Dying relative wants to buy me a Rolex to remember him

[Kobayashi]

I have an 83 year old uncle that has been given less than 6 months to live. His health has been diminishing over the last year so this isn't a surprise. He's part of the generation that fought in WWII and ended up in Silicon Valley when it was still cherry orchards. Over the years he's amassed a nice fortune.

My relatives live only a few miles away and I frequently visit to help out with meals, assist with hospital transportation, extra chores, etc. And despite having two sons I'm the only one he allows to help with his finances - mostly because it's just numbers to me and I keep his information private. That said, I told him to exclude me from his will as I didn't want there to be any issues with the family about me being a favorite over his sons or other family members concerned about not getting their share of his fortune.

We recently had another discussion about his finances after his prognosis and I asked again to be excluded from any inheritance. Although he was disappointed, I told him listening to his wisdom and hearing his stories are what I'll always treasure most.

Over the years I've shared with him my various hobbies and that Rolex collecting was the most recent. He knows my dad left me a 1601 DJ purchased from 1962 and offered to purchase me a Rolex of my choice as a keepsake of our time over the years and in lieu of an inheritance. I told him I'd rather have 10 more years with him. He was appreciative of my comments and told me to pick a Rolex in the next two weeks while he can still get around so he could go with me and have the case engraved as it would be our last memory together. I almost lost it at that point.

I really don't want anything but the thought of the two of us going to an AD together and selecting a Rolex is priceless. However, I don't know what to get. And I don't want to seem like I'm taking advantage of the situation. I'm not a flashy guy (no gold) and most of my acquisitions have been less than the cost of a SubC. I already have a Sub, GMT, DJ, Explorer, etc. I can't imagine what I'd want. All I can do is picture the two of us in the store and all I would think about is this would be our last time together. I couldn't even think of what to get. It almost seems selfish on my end as I even ask this. But what would be a keepsake timepiece to remember a great man.

[anmomin15]

This is one incredible story. That is going to be a memorable timepiece. My prayers are with him. As for which watch, I think it would be neat if HE could pick on for you instead of the other way around! I say you guys go to an AD and you ask him which his favorite is. I feel as if that would be more memorable and you wouldn't be taking advantage of the situation. Please keep us posted!

[Hairdude1]

Sorry to hear about your uncle. If he is insisting on the Rolex I agree with above, have him pick one out for you

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by anmomin15

This is one incredible story. That is going to be a memorable timepiece. My prayers are with him. As for which watch, I think it would be neat if HE could pick on for you instead of the other way around! I say you guys go to an AD and you ask him which his favorite is. I feel as if that would be more memorable and you wouldn't be taking advantage of the situation. Please keep us posted!

I agree
If you choose something you want you my never get over the feeling that you took advantage (even though you most certainly did not)
Where as if you spend some time showing him and discussing what each one does and represents to Rolex, he would chose what suits you best based on how he sees you.

It would be a mechanical manifestation of what you are to him

Priceless

[gr33n]

Well, buying a lifetime watch is a great present, perhaps he is frightened about death and wants to leave something in this world... Well, I do not see anything wrong with it.

And.. what about HIS rolex?

After all, whatever rolex you like will be great.. if you are both pleased with it, then it is perfect! What is HIS prefered rolex?

EDIT: same than others, let him pick one for you!

[mynameistaken]

Yea, had to agree with above, if its a duplicate of what you already have you could sale it.

[Jannal]

Let your uncle have his last wish, parting with a rememberable parting gift. You deserve it, you brought happiness to his heart.
You have a broad watch collection, it will be tough which model to get next. Only you can decide.
Have you ever had a model in mind but felt too expensive to buy for yourself. I'm sure your uncle will be happy / thrilled to buy it for you.
Perhaps inform the AD in advance of your shopping plans, they may arrange something special for the occasion. Just a thought.
Enjoy the shopping experience.

[Vincent65]

Lovely but sad story - sounds like you are a worthy recipient. I'd let him choose me one, and whatever it is, accept it graciously. No better parting gift than one he selected while you were together. Best wishes to both of you.

[newbieincali]

I agree with having him pick it out. Perhaps a classic design, or maybe the new blue black sub. I would be neat to have a watch released the year he gave it to you.

[BNA/LION]

Very nice gesture, on your part, to be there for this person like a Son. You are a fantastic human being.

Grant him his wish and graciously accept it as it will be yours to remember him by. Your wearing the watch is something he want to know you will be doing long after he has moved on. What a great gift for the both of you!

[samsam]

Originally Posted by newbieincali

I agree with having him pick it out. Perhaps a classic design, or maybe the new blue black sub. I would be neat to have a watch released the year he gave it to you.

