Hand Engraving
Traditional gravers worked by a master craftsman. Used for ornate monograms, family crests, and decorative borders where each stroke carries the warmth of human hand. The slowest method and the most expressive — a true bespoke piece.
Watch Engraving & Personalisation
Bespoke Watch Engraving by Martin Oliva
Transform a fine timepiece into a personal heirloom with engraving carried out by hand and machine at our London workshop. From caseback dedications to bracelet monograms, our specialists deliver precision work that respects the architecture of every reference.
Engraving is one of the oldest decorative arts in watchmaking. Where a movement marks time mechanically, engraving marks it personally: a name, a date, a phrase that turns an object into a relic.
Techniques
Three Disciplines, One Standard
We choose the technique based on the watch, the surface, and the depth of effect required. Each method has a specific role and a distinct aesthetic.
Diamond-Tip Machine
A computer-guided diamond stylus cuts crisp, even lines into the metal. Ideal for clean modern typography, names, dates and short inscriptions. Offers a uniform depth and finish across the engraved area with consistent results.
Laser Engraving
Fibre laser equipment produces fine, surface-level markings without any mechanical contact. Best suited to ceramic bezels, sapphire casebacks, and PVD-coated steel where traditional tools risk surface damage. Permits photographic detail.
Process
From Brief to Heirloom
Four considered steps from initial conversation to the finished piece — each stage signed off with you.
Consultation
Bring the watch in or send a high-resolution photo and reference number. We discuss surface, technique, font and sentiment, then quote the commission.
Design Proof
A digital mock-up is prepared showing exact placement, scale and typography. No tool touches the metal until you approve the proof in writing.
Engraving
The watch is dismantled where necessary, the chosen technique applied by the appropriate specialist, and the work inspected under magnification.
Finishing
The case is cleaned, gaskets are inspected and replaced where touched, water resistance is re-tested and the watch is returned in a Martin Oliva presentation case.
Transparent Pricing
Engraving Price Guide
Indicative pricing including VAT. Final quotation issued after consultation and design proof, based on technique, complexity and engraving length.
Service
From
Lead Time
Machine Engraving — Caseback Inscriptionup to 5 lines, standard typography
£95
3 days
Machine Engraving — Bracelet Claspinitials, dates or short marks
£75
2 days
Laser Engraving — Sapphire Casebackup to 6 lines, fine typography
£140
4 days
Laser Engraving — Ceramic / PVD Bezelnumerals, markers or text
£160
5 days
Hand Engraving — Monogram or Initialsthree letters, decorative script
£280
7 days
Hand Engraving — Family Crestbespoke design, quoted individually
From £650
14+ days
Restoration — Existing Engravingre-cutting, paint refill, polishing
From £120
5 days
Prices are inclusive of VAT. Water-resistance recertification included for any caseback engraving. Insured return shipping within the United Kingdom is provided at no additional charge.
Materials
Metals & Surfaces We Work
Our engravers are qualified across the full range of materials used in modern and vintage watchmaking.
Stainless Steel
Including Oystersteel and 904L
Yellow Gold
18k and 22k
Rose Gold
Including Everose
White Gold
18k
Platinum
950 grade
Titanium
Grade 2 and 5
Ceramic
Laser only
Sapphire Crystal
Laser only
Services We Offer
What We Engrave
From rings and pendants to luxury timepieces and presentation trophies, our studio undertakes engraving across the full spectrum of fine jewellery and bespoke gifting.
Most Requested
Ring Engraving
The most classic and most-requested commission in our studio, applied to wedding bands, engagement rings and significant date dedications.
- Wedding bands
- Engagement rings
- Anniversary dates, initials & short messages
Sentimental
Necklace & Pendant Engraving
Everyday sentimental pieces with a personal inscription, from heart pendants and name necklaces to military-style dog tags.
- Heart pendants
- Name necklaces
- Dog tags & military-style pendants
Heirloom
Locket Engraving
A second inscription that frames the photograph or keepsake held inside, in classic monograms or significant dates.
- Outer-surface engraving
- Initials & significant dates
- Private messages and dedications
Gift Favourite
Cufflinks Engraving
A favoured gift for grooms, fathers and milestone occasions, finished with monograms, dates or bespoke designs.
- Wedding date inscriptions
- Initials & classic monograms
- Family crests and bespoke designs
Corporate
Keyring & Keychain Engraving
Practical pieces personalised for everyday carry, or finished with company branding for corporate gifting at scale.
- Names & initials
- Company logos and brand marks
- Short messages and event dates
Presentation
Trophy & Gift Engraving
Recognition pieces and presentation gifts for sporting, corporate and ceremonial occasions, finished to the same exacting standard.
- Awards, plaques and silverware
- Corporate recognition pieces
- Sporting and event trophies
Our Specialism
Watch Caseback Engraving
Our central specialism: dedications, anniversaries and gift inscriptions on luxury timepieces with water-resistance recertification.
- Dedication messages and tributes
- Anniversary and milestone dates
- Gift engraving on luxury timepieces
Common Questions
Watch Engraving FAQs
Will engraving affect the watch's value?
A discreet caseback inscription generally has no impact on resale value, and many collectors view a tasteful dedication as part of a watch's history. Deep visible engraving on the case sides or dial side, however, can reduce value among purist collectors. We always discuss the visibility and tone of any work before proceeding, so the decision is fully informed.
Can engraving be removed later?
Shallow machine and laser engravings can often be removed by careful polishing, although the affected surface will be slightly thinner afterwards. Deeper hand engraving is generally permanent and cannot be polished out without altering the case geometry. We advise treating all engraving as a long-term commitment, which is why the design proof step exists.
Will engraving affect water resistance?
Any work on a case is followed by gasket inspection, replacement where touched, and a full pressure and water-resistance test. The watch is recertified to its original specification before return. Sapphire and bezel laser work generally does not break the case seal, but is still re-tested for assurance.
Do you engrave watches I did not purchase from Martin Oliva?
Yes. We engrave watches from all reputable brands and references, regardless of where they were purchased. Counterfeit watches are not accepted under any circumstances; authentication is part of the consultation.
Can you engrave non-Latin characters or unusual fonts?
Our engravers regularly work with Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese characters, as well as bespoke typographic designs. Submit a vector file or an example image of the desired typography during consultation, and we will produce a faithful proof.
Is the work guaranteed?
All engraving carries a lifetime workmanship promise: any technical fault in the engraving itself will be corrected at no charge. Any subsequent surface refinishing, polishing, or related work is quoted separately.
Can I send a watch from outside London?
Yes — we receive watches from clients across the United Kingdom and internationally. Insured tracked shipping with the appropriate carrier is recommended; we can also provide a courier collection within central London. International clients should contact us in advance for customs guidance.
How long does the entire process take?
Most commissions are completed within seven working days from approval of the design proof. Hand-engraved family crests and ornate monograms take longer — typically two to three weeks. Rush services are available for time-sensitive commissions; please flag at consultation.
