Dying relative wants to buy me a Rolex to remember him

[mjclark32]

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

[aeon888]

Yup. Let him choose the watch for you.

It will do both of you a favor. It will make him happy and feel important that at his age he is still able to give someone a gift and an heirloom and it will also make you happy for receiving something that you really like from a special someone.

[gpfps]

It's better to give than receive . By accepting his wish to buy you a watch, you're giving him happiness ! Honer one of his last requests. Don't worry what other family members will think. You helped your uncle out. Now let him get the joy in buying you a watch.

[Aceldama]

Did he have a Rolex? perhaps the model he wore would be appropriate.

[Blunderact]

tell your uncle some background on every piece including the price. He will notice your smile as you go thru it. Then let him pick one for you.

[s14roller]

I agree with these guys, it sounds like the ones you want, you have.

If there is one that you have been dreaming about, remember that it's only money and for him, it would give him great joy to make your dream come true.

If there isn't one like that, then agree with the others and maybe you guys pick one out together.

Another good point is, if there's is one Rolex you must have and perhaps already own it, may not be a bad idea to have him get that one for you so you can treasure forever and pass down. Then just sell off the one that doesn't have the memories.

Great story, I wish you both many more wonderful memories.

[orork]

I slept on this and came to realize what I have from my grand father, great uncle and father. What is cherished is the lessons learned and that said, my grand father's shot gun has been with me always. My great uncle's carpenter's kit box is really special, he made it with the antiquated tools within. Finally my dad's pocket knife. My first Rolex was from dad and somebody wanted it, for it was what it was, so they snatched it. The cherished pieces I have won't likely be taken. I can't sell them for great money at a time of dire need. I'd wager you'd feel likewise, with the obvious token to cherish. Choose wisely.

[aeon888]

Or you can also tell him that you also love Pateks... lol jk

[Rags]

What a great story. I agree with a lot of the above posts. Let this wonderful man pick out the watch that he would like to see you remember him by. God bless him.

[codecow]

Great story, I would love to have an engraved piece like that no matter what model it was.

[kilyung]

Very sad. I would take him to the AD and let him pick out ANY watch he wants as if he were going to wear it. The choice should embody his style and taste. Really no different than inheriting a watch. If he wants a gold piece, let him get the gold piece. If he wants a watch you already have, then sell yours. I'd also call the AD in advance and explain the situation. You want his memory (and yours) of this experience to be memorable.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by chicfarmer1

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.

Well said, J! He sounds like an incredible man, and it's clear that he wants to share in the joy of the OP making his own selection. Priceless.

[a_plus1234]

Best wishes to the both of you. I agree to let him choose the watch. GMT2 Blue/black is also a good choice

Cherry orchards in Silicon Valley. Are you referring to Olson orchards in Sunnyvale? My family also were here when Silicon Valley was just a bunch or cherry tress.

[Angrypuppy]

Similar to others but subtly different. I think this is the best advice.

Originally Posted by kilyung

Very sad. I would take him to the AD and let him pick out ANY watch he wants as if he were going to wear it. The choice should embody his style and taste. Really no different than inheriting a watch. If he wants a gold piece, let him get the gold piece. If he wants a watch you already have, then sell yours. I'd also call the AD in advance and explain the situation. You want his memory (and yours) of this experience to be memorable.

[singe89]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Very sad. I would take him to the AD and let him pick out ANY watch he wants as if he were going to wear it. The choice should embody his style and taste. Really no different than inheriting a watch. If he wants a gold piece, let him get the gold piece. If he wants a watch you already have, then sell yours. I'd also call the AD in advance and explain the situation. You want his memory (and yours) of this experience to be memorable.

agree 100%

so sorry to hear about your uncle. Such an amazing story and you are so deserving of the watch.

[Dan Pierce]

Very poignant story. No advice other than to give your uncle an idea of the cost involved with his decision. He might not be aware of the actual cost, being a non wis.

If he still insists on going ahead, I'd take him to the AD and have you both figure out the best reference.

Good luck and keep us posted,
dP

[datejusting]

It doesn't matter which watch you get, if it is engraved it will always be special. SS Datejust would be nice.

[Nycturbovr6]

Very sad story. Have him pick one for you

[Sir Larry Wildman]

AMAZING story. That being said, if I were to pick one Rolex to remember somebody by, it would be a YG Day Date I. I know you said you aren't flashy, but I do think it is the ultimate piece to remember somebody by.

If not, I would definitely get something non-standard. Hulk, GMT BLNR, etc.

[tinger]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Very sad. I would take him to the AD and let him pick out ANY watch he wants as if he were going to wear it. The choice should embody his style and taste. Really no different than inheriting a watch. If he wants a gold piece, let him get the gold piece. If he wants a watch you already have, then sell yours. I'd also call the AD in advance and explain the situation. You want his memory (and yours) of this experience to be memorable.

x2

[KBM]

Beautiful. Best of luck on your choice, and may you and your uncle always be together in your heart.

[Watchdog]

I thought your voice when telling this story was so genuine; it was touching.

I agree with Mike. The two of you should go together and make the process of the selection part of the memory.

All the best to you and your family.

[Ken B]

Great Story, I say get a watch you love but in a different color face. For instance, get a DJ with the Blue face and roman numbers. Sub Hulk, Something unique that will make you remember him but doesn't have to be high cost. This way you can stay understated but that one unique piece will be shared by you and him.

[threemonkeys]

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.

My thoughts, too.

[rolio]

a price on the love you've shown your uncle, that's for sure. Regrettably, the only thing most people can give another, as in this situation, is something tangible. What a great gift you have given him, a what a symbol of his love to his nephew he is giving you. Cherish this fleeting time, since we cannot ever re-live these moments.

[toshman]

Read your story last night, thought about it, read everyone's response and all are good ones to consider.
Your uncle is an impressive man and wants to leave something of himself for you to remember.
Having him pick out the watch is nice, but he needs to know what you already own because he comes across as someone who wants to give you a special watch.
The problem you face, is the watch you don't have is quite expensive and you feel awkward.
If your uncle hasn't seen your Rolexes, I would have the AD display the watches so that he sees your collection. He'll probably ask what would be the next watch you'd like to own. Remember, he wants to give you something special, so provide him with some choices. Even a watch you already own, but with a different dial color, but as someone mentioned earlier, include the Day-Date...
In the end, let it be his choice.

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Beautiful and touching....you are blessed to have an uncle with such a big heart. I would definitely honor his wishes....that will make him happy and ultimately that is what matters.

[RobearH]

Touching read and no matter which model you or he choose get something later engraved on the back..i.e name, birthdate and resting date, of your generous and loving uncle.

Goodluck to you both and thanks for sharing.

[LAK2881]

Touching story I look forward to hearing what you receive from your uncle.

[jjnd08]

Touching story. I would suggest either letting him choose, let him narrow it down to what he likes, or I would go with black/blue GMT.

Black/blue GMT is supposed to represent day and night, which could be appropriate symbolism for life and death.