Have you ever engraved a watch (I mean the case not just adding a date and name?

I’m generally against the idea as I appreciate the contours of a case but I think the alpanist can look great when the case is done up. I’ve seen a couple IRL that looked really sharp. When I was with a friend this weekend his neighbor was an engravist. He retired now but still does it at home for fun and side income. He sated he had done a few watches over the years but it wasn’t his mainstay at his shop but had a few he did for practice that looked real nice.

Now the alpanist is one of my favorite watches that being the sarb0017. It’s very easy to wear and doesn’t attract attention but the engraving may change that and when I got mine I think I paid 350 or so I see them going for 700 plus sometimes but maybe the market softened. Point being I might need to pick up another one just to engrave and then add the cost of the engraving work.

Not saying I couldn’t do it but my wife has been accepting that I’m a degenerate watch junky and not arguing about a possible explorer or other Rolex purchase so I just want to take her feelings into account although she sent me a picture of a modern (close to) female constellation and asked how much I could get her one for. That shocked me but different story.

So anyway just mulling the engraving and wondering if any have partaken. PS all these pics are stolen not mine and I didn’t give credit as it seemed like too much work I think they were all Joe and Tony’s

I don’t think the pictures translate as nicely as the two I saw in person but I think it drives the point across. I really appreciate nice work like that it really is an art form but may give some watch purists an issue I’m not sure.

Ah you said it well honestly the two I saw struck me more as sculpting than engraving and sculptures really blow my mind. This guy I’m talkin to did some serious work in his day. I think he started at 18y.o. And is now retired at 60 but he developed a lot of other businesses during his life a couple still open. So yes I agree it’s going to greatly depend on the hand that does it but I think this guy is overly qualified and can probably hit that sculpture look. If I picked up two alpanist back in the day this would be an easier choice I don’t know if I should alter my one alpanist since it’s a watch I like so much as is.

Both my and my wife's Reverso are engraved, mine with lacquer filled Art Deco initials done by JLC in Switzerland, hers with a stylized initial done by JC Randall (retired) who was the designated JLC engraver in the USA for many years. You need to find a quality engraver, it's difficult because this art form is pretty much extinct. And the experts work is not cheap.

I bet that’s beautiful they are lovely watches. There was one for sale local at a “reasonable” price. I was very close to pulling the trigger but I held back as it’s a tad too dressy but how can you not love the reverso.
The main thing that is giving me confidence in this gentleman’s skills is the damn chess sets he makes. I’m a chess buff to begin with and have one hand made set but this guy is doing such intricate pieces. Probably not at JLC designated in-graver level. We didn’t get too much into price yet and I don’t sell my watches but he said he would like to do a watch so talks will continue.