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JohnBaker3 · 5 March 2014, 11:46 PM

Dear Friends:

I love this site and truly appreciate the craftsmanship in my 2 Rolexes. However, the most valuable watch in my collection is a simple Timex.

About a year ago, I went digging through my drawers to find some old watches to "practice" on. Over the years I had worn out a few Seikos and Citizens and put them away for sentimentle reasons. Near the bottom of the stack was this old Timex that wasn't even mine.

The watch had belonged to my father-in-law. Bill was a farmer/rancher by trade and had worn this piece for many years before he retired. After his passing, the piece somehow made its way to my watch drawer.

Anyway, I thought I would give it a shot to see if I could get it running again and clean it up a little. A new battery was placed in the back and it roared to life. I cleaned and moisturized the leather bracelet with some stuff stored under the kitchen sink. Next I tackled the old scratched acrylic crystal. That required some fine steel wool to start with, then 30 minutes using some paste type silver polish.

I have to admit it, but that old watch now looked spectacular. I could hardly wait till I showed my wife the results.

I never really expected what happened next. She cried. She cried a lot. I was unable to grasp how much that simple watch meant to her. Her father was a great man; he raised her well and took good care of his family. All of that was summarized by an inexpensive TIMEX watch.

Now she wears that watch on special occassions. My job is to keep it running and looking good. Pretty easy when you think about it. When stored next to all the other watches in my collection, it really stands out. Not because of its value in dollars, but of its "real" value.

It looks as good as a Patek Philippe Calatrava to me.....

Be safe.

JohnBaker3 · 5 March 2014, 11:48 PM

Here is a pic of Bill's watch.

cop414 · 5 March 2014, 11:54 PM

Great post, thank you!

teqp · 5 March 2014, 11:58 PM

Nice restoration job and nice post. Sometimes it the simple things in life that bring out the best memories!

77T · 5 March 2014, 11:54 PM

That is heartwarming. Sometimes watch values can be measured in memories...

Rockrolex · 6 March 2014, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

That is heartwarming. Sometimes watch values can be measured in memories...

Absolutely. The value is not in the cost or resale amount but in the memories they carry and/or create.

Floorguy · 6 March 2014, 12:25 AM

Great post John! I also have a watch like that. Its a seiko that belonged to my grandfather. He raised me when my dad died christmas eve 1966. that watch will stay with me for the rest of my life!

Lisa · 6 March 2014, 12:29 AM

And an Indiglo, to boot! Wonderful story. My dad had a Timex almost exactly like that.

My sister lives in Spring, TX.... she moved from The Woodlands a couple years ago.

kilyung · 6 March 2014, 12:38 AM

I can relate. My most precious watch isn't made of gold or platinum but a simple Seiko Quartz that belonged to my dad.

Casey VP-26 · 6 March 2014, 04:36 AM

Great Story, Thanks for sharing. (nice job on the watch also).

swils8610 · 6 March 2014, 05:16 AM

Great story and great watch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tinger · 6 March 2014, 05:37 AM

Awesome post!
Thank you for sharing

threemonkeys · 6 March 2014, 07:23 AM

Very sweet. Your wife has a very caring husband.

brandrea · 6 March 2014, 07:30 AM

Sentimental value cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
Thanks for sharing your story

s14roller · 6 March 2014, 07:36 AM

Great story, thanks for sharing.

joeychitwood · 6 March 2014, 07:56 AM

That Timex is every bit as beautiful as a Sky Dweller. Finding it, servicing it and wearing it must be very satisfying. Thanks for posting the story.

JohnAndrew · 6 March 2014, 09:33 AM

Great post and thank you for sharing the story.

Sixshooter · 6 March 2014, 10:21 AM

Excellent post. Thank you for sharing.

GradyPhilpott · 6 March 2014, 12:43 PM

I love Timex watches, but not so much as when they were still an American watch company.

