CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH STYLE • GIFT NATURE, STYLE & A SPECIAL TOUCH • UP TO 30% OFF
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH STYLE • GIFT NATURE, STYLE & A SPECIAL TOUCH • UP TO 30% OFF

January 19, 2024 6 min read
Engraving a wooden watch adds a personal message, date, or symbol to the caseback, creating a unique and memorable timepiece. Here we explain how watch engraving works at Zeitholz, the steps involved in our process, and how to place an engraving order on our website.

Wooden watches offer a warm, natural character thanks to their unique grain patterns and organic texture. Every caseback is slightly different, which makes engraving especially meaningful—your message becomes part of the wood itself.
This is why engraved wooden watches are often chosen for personal milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, retirements, or other important life moments. A short message or date on the caseback turns a practical accessory into a lasting reminder of a special occasion.

Whether you’re commemorating an achievement, giving a gift to a partner or family member, or marking a personal milestone, a Zeitholz wooden watch can be engraved to reflect the message, date, or symbol that matters most to you.
Watch engraving transforms a watch into a personalized keepsake. This art involves the incorporation of designs, messages or symbols. Engraving ranges from simple initials to complex patterns and tells a unique story.
Traditionally handcrafted, engraving has evolved through advances in technology to precise laser engraving, ideal for wooden watches.
Historically used for manufacturer identification, watch engraving has evolved into an artistic expression. Once an elite status symbol, it is now a personalization option for everyone.
Choosing your watch is the first step. For Zeitholz, consider the type of wood and the watch design, as these aspects will influence the engraving.
After the selection comes the design of your engraving. Decide between classic and creative designs. Make sure that the engraving is aesthetically pleasing and harmonizes with the watch.
At Zeitholz, we engrave our wooden watches in-house using precise laser engraving equipment. Instead of sending your watch to an independent jeweller or repair shop, every engraving is carried out by our own service team when you place an online order or contact us afterwards.
Let's look at the process step by step.

Safety is of paramount importance in the engraving process. Our professionals are trained to operate the laser engraving machines with the utmost care to ensure both the safety of the watch and their own.
Wood is a natural material, and taking a few simple precautions will help protect both the watch and the engraving over time. The following care guidelines apply to all Zeitholz wooden watches, whether engraved or not.
With gentle use and periodic cleaning, an engraved wooden watch will maintain both its appearance and the legibility of the engraving for many years.
Adding a personal message or simple symbol to your Zeitholz watch is easy. Follow these steps at checkout, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Note: Engraving is a paid add-on service; the price and any discounts are shown next to the Add Engraving button when you place your online order.
Tips:
Find clear answers to common questions about our engraving process, ordering, and long-term care.
Simple text, dates, initials, and simple symbols or images are ideal. The options depend on the caseback surface. We recommend a short consultation with our engraving team to confirm feasibility—and for ideas, see our engraving ideas.
Want to see real engravings made by our team? Explore our engraving gallery.
Engraving time depends on design complexity, but the design and execution typically take under an hour. Overall processing for an engraved order is 3–4 working days before delivery.
Engraving is an optional paid add-on. The exact surcharge for engraving is shown next to the Add Engraving button on each product page when you place your order online.
Engraving does not change the technical quality of the watch, but it does make the piece more personal to the wearer. For most customers this increases the sentimental value, while resale value can be lower because the watch is customized with a specific name or message.
No—engraving does not affect the warranty. We engrave with settings tailored to the wood and caseback to preserve the integrity of the watch.
Caring for an engraved wooden watch is similar to any wooden watch:
Yes—changes are possible. We can re-engrave or replace the engraved caseback if a suitable replacement is in stock. Contact us to confirm options for your specific model.
Yes. If your Zeitholz watch has a plain caseback, we can engrave it afterwards. Simply contact our team with your model name and request to confirm feasibility and cost before you send it in.
Only slightly. After we confirm the design, engraving and quality control typically add 2–3 working days before shipping. You’ll get a dispatch confirmation as soon as it’s ready.
Please contact us. We’ll work with you to find a satisfactory solution.
Adding an engraving is a simple way to give a wooden watch a personal meaning. A short message, name, or date turns the caseback into a reminder of a specific moment, milestone, or relationship.
Engraved wooden watches are often chosen for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, or other occasions where a thoughtful and lasting gift feels appropriate.
If you’re considering a personalized watch, you can explore our collections for men and women, or learn more about the materials we use. Our team is available to help you with design questions or engraving ideas.
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