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fmc000 · 11 November 2015, 10:13 PM

A quick request to the OP: when you have time would you mind posting a pic with the watch and all the material that your dad left to you? That will be a great reference for everyone.

Is like to add my congratulations for your watch and your attitude towards it.

HerbieTheDog · 12 November 2015, 03:09 AM

Just received one of ther replacement straps...so some more pics.

a-new-hope · 12 November 2015, 03:28 AM

This is such a great story and so nice the watch is still in the family. Do you have any pictures of your dad wearing it during the Falklands conflict?

HerbieTheDog · 12 November 2015, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a-new-hope

This is such a great story and so nice the watch is still in the family. Do you have any pictures of your dad wearing it during the Falklands conflict?

I will need to dig them out. I also have some other things in my mum's loft so will gather them together over the next few days and post some new pics soon.

raiderceb · 12 November 2015, 05:02 AM

Absolutely incredible! OP, you definitely seem to, but I hope you never lose sight of the history and the stories that watch can tell.

I love it when we can see a piece of history, but also see someone be able to wear and enjoy it in present day and for years and years to come!

rootbeer7 · 12 November 2015, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raiderceb

Absolutely incredible! OP, you definitely seem to, but I hope you never lose sight of the history and the stories that watch can tell.

I love it when we can see a piece of history, but also see someone be able to wear and enjoy it in present day and for years and years to come!

and the best bit, unlike a big chunk of gold, unless someone's a wis, they'll never know what it is and what it's worth. Wear in good health

BlackBay1 · 12 November 2015, 09:20 AM

A big thank you to the OP for sharing this with the forum, what a wonderful piece of family history for you to have.

dysondiver · 12 November 2015, 09:37 AM

fantastic watch , but the history is beyond that ,,, wear it with pride.
and health to wear it.

fmc000 · 13 November 2015, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerbieTheDog

Just received one of ther replacement straps...so some more pics.

Amazing

crl848 · 13 November 2015, 07:10 PM

Very nice. Were the hands replaced by the MOD or in civi life?

HerbieTheDog · 14 November 2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crl848

Very nice. Were the hands replaced by the MOD or in civi life?

Not 100% but I believe it's always had Mercedes hands.

Maybe one of the experts can confirm if they were issued with Mercedes hands as well as sword.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Haywood_Milton · 14 November 2015, 07:54 AM

No question: the watch will have had sword hands when first supplied to the MOD.

Haywood

HerbieTheDog · 14 November 2015, 08:16 AM

In that case they would have been replaced by the MOD as the watch definately had Mercedes hands as far back as I can remember.

My dad left the RN in '89 but I can search through some photos to try and get a date when they were changed.

This watch literally has changed my life! This time last week I thought I had a strapless, knackered timepeice.

The last few days have lead me on a history trip that has amazed and inspired me. That trip may have started with turning over to the Antiques Roadshow just at the right time but a big thank must go out to everyone who has responded to my first post.

Everyday I find out something new about the watch or the work my old man used to do as both a clearance diver and ship's diver.

All around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Magical. Thank you all.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

TheBluePrince · 14 November 2015, 08:36 AM

Great story to hear, thanks for sharing it and your Dad's watch, Herbie.

These things have the habbit of popping up in the weirdest places.....the last one I saw was with a guy in Bangkok a couple of months ago (yes, absolutely authentic without doubt before anyone wonders because of the dubious location). A lot of these watches must be scattered far and wide now, ex mil men often retire and resettle overseas, it's great to see them pop up in the UK still too.

Wing Zero · 14 November 2015, 08:49 AM

Awesome watch and an Awesome Story to boot. I live for these re-discovered treasures.

JimSnyder · 14 November 2015, 04:37 PM

Great story, what this place is about

scooba · 14 November 2015, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerbieTheDog

In that case they would have been replaced by the MOD as the watch definately had Mercedes hands as far back as I can remember.

My dad left the RN in '89 but I can search through some photos to try and get a date when they were changed.

This watch literally has changed my life! This time last week I thought I had a strapless, knackered timepeice.

The last few days have lead me on a history trip that has amazed and inspired me. That trip may have started with turning over to the Antiques Roadshow just at the right time but a big thank must go out to everyone who has responded to my first post.