Timex was the last of the traditionally American watch companies to leave the States or shut down completely.

Laszlo · 6 March 2014, 01:12 PM

Really touching story. You cannot put a value on something that is priceless.

skprd13 · 6 March 2014, 02:59 PM

I truly appreciate your story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hairdude1 · 6 March 2014, 04:17 PM

Great story!

DCgator · 7 March 2014, 10:23 AM

Thanks for sharing, JB3.

Darlinboy · 7 March 2014, 10:42 AM

Well done... Very well done indeed!

bde · 7 March 2014, 11:46 AM

Great story!

jcd · 7 March 2014, 12:26 PM

Sounds like a priceless watch! Thanks for posting that.

crew · 7 March 2014, 01:06 PM

Wonderful story. I nominate this post for "Best of TRF".

(Someone should start a "Best of TRF" segment)

JohnBaker3 · 7 March 2014, 01:10 PM

Thanks for all the kind comments. I think most people on this site have a warm spot in their hearts for the good things in life. That includes nice watches and a whole lot more.

Be safe.

Evanisrushin · 7 March 2014, 11:15 PM

Thank you for sharing!

JohnBaker3 · 25 August 2014, 11:52 PM

Hey Guys:

I got a new photo tent setup and tried it out on my father-in-law's watch.

Just goes to show that, with a little effort, you can even make an old TIMEX look good!

Be safe.

5 March 2014, 11:46 PM	#1
JohnBaker3 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: John Baker III Location: Spring,Texas Watch: 1971 Red Sub Posts: 2,222	The Most Valuable Watch In My Collection Dear Friends: I love this site and truly appreciate the craftsmanship in my 2 Rolexes. However, the most valuable watch in my collection is a simple Timex. About a year ago, I went digging through my drawers to find some old watches to "practice" on. Over the years I had worn out a few Seikos and Citizens and put them away for sentimentle reasons. Near the bottom of the stack was this old Timex that wasn't even mine. The watch had belonged to my father-in-law. Bill was a farmer/rancher by trade and had worn this piece for many years before he retired. After his passing, the piece somehow made its way to my watch drawer. Anyway, I thought I would give it a shot to see if I could get it running again and clean it up a little. A new battery was placed in the back and it roared to life. I cleaned and moisturized the leather bracelet with some stuff stored under the kitchen sink. Next I tackled the old scratched acrylic crystal. That required some fine steel wool to start with, then 30 minutes using some paste type silver polish. I have to admit it, but that old watch now looked spectacular. I could hardly wait till I showed my wife the results. I never really expected what happened next. She cried. She cried a lot. I was unable to grasp how much that simple watch meant to her. Her father was a great man; he raised her well and took good care of his family. All of that was summarized by an inexpensive TIMEX watch. Now she wears that watch on special occassions. My job is to keep it running and looking good. Pretty easy when you think about it. When stored next to all the other watches in my collection, it really stands out. Not because of its value in dollars, but of its "real" value. It looks as good as a Patek Philippe Calatrava to me..... Be safe. Last edited by JohnBaker3; 5 March 2014 at 11:53 PM.. Reason: typos

5 March 2014, 11:54 PM	#3
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,246	Great post, thank you! __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

5 March 2014, 11:54 PM	#5
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,017	That is heartwarming. Sometimes watch values can be measured in memories... __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

6 March 2014, 12:25 AM	#7
Floorguy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Rob Location: Parrish fl. Watch: Tt datejust 16233 Posts: 20,952	Great post John! I also have a watch like that. Its a seiko that belonged to my grandfather. He raised me when my dad died christmas eve 1966. that watch will stay with me for the rest of my life! __________________ Rolex Omega Tag Heuer

6 March 2014, 10:21 AM	#18
Sixshooter "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Caleb Location: Lubbock TX. USA Watch: Crude Prices Posts: 1,103	Excellent post. Thank you for sharing. __________________ - VC - AP - Rolex - Omega

5 March 2014, 11:58 PM	#4
teqp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Phil Location: SoCal Watch: 116613LN Posts: 3,052	Nice restoration job and nice post. Sometimes it the simple things in life that bring out the best memories!

