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Michael M. · 29 July 2011, 11:17 AM

Lately I've been reading these car barn find books, called cobra in the barn, hemi in the barn, etc. I was thinking it would be cool if they made a watch "find book" with stories of people finding rare watches @ flea markets, estate sales, in there families things, etc. So if any of you have any stories of finding cool watches (not just rolexes) unexpectedly, post them, would love to hear them

cruvon · 29 July 2011, 11:27 AM

That would sure be interesting. Besides, am waiting for Ken to come out with his book on how he found each of his amazing watches, I am first in line:)

wehttaM · 29 July 2011, 11:29 AM

Well, I wasn't intentionally intending to buy the 1680 I have right now, I saw it while "window shopping" and decided to trade my 16753! Apparently the seller didn't have the watch for more than and hour, so I was lucky.

drockadam · 29 July 2011, 01:23 PM

I'd love to hear some watch stories from the TRF Members here. I remember someone saying they found a vintage Omega at a garage sale once??

greekbum · 29 July 2011, 01:57 PM

Around 1991 at a garage sale in my neighborhood I noticed a Rolex box and asked how much they said $100 I laughed and walked on down.I then said maybe there is a watch in there went back opened it up and there was a Sea Dweller in it but very dirty I took a stab at it bought it went home it didn't work went to a watchmaker he was busy and so I put it with other watches I had and actually forgot about it for over 10 years as it wasn't working and I had other watches. At the time $1000-1200 was all the money on this watch so it was a deal but still nothing major.In 2003 I got to it and made out it was a 1970 DRSD complete set. I sold it in 2007.Believe me this is nothing compared to what some of the dealers /pawn shops/we buy gold diamond etc get across there counter daily though.

hennabav · 29 July 2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

Around 1991 at a garage sale in my neighborhood I noticed a Rolex box and asked how much they said $100 I laughed and walked on down.I then said maybe there is a watch in there went back opened it up and there was a Sea Dweller in it but very dirty I took a stab at it bought it went home it didn't work went to a watchmaker he was busy and so I put it with other watches I had and actually forgot about it for over 10 years as it wasn't working and I had other watches. At the time $1000-1200 was all the money on this watch so it was a deal but still nothing major.In 2003 I got to it and made out it was a 1970 DRSD complete set. I sold it in 2007.Believe me this is nothing compared to what some of the dealers /pawn shops/we buy gold diamond etc get across there counter daily though.

Now that's a story my friend!! It's too bad you sold it!! I think you can write a book with just your own stories Nick!! Hard to believe how much times have changed!!

Michael M. · 29 July 2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

Around 1991 at a garage sale in my neighborhood I noticed a Rolex box and asked how much they said $100 I laughed and walked on down.I then said maybe there is a watch in there went back opened it up and there was a Sea Dweller in it but very dirty I took a stab at it bought it went home it didn't work went to a watchmaker he was busy and so I put it with other watches I had and actually forgot about it for over 10 years as it wasn't working and I had other watches. At the time $1000-1200 was all the money on this watch so it was a deal but still nothing major.In 2003 I got to it and made out it was a 1970 DRSD complete set. I sold it in 2007.Believe me this is nothing compared to what some of the dealers /pawn shops/we buy gold diamond etc get across there counter daily though.

Any pictures?

DiamondJack · 29 July 2011, 11:13 PM

What a great thread....... would love to hear of the glory finds some of you guys may have found....

Unfortunately, with the internet and all of the experts of TRF answering peoples questions on grandpa's and dad's old watch's value, I would imagine this is becoming a thing of the past.

You can pretty much find the rough value of anything in a matter of minutes these days somewhere on the web

pdoukas · 30 July 2011, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

What a great thread....... would love to hear of the glory finds some of you guys may have found....

Unfortunately, with the internet and all of the experts of TRF answering peoples questions on grandpa's and dad's old watch's value, I would imagine this is becoming a thing of the past.