I'm sure you mean GMT II.

Anyhow, I would agree with most people. Take him to the AD, make him pick up the one he would like to see you wearing for life.

If he insists that you pick one yourself, I would go with the BLNR GMTII just because it was issued this year.

[Kingair]

Amazing story but I am always afraid if people choose me something . . . .

In this case it's different but still

HAGOne

[N_Architect]

Great story.

Would be nice if he would pick the watch for you. This way would make it more special. You would wear it, look at it and think of him.

The alternative is to pick a model which you can keep over the years and perhaps flip one of the other Rolexes you have. You have a number of models so another one in the collection would add (in my honest opinion) not as much thrill as if it was your first one. So on that basis I would choose any one you are missing and/or something that you have and want to replace with a newer design.

However if your uncle gets to choose the watch, that would be even more special as said earlier.

[jonathan17]

Amazing story! reading this brought tears to my eyes. if its a memento of a "great man" then it should be a "great watch", something timeless and could be passed on to your kids together with wonderful stories such as this.

now to the watch. i agree that let your uncle pick for you as it will be more memorable that way.

But, just in case he asks let me give my opinions on what you can get.

You have a very wide collection and i noticed that you did not mention the daytona and day-date?

I would like to recommend these two. maybe something in a leather strap like a whitegold daytona in black leather strap (less flashy) or the new day-dates in leather strap I saw a whitegold blue dialed piece thats amazing in person. by going the leather strap route it will lessen the price significantly and therefore less guilt (if thats a concern)

You mentioned you don't have a gold watch yet so i think adding one to your collection given by your uncle will make it even more memorable as its a piece you will not buy for yourself.

Goodluck! I would capture every moment of your trip to the rolex stores via pictures of videos if possible.

[boywondergq1]

What a touching story and no, don't worry about feeling guilty for accepting his kind gesture. From what I've read you've done a lot of work for him and he wants a chance to make you smile; remember when we are at that point in life money is not real.
Family, friends and memories are.

Take him with you if his health permits and allow him to observe you trying on different pieces. When one sings to you, it will become obvious to him which one belongs on your wrist without you even saying a word.

[travisb]

Nice story.
If you have no preference, I say go to the AD together and share thoughts on different models. See what you guys agree on.
As if you were picking it out together.
Good luck to you both and thanks for sharing.

[Dcmk]

Very moved by your story.

[Chris B]

Touching story.
I'm sure you'll cherish whatever watch your Uncle chooses for you

[nickng]

I am sorry to hear about your uncle. What a great guy.
As for the watch, I will let him pick one he favors most. That will be a complete priceless memory.

Cheers mate.



.

[Pete26]

Let him decide what he wants you to have as long as it's compatible with what you want, personally, I think a DJ or some similar watch. It's something you can remember and associate with him. I don't think a hard core sports model will do it but something tasteful and understated.

[Soly20]

Amazing story. My prayers are with your uncle.
Let him pick the watch, this way it will be like a part of him is always with you while you're wearing the watch.

[Cc1966]

Thoughts and prayers for you both...

[accce]

Get the new Plat Daytona. Its a 1 of a kind watch to remember a 1 of a kind man.

[Jason71]

Please keep us updated on this story

[mike@ec]

WOW.. an amazing story, I would have to agree with the others and say let him pick one and don't forget to take a pic or a video of the moment.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by vincent65

lovely but sad story - sounds like you are a worthy recipient. I'd let him choose me one, and whatever it is, accept it graciously. No better parting gift than one he selected while you were together. Best wishes to both of you.

x2

[sirjohnbrian]

All the best to you and your Uncle. I agree with everyone that most of the choice should be his. However, I would recommend a model that ties you to this year like one of the new Basel models or one with a very recent serial number.

[ppbskis]

Cant see much with the tears in my eyes.

[bridgs]

I agree that it is a sad but inspiring story. What a great man who would do that! I agree with the others in that he should be given the privilege of picking out the watch first. If he can not bring himself to do that then maybe you should have an idea of what you would want should he defer to you.

[chicfarmer1]

Originally Posted by Kobayashi

He [snip] offered to purchase me a Rolex of my choice as a keepsake of our time over the years and in lieu of an inheritance. I told him I'd rather have 10 more years with him. He was appreciative of my comments and told me to pick a Rolex in the next two weeks while he can still get around

Touching and generous.
Clearly, he asked you to do the picking, and there is no evidence from this story that he has the expertise with Rolex to be able to pick himself. I think you should do just that, honor his wish. It sounds like a wonderful outing together. As to the specific watch, I can't offer a suggestion, other than maybe a Polar Exp or a Milgauss, for a change.