6 March 2014, 12:29 AM	#8
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	And an Indiglo, to boot! Wonderful story. My dad had a Timex almost exactly like that. My sister lives in Spring, TX.... she moved from The Woodlands a couple years ago.

6 March 2014, 12:38 AM	#9
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I can relate. My most precious watch isn't made of gold or platinum but a simple Seiko Quartz that belonged to my dad.

6 March 2014, 04:36 AM	#10
Casey VP-26 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: America Posts: 2,721	Great Story, Thanks for sharing. (nice job on the watch also).

6 March 2014, 05:16 AM	#11
swils8610 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: shannon Location: usa Posts: 9,211	Great story and great watch. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6 March 2014, 05:37 AM	#12
tinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: weehawken Posts: 847	Awesome post! Thank you for sharing

6 March 2014, 07:23 AM	#13
threemonkeys "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Craig Location: Seattle-ish, USA Watch: GMTIIc, AK, LVc Posts: 7,022	Very sweet. Your wife has a very caring husband.

6 March 2014, 07:30 AM	#14
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,126	Sentimental value cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Thanks for sharing your story

6 March 2014, 07:36 AM	#15
s14roller "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: US Posts: 3,257	Great story, thanks for sharing.

6 March 2014, 07:56 AM	#16
joeychitwood "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Way Up North USA Watch: Rolexes & Tudors Posts: 6,361	That Timex is every bit as beautiful as a Sky Dweller. Finding it, servicing it and wearing it must be very satisfying. Thanks for posting the story.

6 March 2014, 09:33 AM	#17
JohnAndrew "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: John Location: Florida Panhandle Watch: 16800, 16803,79170 Posts: 1,427	Great post and thank you for sharing the story.

6 March 2014, 12:43 PM	#19
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	I love Timex watches, but not so much as when they were still an American watch company. Timex was the last of the traditionally American watch companies to leave the States or shut down completely. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

6 March 2014, 01:12 PM	#20
Laszlo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: Date & No Date Posts: 10,868	Really touching story. You cannot put a value on something that is priceless. __________________ "You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die." Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca

6 March 2014, 02:59 PM	#21
skprd13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Kauai Watch: 1675-1680-16750 Posts: 3,346	I truly appreciate your story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

6 March 2014, 04:17 PM	#22
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Great story!

7 March 2014, 10:23 AM	#23
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Thanks for sharing, JB3.

7 March 2014, 10:42 AM	#24
Darlinboy 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Real Name: DB Location: :noitacoL Watch: :hctaW Posts: 6,703	Well done... Very well done indeed! __________________ Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

7 March 2014, 11:46 AM	#25
bde "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: Brad Location: Indiana Watch: -aholics anonymous Posts: 1,589	Great story!

7 March 2014, 12:26 PM	#26
jcd "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Jack Location: Wisconsin Watch: me vector Posts: 1,152	Sounds like a priceless watch! Thanks for posting that.

7 March 2014, 01:06 PM	#27
crew "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: John Location: Rochester/Naples Watch: Pepsi Posts: 18,307	Wonderful story. I nominate this post for "Best of TRF". (Someone should start a "Best of TRF" segment)

7 March 2014, 01:10 PM	#28
JohnBaker3 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: John Baker III Location: Spring,Texas Watch: 1971 Red Sub Posts: 2,222	Thanks for all the kind comments. I think most people on this site have a warm spot in their hearts for the good things in life. That includes nice watches and a whole lot more. Be safe.

7 March 2014, 11:15 PM	#29
Evanisrushin "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Evan Card Location: Danbury, CT Watch: Rolex Daytona Posts: 1,525	Thank you for sharing!

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