the original character of the watch.

[Al Wyn]

Hopefully the fact that its still in its original Garrard & Co Crown Jewellers box might balance things up price wise. Anyone on here specialise in this era Omegas?

[GC8]

What model is it? A new case back may still be available.

[Spice_Weasel]

If it had been owned by someone famous and was engraved, it could add to the value.

But in answer to the Q, I think that for an older model that came with box and papers, it would not affect the value significantly. There are many of these watches around, both engraved and unengraved. Condition and originality plus box/papers etc would be more important to me than some long service inscription on the back

[Al Wyn]

Believe its a BL1315418 (circa 1966) havent had the back casing off (gold not stainless steel) but its halmarked on the buckle of the strap although i cant make out but probably 9ct gold would have thought.

[Dominic H]

Spice_Weasel said:

If it had been owned by someone famous and was engraved, it could add to the value.

But in answer to the Q, I think that for an older model that came with box and papers, it would not affect the value significantly. There are many of these watches around, both engraved and unengraved. Condition and originality plus box/papers etc would be more important to me than some long service inscription on the back

I agree with you. I've just bought a 1972 Jaeger le Coultre gold strapwatch that had been given to the recipient as a long service award. The engraving is a plus for me, it's very well done and adds to the 'character' of the watch. I wouldn't dream of removing the engraving.

Having said that, I bought a contemporary Rolex Datejust last year that had the case back engraved. This reduces the buying interest, so a replacement back was purchased (had teh engraving been slight, we'd have re-finished the back).

OP, I think with yours it wouldn't detract from the value.

Just my 2c...

Dom H

[Al Wyn]

Thanks for your input guys...Dom you have a pm incoming

[sneijder]

This Omega wouldn't be thanking a Mr Armstrong for his service at some place called 'NASA' would it ?

500 squid. Cash.

[megapixels83]

For me I wouldn't be put off buying a watch wit good quality engraving for say long service etc as it adds to the character and story of the watch. But I would be put off by engraving say for a birthday or anniversary.