You can pretty much find the rough value of anything in a matter of minutes these days somewhere on the web

I have to agree with that! I've been hitting estate sales recently in average income neighborhoods looking for bargains, and came across a 1680 from 75 in rough condition and they wouldn't let it go for under 6K. The dial was a replacement, as the hands, and they didn't come close to matching. The bezel missing the pearl and slight rust it looked like. The band was aftermarket replica and the acrylic scratched beyond belief. The estate seller said that this was the going price for the watch on the internet and that's what she was going to sell it for. I told her to spend a few hours on here and call me when she wanted to dump it. Never heard back.

Pete

JEC · 30 July 2011, 01:31 AM

I worked at a Rolex AD for a while and had a fellow come in with an early Tudor Montecarlo with a green homeplate dial. It was perfectly original in very good condition, never polished, on the original bracelet with box and papers. He asked me what it was worth. I checked, and before telling him I asked how he got it.

He told me he purchased it from a friend for 200$. It had been sitting in a drawer for years; back in the mid-70s the friend had taken it as a payment for a debt at an auto body shop. The poor fellow had no idea what it was worth and sold it to his buddy, who was apparently unaware as well. It was an early 7032/0 which was worth close to 20 000$ at the time.

drockadam · 30 July 2011, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

Around 1991 at a garage sale in my neighborhood I noticed a Rolex box and asked how much they said $100 I laughed and walked on down.I then said maybe there is a watch in there went back opened it up and there was a Sea Dweller in it but very dirty I took a stab at it bought it went home it didn't work went to a watchmaker he was busy and so I put it with other watches I had and actually forgot about it for over 10 years as it wasn't working and I had other watches. At the time $1000-1200 was all the money on this watch so it was a deal but still nothing major.In 2003 I got to it and made out it was a 1970 DRSD complete set. I sold it in 2007.Believe me this is nothing compared to what some of the dealers /pawn shops/we buy gold diamond etc get across there counter daily though.

WOW!

What a find!

Sweramic · 30 July 2011, 01:41 AM

I don't have any stories like these, however, I do remember reading a story right here on the forum (some of you might remember this as well?) about a guy that had found a Platinum Masterpiece DayDate with diamonds on a sidewalk in Las Vegas.

I know the thread was closed so I don't know what happened after that.

sierra11b · 30 July 2011, 03:26 AM

My wife is good at finding nice vintage watches at estate sales. She tends to do best whenever costume jewelry is showcased in the sale and goes on a regular basis seeing how I work weekends. She's found a couple classy Ernest Borel cocktail watches that I fully restored to new, a couple Longines dress watches, one Omega ladies dress watch, and a few cool/trendy vintage digitals and quartz that work great still. I don't think she's ever spent over $5.

Nothing of huge value or importance YET but I have schooled her on what to look for. Unless it's blatant junk I've told her to buy whatever watch with the Rolex/Tudor marks and whatever else that may fall into the dive watch category with a bezel. Even if she happens to buy a fake for a few dollars it's worth it to have me inspect it and get it off the streets.

Beaumont Miller II · 30 July 2011, 04:28 AM

I was reading these stories wishing I had a story to tell. Then I remembered how my friend and I found a Rolex Submariner in 1986. I believe it was a 1680. We were in the Kyle Field Stadium parking lot when we both saw something shiny on the ground. He beat me to it but agreed that we both found it. We had it for a couple weeks and no one claimed it. Neither of us had the money to buy the other out. In the end we let his dad sell it for $700.00. We each got $350.00 for our half ownership in the watch. I am not sure what my friend did with his half of the money, but I ended up paying my MCI long distance phone bill. Calls to my college girlfriend at the time were expensive. My how times have changed.

Yazo · 30 July 2011, 04:49 AM

Great stories so far... curious to see where it goes!!

Michael M. · 30 July 2011, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yazo

Great stories so far... curious to see where it goes!!

I agree!

arttay10 · 30 July 2011, 06:31 AM

Wow - I hope this thread continues, its fascinating to read the stories....
A true substance thread is rare..... Please don't let this one die !!

