How many gifts can you think of that fall into the category of family heirlooms or gifts that can be passed down through the generations? If you couldn’t think of very many, you are probably right. Big screen TVs, your 1989 Mercedes, your stiletto shoe collection are not the types of gifts you can or would want to pass down through the generations, but a personalized watch, maybe a classic pocket watch or a monogrammed watch with your great, great grandfather’s initials is something that is treasured and it very special.

Treat it With Care If you already own a personalized watch that is a family heirloom, don’t attempt to fix it yourself if it is broken. Taking it to a proper watch repair could turn out to be the greatest return on your inheritance you have ever done. Similar to inheriting a genuine fur coat, you would want to take the coat into a furrier to treat the fur and the leather, so that it is done by a trained professional who knows what they are doing. If the personalized personalized watch means anything to you, or if you plan on handing it down through the generations, it would be wise of you to have it professionally taken care of. Don’t necessarily wait until it breaks to bring it in either. Having it looked at every year or so for maintenance is a good idea to keep your watch running at its best.

If your personalized watch isn’t appraised, you may want to look into it. Once it’s appraised it needs to be registered and insured. An appraiser will make notes about your time piece and check out all of the little imperfections, if any, and make notes about them. An appraiser will take notes about the gems or metals that make up your personalized watch and record their value. With this information, you will be able to take it to a jewelry insurer and have your heirloom personalized watch insured appropriately.

Etiquette of Family Heirlooms If your family has a family heirloom that is being handed down throughout the family, it may already bear instructions as to who is next in line to receive it. If great aunt Mae’s pearls have already been handed down to the oldest female in the family, everyone knows that when you, if you are the oldest female will be handing down aunt Mae’s pearls to your oldest daughter some day. But, if there are no daughters born to you, then you and your family (as it may be) can decide who gets the heirloom. Maybe it’s your son’s wife or their oldest daughter. The rule goes, as long as it stays within the family. A personalized watch falls under the same category as any other heirloom. Check to see how it has been handed down in the past. If you are the first to receive the personalized watch family heirloom, without instructions, you have been given the great opportunity to create the pattern yourself. Make it as big or little of a ceremony as you wish, just as long as you keep it in the family.

About the author: Melissa Peterman is a web content specialist for Innuity. For more information about getting a personalized watch go to Whimsical Watches.