Dying relative wants to buy me a Rolex to remember him

[Fiery]

Sad story, but also somehow beautiful. He must be an amazing man. I know you said no flashy, no gold, and I'm also not sure how much he can spend on such a purchase. Obviously it would be a bit selfish to go for a gold model, but as others suggested, the DD would be a perfect choice. If you get it in white gold, with e.g. a silver sticks dial, it's not flashy at all. You have quite a few steel Rolexes already, so the DD would always be a special piece in your collection, especially if you keep your base collection steel in the future as well.

At the other end of the scale, for a WWII veteran a fitting model would be the AK. It's the least flashy, possibly one of the least common Rolex models. If he had a Rolex, it would probably be an AK.

I'd pick 2 or 3 models that would be good candidates, and let him choose at the AD the model he wants to leave for you.

[PerioBear]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

x2

X3

What a great story. Thanks for sharing and keep us updated!

[storm66]

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.

x1

[luvsub]

A great story. It is going to be lifetime watch, you guys will definitely enjoy the hangout this time. Let us know the ending.

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by 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

Good advice. If he still wants to do it, narrow it down to about 3-4 that they have in stock that you like and then show him the portions and see which he likes best.

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[incontrol]

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.

X4 My prayers are with both of you.

[themast]

Thanks for sharing. I do not have much to add to what others said.

I hope he will be able to enjoy these last months. You are a good man.

[nanagno]

Whichever sings to him! let him try it on and discuss about it! Cherish the moment of choosing as much as you can, the few months to come will be even more tough especially for you.

So I wish you all the strength! What you are doing is an exceptional stand, very few can follow such actions._

[postalworker]

GMT2 Blue/black

[iLLGT2]

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!

Hit the nail on the head.

I truly feel for the original poster, I can't imagine the emotion and sadness on both sides at this point…

This is a very special moment/purchase/gift you guy's would be sharing..

As anmomin15 said, I'd see which he likes the best, and wear it in honor.

Prayers are with the both of you and family.

[AK797]

I agree with others who have said let him choose it for you. Or maybe to take the pressure off him you can choose the 3 you like most and let him pick the final watch.

To live in hearts and wrists we love is to not die.

[datejust24]

very touching. I wouldnt even know which one to choose. As stated...have him pick it...it will be something that stays with you forever. Or you could have him pick out the one that he would want, have him wear it until he passes...

[joe100]

Choose two models together and let him ultimately choose. If its something you both agree on, it'll be a great memory.

[lsettle]

Brought tears to my eyes. Very touching in deed.

Lawrence

[tommyz24]

Since he has a few why don't u ask him what his favorite was and get the new version of that... Cross fingers for a day date . It sounds like your good person , if this great gift can happen to somebody I'm glad it's you

[ra's ag]

I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds like you had a unique relationship. In my opinion you should let him decide for you and then keep it forever.

[zeuloa]

I would go with him and ask him to choose. I have a feeling it will be a Day-Date, and there's probably not a better Rolex to commemorate the occasion.

You sound like a great guy, and so does your uncle. Like you said it's your times together which you will remember the most.

[Bruin Watch]

Agree with the majority here... have him go with you, and ask him to choose for you. That aspect will only add to the whole experience. Amazing story, sounds like an amazing man, and kudos to you for being there with and for him without self-indulgent motives. Best wishes.

[Joearch]

I like the black/blue GMT idea. Is he more sporty or classic? There my be an answer there.

[Bangel]

A moving story.

My opinion seems to be against the grain so far.

If I put myself in your uncle's position, I would want my nephew to select a watch of his preference - whatever would make him the happiest.

Like buying a present in other situations, it is much more satisfying when the recipient is getting what they truly want. All I would know of my hypothetical nephew would be that he likes Rolex and has a few. I wouldn't know the subtleties of his preferences for specific models and wouldn't want to force my selection on him. I would really want my nephew to choose and this is what your uncle stated he wanted you to do too.

Sympathies to you both.

[mruhland31]

Whatever it is you sure deserve it.You're a stand up guy all around. He knows this and it's why it means so much to him to give you this gift. I think we can all learn something from your story. It's nice to see that people like you are there for others in times of need. I think I can speak for the forum that we really appreciate you sharing. Please keep us updated. Best to you and your uncle

[swils8610]

Very touching story. Perhaps a Milgauss.


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[Blunderact]

The sons maybe reading this forum too. =)

[GradyPhilpott]

It sounds to me that your uncle can afford such a gift and that it would make him happy.

Swallow your pride and give your uncle the pleasure of giving you a memento of his life and to assuage any guilt on your part, choose conservatively.

It is, after all, the thought that matters most.

[Boopie]

What a great story.

I agree that he should go with you, and that you should call the AD in advance to let them know. My guess is that you should do what is natural in the moment...offer to have him pick, but if he clearly wants you to select, then go for it.

[Rolex Freak]

Very touching story. I have to agree with the masses here and say let him pick it for you. Even if its something you already have. Keep both or sell the older version, that would be up to you. If he insists on you picking, than I'd go Daytona or DD. Good luck, keep us posted and you have an amazing uncle.

[Marcela]

Very touching story, and very generous of you to share it with us. It makes one pause, and be reminded what a true elegance of mind and heart means.
I have a feeling that watching you choosing the watch, and seeing you happy would be magical for this extraordinary noble-minded gentleman.
The idea of both of you being in the store is lovely, and Air King would be a wonderful choice for many reasons.
Best wishes, M.

[BoomerSooner]

Great story, yet very sad too.

[bplein]

There's been a lot of good advice given.

I like the idea of showing him 2-4 models that you like, showing of course the "entry level" and explaining what you like about them. He can decide from those what makes sense. If he wants to "go gold" or upscale, that's his choice. If he presses you for "just tell me exactly what you want", then so be it!

Sounds like you've been like another son to him. This is one of the better stories (in a bittersweet delivery) I've read here.

[Kobayashi]

Wow! I'm touched by all the responses. This is truly an amazing forum. I wish I could reply to each of you and thank you for your kind words and support. It's very heartwarming.

I will incorporate several ideas - calling the AD ahead of time, taking pictures to capture the moment and having him select the one he likes. It'll be etched in my memory.

He is definitely an amazing person. He grew up in a dirt poor third world country without the guidance of his parents. Joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 15 but lied about his age (all records were destroyed in the Japanese occupied Philippines) so the Navy took him in as they needed bodies and he wanted to fight in WWII. He got an apprenticeship after the war and was told he wouldn't amount to anything in life by his employer. However with the skills he learned he decided to go into business for himself. The first time he actually owed taxes he relished in the fact that he was now a true American taxpayer! And now several successful businesses in the area he proved his former employers wrong. All this time he never had a chip on his shoulder and always kept a smile on his face.

When you come from a life of poverty failure doesn't scare you and you're able to pursue your dreams without reservations. Just a little something I learned :).

Cheers everyone!