Michael M. · 30 July 2011, 08:08 AM

Anyone? Wheres Ken?!?!?!?!?!?

T5AUS · 30 July 2011, 02:52 PM

Here is my best one, there are others. Sorry, this is just a link to the original post I am on the road and not too familiar with adding photos on my new IPad 2. I didn't mention the price then, I was just too embarrassed to but I am over it now, it was just a horrendous $25.00:!!

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=168153

jedly1 · 30 July 2011, 05:34 PM

heres my most Famous one ....the one that landed me in hot water with Mrs M thanks to the BBC....my spousal disclosure policy was reviewed after this one ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/s...st/7392129.stm

arttay10 · 30 July 2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedly1

heres my most Famous one ....the one that landed me in hot water with Mrs M thanks to the BBC....my spousal disclosure policy was reviewed after this one ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/s...st/7392129.stm

Great Story - though will all your time spent on here,i'd of thought you'd of known that a Milsub had fixed Bars, Jedly.....

Jason71 · 30 July 2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arttay10

Great Story - though will all your time spent on here,i'd of thought you'd of known that a Milsub had fixed Bars, Jedly.....

Michael M. · 31 July 2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arttay10

Great Story - though will all your time spent on here,i'd of thought you'd of known that a Milsub had fixed Bars, Jedly.....

slashd0t · 31 July 2011, 12:42 AM

I have a recent story that I've already posted here, but, may as well tell it again in this thread :)

A few weeks ago I saw an ad on Kiijiji for a Tudor Sub. Said please contact for price, so, I call the guy - the pics on the Kijiji were poor so I assumed it was likely a fake...

I called the guy, setup a meeting to go check it out. When I arrived I found an excellent condition mid 70's Tudor Submariner 9411/0.

The guy who sold it to me got it from his ex-wife 15 years ago and is about to get married again and wanted it gone. It had apparently been sitting in a drawer for the last 7-8 years untouched. Still has the original Rolex bracelet..

I offered him $800 and he took it

Took it home, noticed it was running slow (really slow.. -20 seconds per hour) so, I just dropped it off to my watchmaker.. He pulled off the back and was amazed at how great of condition the movement was in.. Mentioned that it was just dry from sitting so long.

Now the watch is still at the spa, but, I should get it back in a couple weeks

Here is the watch in question:

Jason71 · 31 July 2011, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slashd0t

I have a recent story that I've already posted here, but, may as well tell it again in this thread :)

A few weeks ago I saw an ad on Kiijiji for a Tudor Sub. Said please contact for price, so, I call the guy - the pics on the Kijiji were poor so I assumed it was likely a fake...

I called the guy, setup a meeting to go check it out. When I arrived I found an excellent condition mid 70's Tudor Submariner 9411/0.

The guy who sold it to me got it from his ex-wife 15 years ago and is about to get married again and wanted it gone. It had apparently been sitting in a drawer for the last 7-8 years untouched. Still has the original Rolex bracelet..

I offered him $800 and he took it

Took it home, noticed it was running slow (really slow.. -20 seconds per hour) so, I just dropped it off to my watchmaker.. He pulled off the back and was amazed at how great of condition the movement was in.. Mentioned that it was just dry from sitting so long.

Now the watch is still at the spa, but, I should get it back in a couple weeks

Here is the watch in question:

That is a REAL beauty

fusionstorm · 31 July 2011, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slashd0t

Nice pickup!!

sierra11b · 31 July 2011, 01:59 AM

Would you take $801 for it?

Whenever I make it to estate sales I'm especially keen on trying to find a tudor on the off chance the owner or person running the estate sale has no idea what they have.

sezwho · 31 July 2011, 05:45 AM

bought a mint stainless bubbleback years ago for $100 - sold it later for $1,800.

Michael M. · 31 July 2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sezwho

bought a mint stainless bubbleback years ago for $100 - sold it later for $1,800.

