Hi All,

I was lucky to find a 166.093 that was obviously used as a tool watch, and has a huge inscription of the original owners name. Im about to give send it to have the case laser welded and refinished to original specs. I was hoping you would share your opinion. Should I laser weld it, or does the inscription, being a tool watch, represents its history. What do you think?

https://www.mediafire.com/view/sbx88o98w28o9rh/IMG_7644.JPG

Regards,
P

 

I'd laser weld that. If it was on the back, fine, you don't see it, but on the side

 

Personally I would not think twice about having that welded unless of course you have some interesting history and provenance that goes with it.

 

I get the concept but can you enlighten me about laser welding? Can they make the engraving go away completely by welding in metal then buffing? I assume there are specialists who do this sort of thing?

Thanks for the education.

 

I once had a similar watch which was engraved on top of it just beneath the dial. It belonged to a professional diver who told me that at on point they all had the same watch, a Seamaster 1000 and that way he was sure to get his watch back and not somebody else's.
The problem was quickly solved for I was burglared and the watch disappeared.

 

i vote for restore:

 

I'd most likely leave the engraving on unless I had extra cash laying around to remove it.

That sounds like a small problem got solved and a bigger problem resulted. Sorry about the loss.

 

I'll go against the popular vote and say keep the engraving. It wouldn't bother me at all if I was wearing it. We all know that these watches belonged to someone else before - now you just know who. It's sort of C harming.

If or when it comes time to sell it, then it's another matter. Then it's about estimating if you can recoup the cost - I frankly have no idea.

 

If he was a professional diver, then I say leave it...part of the story.

 

I would leave it as is.

If it bothers you I'd look for another example.

 

Thanks all for your reply. I did went for the restore. The quote I received more expensive (actually double) that I was hoping but I this guy has some serious skills and he explained that the increment in price due to the monocoque case, which is a pain to work with as there is no easy way to hold it. Will update with pics once I get the case back. @Aqw1942 indeed, the laser adds material were its missing, and then the case is reshaped with the proper tools. Thanks all