Ok, I'm quoting Dennis's original question above just to get a general idea about the feeling of those around here who care to answer. Note that long dissertations are not required - selecting an answer is just fine.

Assume you come across the opportunity to get an all-original and with an overall decent-shape condition vintage watch but its only distraction is an engraved caseback similar to http://omegaforums.net/threads/1951-omega-seamaster-cal-351-bumper.21011/#post-228129 or http://omegaforums.net/threads/1956-omega-seamaster-hooded-lugs-cal-500.20968/ Lets further assume a donor watch that could be the source for the correct and clean caseback is out of the equation.

1. You would:

A. Disregard immediately

B. Maybe consider depending on other merits

C. Definitely consider depending on other merits

2. If you were to consider, what would be the criteria most important to get you to buy or negotiate?

A. a super ridiculous low price?
B. a one-in-a-life-time opportunity to get a super rare model?
C. potential to rid off the inscription and restore without too much damage?
D. other

3. Have you purchased a watch with an inscription from an unknown in the past? (e.g. not belonging to a family member or someone you knew)

Y or N

 

1.) B, maybe

2.) lower price

3.) No (not yet)

 

I haven't yet seen the watch bearing an inscription that I'd "pull the trigger on."

I'm same way about my vintage firearms. I don't mind honest wear on a collectible model but don't look at re-blued guns or those with aftermarket "bubba modifications." Learned long ago that non-factory modifications loom large after the newness of initial ownership wears off.

Now watches and re-dials begin to bug me the same way since I joined up here. Some redials live here but I didn't know any better. Still don't have good recognition skills but am much more aware than I was.

 

#1 & #2 are a mixed bag for me.

For an "ordinary" reference, I would definitely consider an inscribed example if it is something I like/want, and the price is right.

However, I strongly believe I would not pull the trigger on an inscribed "grail" level watch, unless it was of historical significance. However, this is an untested belief thus far.

As for #3

Maybe, maybe not.

 

1. C
2. the first is probably most important, but the other options also apply
3. No

I probably don't mind inscriptions as much as some other people, though. It says to me that at some point, someone really cared about this thing.

 

1. C
2. a/b
3. Yes

In fact, I kinda love inscriptions. We buy watches--vintage watches, at least--as much for the circumstances of their manufacture and technical merits as for the "story" of the watch as it was used and loved or neglected over the years. To repeat a line that I use: the inscription adds a charming bit of provenance to a fine watch.

 

the issue of inscriptions is irrelevant. Every vintage watch has a history and when you purchase the watch you acquire the history of it as well.

if you substitute the case back for another then you destroy the history of the watch.

given how much shite is dribbled here about originality this conversation confuses me.

 

1) B
2) Lower price
3) No (not yet)

 

1....C

2....Lower price

3...Yes

 

c, other, yes. I like some, but not all engravings. I particularly like award or retirement watches.

 

1. C
2. Expect a much lower price except for a military related inscription. I kinda feel sorry buying them thinking some crummy kid took grandpa's watch and pawned it. I think they should all stay in the family.
3. Yes. Many. Military inscriptions seem to add value to the watches. Colonel and above, of course.

 

1. C - as long as it doesn't look like chicken scratch. I once saw an early 2998 in relatively good shape, only to have my heart sink when I turned it over and saw what I can only describe as the work of child that needs some serious discipline
2. A/B - As long as it is tastefully done, an inscription can add to the desirability of a watch for me (emphasis on "for me")
3. Y

 

Actually, I'd like to just change my answer to I probably wouldn't even consider it and would move on. Buying a watch with an inscription on it is like finding out my girlfriend has a tattoo of her ex's name on her body somewhere.

 

Nope, I move on.

Bought a vintage JLC with an inscription, sold 6 weeks later.

 

Plain case back wouldn't bother me.

Decorated and Longines case backs are a different story.

 

(C.)

(other)

(Y)



Am i allowed to expound at all? I'll takes my chances: I like a watch with a tasteful engraving!

I wish I could find Harry Truman's Flying Officer. Wouldn't mind that engraving...

 

1) B
2) Lower Price
3) NO