Cool, where did you find it? Let's here the story

Ski Dweller · 31 July 2011, 09:17 AM

Dude comes up to me on the street in HK. He opens his jacket and hanging inside is a bandoleer of Rolex watches. He say's "copy watch"? I look. I grab a copy Submariner that looked pretty real. Turns out it was.

29 July 2011, 11:17 AM	#1
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Watch Find Stories Lately I've been reading these car barn find books, called cobra in the barn, hemi in the barn, etc. I was thinking it would be cool if they made a watch "find book" with stories of people finding rare watches @ flea markets, estate sales, in there families things, etc. So if any of you have any stories of finding cool watches (not just rolexes) unexpectedly, post them, would love to hear them

29 July 2011, 11:27 AM	#2
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	That would sure be interesting. Besides, am waiting for Ken to come out with his book on how he found each of his amazing watches, I am first in line:) __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

29 July 2011, 01:57 PM	#5
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,418	Around 1991 at a garage sale in my neighborhood I noticed a Rolex box and asked how much they said $100 I laughed and walked on down.I then said maybe there is a watch in there went back opened it up and there was a Sea Dweller in it but very dirty I took a stab at it bought it went home it didn't work went to a watchmaker he was busy and so I put it with other watches I had and actually forgot about it for over 10 years as it wasn't working and I had other watches. At the time $1000-1200 was all the money on this watch so it was a deal but still nothing major.In 2003 I got to it and made out it was a 1970 DRSD complete set. I sold it in 2007.Believe me this is nothing compared to what some of the dealers /pawn shops/we buy gold diamond etc get across there counter daily though. __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

30 July 2011, 04:28 AM	#14
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	I was reading these stories wishing I had a story to tell. Then I remembered how my friend and I found a Rolex Submariner in 1986. I believe it was a 1680. We were in the Kyle Field Stadium parking lot when we both saw something shiny on the ground. He beat me to it but agreed that we both found it. We had it for a couple weeks and no one claimed it. Neither of us had the money to buy the other out. In the end we let his dad sell it for $700.00. We each got $350.00 for our half ownership in the watch. I am not sure what my friend did with his half of the money, but I ended up paying my MCI long distance phone bill. Calls to my college girlfriend at the time were expensive. My how times have changed. __________________

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29 July 2011, 11:29 AM	#3
wehttaM "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 557	Well, I wasn't intentionally intending to buy the 1680 I have right now, I saw it while "window shopping" and decided to trade my 16753! Apparently the seller didn't have the watch for more than and hour, so I was lucky.

29 July 2011, 01:23 PM	#4
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	I'd love to hear some watch stories from the TRF Members here. I remember someone saying they found a vintage Omega at a garage sale once??

29 July 2011, 11:13 PM	#8
DiamondJack "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: London Watch: Quite a few Posts: 4,315	What a great thread....... would love to hear of the glory finds some of you guys may have found.... Unfortunately, with the internet and all of the experts of TRF answering peoples questions on grandpa's and dad's old watch's value, I would imagine this is becoming a thing of the past. You can pretty much find the rough value of anything in a matter of minutes these days somewhere on the web

30 July 2011, 01:31 AM	#10
JEC Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: J. Location: Montreal Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 232	I worked at a Rolex AD for a while and had a fellow come in with an early Tudor Montecarlo with a green homeplate dial. It was perfectly original in very good condition, never polished, on the original bracelet with box and papers. He asked me what it was worth. I checked, and before telling him I asked how he got it. He told me he purchased it from a friend for 200$. It had been sitting in a drawer for years; back in the mid-70s the friend had taken it as a payment for a debt at an auto body shop. The poor fellow had no idea what it was worth and sold it to his buddy, who was apparently unaware as well. It was an early 7032/0 which was worth close to 20 000$ at the time.

