How much does a generic retirement inscription impact value on a common watch like this? I'm told a competent goldsmith can fill and re-finish this particular case back for $125. Would you leave it alone or fix it? I'm not so spergy that I can't deal with it. But, close lol
I think inscriptions often add to the history of the watch so I doubt I would ever try to get one removed. Then again, I don't often look at the caseback of my watches
Do not fill it in. That is worse than the inscription. I also think that they add to the provenance and value...
I think I may be simply echoing what's been said above but I have many watches with inscriptions and, to my way of thinking, they all add to the watch's history. I have a couple of boxes of plate (silver plated trays and such). One of these pieces is a set of 6 egg cups. When I was sorting through them, I found a very worn card that showed they were a wedding gift from 1921. It touched something in me, so I laminated a new card with the details of the gift - the date and names of the bride and groom - and stuck it on the underside of the tray. Without that, they're a pretty uninspiring set of egg cups. With it, they're still an uninspiring set of egg cups ... but they have a story. It's the same with my watches ... whether it's "Love, Ruth" or "H. Griffiths" or the Benson that was given for 47 years service. It's their story.
and there are some stories here on OF from folks who have dug back in time and met some interesting people connected to their watch....
Also a fan of (most) engravings, particularly those on watches given out as service awards. I've owned quite a few Hamilton watches that were given out to employees of GM, Coca Cola, IBM, Ford Motor Company (with H. Ford's signature) etc and the engravings add to the history of the piece. I have had a few very personal engravings removed (i.e. To my beloved husband of 40 years)
I'm normally so anal about things like this that I'd get a new case back (and keep the old one, of course). But for some reason this does not bother me. I'd be ok with it as is. I'd ignore the inscription and just consider it part of the watch's charm. For me that's personal growth!
I'm going to go against the plurality and say fill it in... but with a contrasting-colored metal, or maybe onyx, to match the dial. /feelsgoodman
It can be filled and refinshed to You would have a tough job. If I am not mistaken that is a front loading case. I would be tempted to fill it. A good jeweller could make that look like new. Gold is comparatively easy to work with vs steel.
Yeah, try explaining this one to my wife (hint, her name is not Terri). Thank god she knows I'm a vintage watch guy and could wind up with anything.....
Also a good way to keep a secret affair and have all the gifts you want and the wife still thinks you are a "collector"