Everyday I find out something new about the watch or the work my old man used to do as both a clearance diver and ship's diver.

All around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Magical. Thank you all.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

I am really chuffed for you ,Clearly this old watch means more than just the money to you , Well done and thanks for sharing the story and the pics.

jedly1 · 14 November 2015, 05:18 PM

Top story , you are one of a few original owners / next generation. I know who are lucky enough to be able to keep their watches and there really is nothing better!!!

All Milsubs were first delivered with swords but it's pretty apparent that they aren't the best made hands , they are very prone to the lume cracking and dropping out , the boss's on the hands seem very thin and can 'slacken ' really easily plus the tubes fitted on the seconds hands are rubbish , so yes many many watches had Mercedes hands fitted legitimately by Mod watchmakers more interested in making the thing work as fast as possible than staying ' spec corrrect'

fmc000 · 14 November 2015, 05:49 PM

Great info, thank you.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

SearChart · 14 November 2015, 07:28 PM

What an incredible piece to inherit!

artschool · 14 November 2015, 07:53 PM

a wonderful thread to read over a late breakfast.

thank you to the OP for sharing his wonderful find.

your father sounds like he was a top bloke.

Storky · 14 November 2015, 09:16 PM

Great story and an enjoyable informative read!

scooba · 15 November 2015, 10:06 AM

Your Mail Box is full ,

But replied to your PM

eco8gator · 15 November 2015, 10:17 AM

A watch worth 6 figures (and the value is only increasing) and it sounds like you plan on wearing it...good for you.

studioal · 15 November 2015, 12:29 PM

Wow, what an incredible read and what a serendipitous channel flip to Antiques Roadshow. You have a very special watch (I don't need to tell you that) and it's neat to hear that you're keeping it.

NeedlessKane · 15 November 2015, 12:44 PM

You are wearing my true grail watch and what's better is that you have history to go along with it.

Wear the hell out of that thing man, never sell it.

I would talk to your dad and come up with a "history" packet with pictures, anecdotes, etc and just have it to go with the watch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

scooba · 15 November 2015, 06:16 PM

Simons story is so similar to Mikes

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=411267

Mike sat on his uncles watch for 19years thinking it was worth £500 , It is with a collector now , Talking with Mike his uncle paid £64 for the watch in 1964 and negotiated a 10 shillings discount £64 pounds in 1964 !

I love stories like this

strafer_kid · 15 November 2015, 06:56 PM

Brilliant story!

12 November 2015, 03:09 AM	#32
HerbieTheDog "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Exeter Posts: 12	A few more pics... Just received one of ther replacement straps...so some more pics. Attached Images

12 November 2015, 09:20 AM	#37
BlackBay1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Chris Location: UK Watch: Daytona Posts: 739	A big thank you to the OP for sharing this with the forum, what a wonderful piece of family history for you to have. __________________ Seiko RAF Gen 1 Chrono Black Bay Red Submariner 114060 Daytona 116520

14 November 2015, 07:54 AM	#42
Haywood_Milton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Yes, it is ! Location: Cheshire & Mersey Watch: Military issue Sub Posts: 1,330	No question: the watch will have had sword hands when first supplied to the MOD. Haywood __________________ Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 Milgauss 1019x3 Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660.

14 November 2015, 08:49 AM	#45
Wing Zero "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: JC Location: Earth Watch: 1680 ~ 16610LV Posts: 811	Awesome watch and an Awesome Story to boot. I live for these re-discovered treasures. __________________ ********************** **********************

14 November 2015, 04:37 PM	#46
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,726	Great story, what this place is about __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

11 November 2015, 10:13 PM	#31
fmc000 Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Fabio Location: Como - Italy Posts: 4,811	A quick request to the OP: when you have time would you mind posting a pic with the watch and all the material that your dad left to you? That will be a great reference for everyone. Is like to add my congratulations for your watch and your attitude towards it.

12 November 2015, 03:28 AM	#33
a-new-hope "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: london Posts: 84	This is such a great story and so nice the watch is still in the family. Do you have any pictures of your dad wearing it during the Falklands conflict?

