Family Pocket Watch Heirloom

WHAT SHOULD I DO

My late father left 1 family heirloom to me as his Blood son. I am conflicted as he tore the family apart and moved away to live with my step mums famiy a new life with another family so long story short its from my great grandfather solid gold pocket watch from 1878(only one in existent). . The only problem is he engraved a message you would put on a birthday card and i want to pass it down to my son when time comes.

Any advice is much appreciated with either removing it or keeping the engraving?

Thankyou