I’ve seen my share of odd runes on old watches. In one, a tiny fleur‑de‑lis on a silver case led me to a forgotten family ledger tucked in the pocket of a 19th‑century valet. The symbols usually tell a story—perhaps a maker’s mark, a personal sigil, or even a clandestine message from a secret society. I’ll need to trace the maker’s workshop and cross‑reference the style with other pieces from the same era. It’s like piecing together a time‑worn puzzle, one delicate tick at a time.

You’re right, every little clue can be a trap, so I’ll keep my gloves on and stay sharp.

I’ll keep my records spotless, but I’ll also make sure my own mind doesn’t leave a mess behind.