For swiss cheap watches, engraving has no functional value. This is a personalized choice based on personal preferences, not practical purposes. In fact, many people know that engraving will definitely hurt the resale value of the watch. Unless, the watch owner is a well-known person. In this way, the engraving will make the watch a signature collection. In this article, we will list the most famous examples in history. These examples prove once again that wealthy and famous can really do whatever they want.
Marlon Brando-DIY customization
Marlon Brando once starred in “Apocalypse Now”, but it needs to be pointed out that working with him is not easy. When Brando appeared on the shooting scene in the Philippines, his weight soared to 135 kg, so he had to abandon all his clothes (Francis Ford Coppola wanted Brando to play a vigorous soldier). Brando stubbornly wore the Rolex Ref.1675 Greenwich watch, further annoying the clothing team. The film crew reminded him politely that the watch did not fit the character of Walter Kurz, but Brando refused to take it off. He insisted, “If the audience sees this watch, then I’m not doing my job as an actor.”
Brando customized this watch by DIY. He removed the bezel to make the watch look even more worn. Brando also engraved his name “M.Brando” on the back of the watch, the font is very rough, but this did not affect the value of the watch. In December 2019, this watch was sold for $1,952,000 at the Phillips New York “GAME CHANGERS” themed auction.
Elton Senna-Daytona Gift
From Kurt Cobain to James Dean, dying young can often add legendary stars. In 1994, Brazilian F1 champion Elton Senna was killed in an accident in the San Marino Grand Prix. He was only 34 years old, but he gained the reputation of “the god of cars”.
This Rolex Ref.16528 Cosmograph Daytona 18K gold watch was a gift from Senna to Angelo Parrilla during his lifetime. Angelo Parrilla discovered Senna from the go-kart world, took him to Italy to compete, and guided Senna throughout his career. Until Senna’s unfortunate death, the two maintained a strong friendship.
The case back is engraved with the words “A Angelo da Ayrton 1978”. The lettering is ordinary, but it is of special significance to F1 fans. Senna gave this watch around 1990, when he was at the peak of his career (winning the world championship in 1988, 1990, and 1991, respectively). In 1978, it was the year Angelo Parrilla discovered Senna’s talents and brought him to Italy to participate in the World Karting Championship. In May 2019, this watch was sold at the Phillips “Prestigious Watch-Geneva Ⅸ” auction.
Paul Newman-release the throttle
When asked how a well-known and handsome person like him can always maintain loyalty to marriage, Paul Newman replied, “There are steaks at home, why go out to eat burgers?” Paul Newman said. Refers to his happy marriage with Joanne Woodward. But when they starred in the 1969 film “Winning” together, their relationship became a little nervous.
This film tells the story of a racer trying to win the Indianapolis 500 Mile Grand Prix. To prepare for this role, Newman took a racing course. He quickly became addicted to it, initially as a hobby, and later as a profession. But Woodward was not happy.
“Woodward thinks this is the stupidest thing in the world,” Newman said of his participation in motorsports. “It also made her very scared, and she didn’t like it very much.” Later, Woodward gave Newman this Rolex. Ref. 6239 Cosmograph Daytona watch. The case back of the watch is engraved with the words “DRIVE CAREFULLY / ME”, and the capital letters and word meaning highlight her concern and care.
Newman once said: “My wife has always given unconditional support to all my choices and careers, including the car that she doesn’t like. For me, this is the performance of love.” In January 2017, this wrist The watch was sold for $17,752,500 at the themed auction of “Winning Icons-Legendary watches online shop of the 20th Century” in New York, setting a new world record.