30 July 2011, 01:41 AM	#12
Sweramic "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Movies Posts: 4,531	I don't have any stories like these, however, I do remember reading a story right here on the forum (some of you might remember this as well?) about a guy that had found a Platinum Masterpiece DayDate with diamonds on a sidewalk in Las Vegas. I know the thread was closed so I don't know what happened after that.

30 July 2011, 03:26 AM	#13
sierra11b "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Eric Location: California Watch: MkXVIII, 3570.50 Posts: 1,966	My wife is good at finding nice vintage watches at estate sales. She tends to do best whenever costume jewelry is showcased in the sale and goes on a regular basis seeing how I work weekends. She's found a couple classy Ernest Borel cocktail watches that I fully restored to new, a couple Longines dress watches, one Omega ladies dress watch, and a few cool/trendy vintage digitals and quartz that work great still. I don't think she's ever spent over $5. Nothing of huge value or importance YET but I have schooled her on what to look for. Unless it's blatant junk I've told her to buy whatever watch with the Rolex/Tudor marks and whatever else that may fall into the dive watch category with a bezel. Even if she happens to buy a fake for a few dollars it's worth it to have me inspect it and get it off the streets.

30 July 2011, 04:49 AM	#15
Yazo "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,812	Great stories so far... curious to see where it goes!!

30 July 2011, 06:31 AM	#17
arttay10 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lancashire, UK Watch: ???????? Posts: 2,187	Wow - I hope this thread continues, its fascinating to read the stories.... A true substance thread is rare..... Please don't let this one die !!

30 July 2011, 08:08 AM	#18
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Anyone? Wheres Ken?!?!?!?!?!?

30 July 2011, 02:52 PM	#19
T5AUS Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Watch: ing the time go by Posts: 1,444	Here is my best one, there are others. Sorry, this is just a link to the original post I am on the road and not too familiar with adding photos on my new IPad 2. I didn't mention the price then, I was just too embarrassed to but I am over it now, it was just a horrendous $25.00:!! http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=168153

30 July 2011, 05:34 PM	#20
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,929	heres my most Famous one ....the one that landed me in hot water with Mrs M thanks to the BBC....my spousal disclosure policy was reviewed after this one ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/s...st/7392129.stm

31 July 2011, 12:42 AM	#24
slashd0t "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Jamie Location: Edmonton, AB Watch: This & That Posts: 771	I have a recent story that I've already posted here, but, may as well tell it again in this thread :) A few weeks ago I saw an ad on Kiijiji for a Tudor Sub. Said please contact for price, so, I call the guy - the pics on the Kijiji were poor so I assumed it was likely a fake... I called the guy, setup a meeting to go check it out. When I arrived I found an excellent condition mid 70's Tudor Submariner 9411/0. The guy who sold it to me got it from his ex-wife 15 years ago and is about to get married again and wanted it gone. It had apparently been sitting in a drawer for the last 7-8 years untouched. Still has the original Rolex bracelet.. I offered him $800 and he took it Took it home, noticed it was running slow (really slow.. -20 seconds per hour) so, I just dropped it off to my watchmaker.. He pulled off the back and was amazed at how great of condition the movement was in.. Mentioned that it was just dry from sitting so long. Now the watch is still at the spa, but, I should get it back in a couple weeks Here is the watch in question:

31 July 2011, 01:59 AM	#27
sierra11b "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Eric Location: California Watch: MkXVIII, 3570.50 Posts: 1,966	Would you take $801 for it? Whenever I make it to estate sales I'm especially keen on trying to find a tudor on the off chance the owner or person running the estate sale has no idea what they have.

31 July 2011, 05:45 AM	#28
sezwho Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 18	bought a mint stainless bubbleback years ago for $100 - sold it later for $1,800.

31 July 2011, 09:17 AM	#30
Ski Dweller Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Aspen, CO Watch: Swatch KikiPicasso Posts: 266	Dude comes up to me on the street in HK. He opens his jacket and hanging inside is a bandoleer of Rolex watches. He say's "copy watch"? I look. I grab a copy Submariner that looked pretty real. Turns out it was.

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