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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.

Four examples of personalized engravings on the backs of Zeitholz watches, including congratulations, Mother's Day greetings, anniversary dates, and Christmas wishes

The unique canvas of wooden watches

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.

Zeitholz wooden watch with Happy Birthday engraving on the caseback

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.

Understanding the basics of watch engraving

What is watch engraving?

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.

Development of the technique

Traditionally handcrafted, engraving has evolved through advances in technology to precise laser engraving, ideal for wooden watches.

Historical background

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.

Preparation for engraving

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.

Design considerations

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.

Our engraving process

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.

Lasergravur-Prozess einer personalisierten Zeitholz Uhr mit rotem Licht auf natürlicher Holzunterlage, Detailansicht.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Design Finalization: First, we perfect the design of your choice by adjusting the size, style and positioning to ensure an ideal fit.
  2. Watch preparation: Careful cleaning and securing of the watch is essential to avoid movement during engraving and guarantee precision. The laser intensity is adjusted accordingly.
  3. Start of engraving: Using advanced laser technology, the design is precisely engraved into the material of the watch, leaving a lasting, aesthetic impression.
  4. Quality control: Each engraved watch undergoes a rigorous quality check to meet our high standards.
  5. Final steps: Finally, the watch is cleaned and polished to complete the engraving process.

Safety first

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.

Care after engraving wooden watches

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.

Everyday care

  • Wipe the watch regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove skin oils and dust. Avoid water, alcohol-based products, and chemical cleaners, as they can dull the wood or affect the engraving’s clarity.
  • Keep the watch dry: Wooden watches are splash-resistant at most. Remove the watch before showering, swimming, exercising heavily, or being exposed to high humidity for long periods.
  • Avoid heat extremes: Prolonged exposure to strong heat, saunas, or leaving the watch in a parked car can cause wood expansion. Very cold conditions can make the wood contract. Both can affect fit and longevity.

Protecting the engraving

  • Minimize friction: The caseback naturally rubs against the skin or clothing. Light wear is normal, but avoid rough surfaces (e.g., metal bracelets or gear) that could cause deeper scratches on the engraving.
  • Optional oil refresh: Applying a tiny amount of natural oil (walnut, lemon, or mineral oil) once or twice per year can restore the wood’s tone and help the engraving remain visually sharp. Apply sparingly with a microfiber cloth and let it dry fully before wearing.

With gentle use and periodic cleaning, an engraved wooden watch will maintain both its appearance and the legibility of the engraving for many years.

How to Order Your Engraving

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.

  1. Select your favorite watch
    Go to the product page of the watch you’d like to buy and personalize.
    Product page of a Zeitholz watch with the engraving section visible
    Product page for our Klitten Blue Rosewood 42mm
  2. Click the "Add Engraving" button
    A click on the engraving button will reveal the input field with a preview section.
    Add Engraving button on the product page
    Select "Add Engraving" to open the input and preview box
  3. Enter your message (up to 40 characters)
    Type your text in the box (e.g., names, dates, short phrases). You can then click on the drop-down menu to select the font you feel better aligns with your message and style. Prefer an image? Click on Choose file and upload the image you'd like to use.
    Engraving text field with font dropdown and file upload
    Enter your inscription, choose a font, or upload an image
  4. Complete your purchase
    Finally press continue and the watch and engraving will both be added to your shopping cart.
    Cart view showing engraving added to the order
    Confirm and proceed to checkout

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:

  • For inspiration and real examples, browse our engraving gallery and our engraving ideas
  • Keep messages short and clear for optimal legibility on the caseback
  • Unsure about the layout? Contact us and we’ll help you with a simple visual preview by email

FAQs about watch engraving

Find clear answers to common questions about our engraving process, ordering, and long-term care.

? Can any design be engraved? Design

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.

Duration of the engraving process? Timing

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.

How much does engraving cost, and does it affect value? Cost & Value

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.

Does engraving affect the guarantee? Warranty

No—engraving does not affect the warranty. We engrave with settings tailored to the wood and caseback to preserve the integrity of the watch.

🧽 How to care for an engraved wooden watch? Care

Caring for an engraved wooden watch is similar to any wooden watch:

  • Keep it clean and dry; wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures.
  • Minimize deep scratches; light patina adds character.
Can the engraving be changed or removed? Changes

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.

Can I engrave a Zeitholz watch I already own? Service

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.

📦 Does engraving delay delivery? Shipping

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.

💬 What should I do if I am not satisfied with the engraving? Support

Please contact us. We’ll work with you to find a satisfactory solution.

Why engraving adds value

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.

samuel santa
samuel santa



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