12 November 2015, 05:02 AM	#35
raiderceb "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: Charles Location: Mississippi Watch: Rolex DSSD Posts: 60	Absolutely incredible! OP, you definitely seem to, but I hope you never lose sight of the history and the stories that watch can tell. I love it when we can see a piece of history, but also see someone be able to wear and enjoy it in present day and for years and years to come!

12 November 2015, 09:37 AM	#38
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	fantastic watch , but the history is beyond that ,,, wear it with pride. and health to wear it.

13 November 2015, 07:10 PM	#40
crl848 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: N/A Posts: 26	Very nice. Were the hands replaced by the MOD or in civi life?

14 November 2015, 08:16 AM	#43
HerbieTheDog "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Exeter Posts: 12	In that case they would have been replaced by the MOD as the watch definately had Mercedes hands as far back as I can remember. My dad left the RN in '89 but I can search through some photos to try and get a date when they were changed. This watch literally has changed my life! This time last week I thought I had a strapless, knackered timepeice. The last few days have lead me on a history trip that has amazed and inspired me. That trip may have started with turning over to the Antiques Roadshow just at the right time but a big thank must go out to everyone who has responded to my first post. Everyday I find out something new about the watch or the work my old man used to do as both a clearance diver and ship's diver. All around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Magical. Thank you all. Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

14 November 2015, 08:36 AM	#44
TheBluePrince "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,081	Great story to hear, thanks for sharing it and your Dad's watch, Herbie. These things have the habbit of popping up in the weirdest places.....the last one I saw was with a guy in Bangkok a couple of months ago (yes, absolutely authentic without doubt before anyone wonders because of the dubious location). A lot of these watches must be scattered far and wide now, ex mil men often retire and resettle overseas, it's great to see them pop up in the UK still too.

14 November 2015, 05:18 PM	#48
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	Top story , you are one of a few original owners / next generation. I know who are lucky enough to be able to keep their watches and there really is nothing better!!! All Milsubs were first delivered with swords but it's pretty apparent that they aren't the best made hands , they are very prone to the lume cracking and dropping out , the boss's on the hands seem very thin and can 'slacken ' really easily plus the tubes fitted on the seconds hands are rubbish , so yes many many watches had Mercedes hands fitted legitimately by Mod watchmakers more interested in making the thing work as fast as possible than staying ' spec corrrect'

14 November 2015, 05:49 PM	#49
fmc000 Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Fabio Location: Como - Italy Posts: 4,811	Great info, thank you. Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

14 November 2015, 07:53 PM	#51
artschool "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: uk Posts: 1,215	a wonderful thread to read over a late breakfast. thank you to the OP for sharing his wonderful find. your father sounds like he was a top bloke.

14 November 2015, 09:16 PM	#52
Storky "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: London Watch: Rolex 1680 Posts: 382	Great story and an enjoyable informative read! __________________ Instagram: _Storky All my own photos & a few video clips

15 November 2015, 10:06 AM	#53
scooba 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Anything Posts: 2,586	Your Mail Box is full , But replied to your PM

15 November 2015, 10:17 AM	#54
eco8gator "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida Watch: 5060/a Posts: 1,119	A watch worth 6 figures (and the value is only increasing) and it sounds like you plan on wearing it...good for you.

15 November 2015, 12:29 PM	#55
studioal "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 217	Wow, what an incredible read and what a serendipitous channel flip to Antiques Roadshow. You have a very special watch (I don't need to tell you that) and it's neat to hear that you're keeping it.

15 November 2015, 12:44 PM	#56
NeedlessKane "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: USA Watch: 1991 14060 Sub Posts: 498	You are wearing my true grail watch and what's better is that you have history to go along with it. Wear the hell out of that thing man, never sell it. I would talk to your dad and come up with a "history" packet with pictures, anecdotes, etc and just have it to go with the watch. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 1991 14060 Submariner 1994 Tudor Big Block 1995 Rolex Explorer II 1992 Omega Speedmaster Pro

15 November 2015, 06:16 PM	#57
scooba 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Anything Posts: 2,586	Simons story is so similar to Mikes http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=411267 Mike sat on his uncles watch for 19years thinking it was worth £500 , It is with a collector now , Talking with Mike his uncle paid £64 for the watch in 1964 and negotiated a 10 shillings discount £64 pounds in 1964 ! I love stories like this

15 November 2015, 06:56 PM	#58
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,136	Brilliant story!

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