Reply With QuoteWonderful watch, and an even more wonderful story. Congratulations on your son's good health and your watch!
We all buy watches for different reasons. Sometimes we buy a watch on a whim, sometimes to 'scratch an itch' and other times are to celebrate milestones such as Weddings and special birthdays. Perhaps the watches that have most meaning attached to them are those we cherish over others, reminding us of what we hold so dear when we do something so simple as check the time.
A very special watch indeed has just come into the collection.
My son Sebastian is 18 months old. He had a relatively uneventful first 12 months, however on the eve of his first birthday he had a seizure, which was diagnosed as a benign febrile seizure. This happened again a few months later with the same diagnosis.
Fast forward to march of this year and my wife and I took Sebastian on holiday with us to Thailand. The plan was I would remain with them for the first 10 days, return back to the UK and then pick them up in May - during this time they would remain at my wife's family home in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
On the third day of the holiday Sebastian had another seizure. This was accompanied by a pretty serious viral, and then bacterial infection. My wife and I spent 13 nights in hospital with him, he was discharged and I flew home leaving my wife and Sebastian to continue with the holiday. Once again the diagnosis was a benign febrile seizure caused by the viral and bacterial infections creating a high fever.
7 days after my return Sebastian had yet another seizure, this time with no accompanying fever or illness (although this came through 24 hours in the shape of Dengue fever). At this point the Neurologists in Thailand got involved, an EEG was done with an Epilepsy diagnosis made, however of greater immediate concern was the dengue fever. This was then compounded by yet another bacterial infection which was picked up in hospital. I returned to Thailand straight away where I spent a further 14 days in hospital with Sebastian and my wife until he was discharged.
At this point our medical insurance company advised us to curtail the 'holiday' and they would arrange a medical escort back to the UK for Sebastian. I had again returned to the UK by this time (the plan was to return to Thailand once the arrangements for repatriation had been finalised and fly back with my family on the same flight as the medical escort). The escort was arranged and I flew out once more to Thailand to be with my family and accompany them home.
During my flight back to Thailand Sebastian had yet another seizure. Yet another fever. Yet another stay in hospital. This time he wasn't getting better anytime soon and after 5 days of deterioration the decision was made by the insurers to fly him by air ambulance (basically a private jet) to a top hospital in Bangkok for urgent therapy.
The hospital in Bangkok was terrific. You know when your doctor is pretty good when he is running late for his consultation with you as his previous appointment is overrunning - that appointment being with the King of Thailand. Anyway, we were informed that whilst they hoped for the best, we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that something sinister was afoot, and that Sebastian needed further neurological exams as a matter of urgency to rule out Brain Tumour/Vasculitis and brain damage. A further EEG was arranged with a big focus on an MRI scan. The reasons that the doctors were suspicious was because he was struggling to regulate body temperature which is often suggestive of tumour/brain abnormalities.
We did not sleep well that night.
The next day (yesterday) dragged on and on, and finally, at around 8pm yesterday the Consultant Neurologist advised us that pretty much all of our lottery numbers had come in, there were no abnormalities at all on the MRI, the EEG had come back clean and that whilst he was suspicious of borderline epilepsy which requires medication for the next 2 years, given the absence of MRI abnormalities and the presence of a normal EEG that the prognosis was excellent for full control over the seizures with a high possibility of total remission during childhood. Boom! Meanwhile they had got a control over the fevers and this morning Sebastian was cleared for discharge (although we are still here in hospital awaiting for the insurance company to sort this).
So what should I do to celebrate? It surely HAD to be horological right?
But it HAD to be special. I wanted something timeless that I could have as a 'forever' watch, something to remind me of just how precious life is and how I was never to take anything for granted again. My family lucked out this time, other families are not so lucky and I wanted a reminder to cherish this moment but also to understand that life and time is fleeting and to make the most of it.
As such I wanted a quartz - the tick, tick, tick of the second hand perfectly symbolising the passage of time. And as all of this had happened in Asia, I wanted something Asian, or representative of Asia. An idea was starting to formulate in my mind.
I received a couple of months ago a Grand Seiko SBGV009 and was smitten with its classic looks, superb finishing and utter comfort. I had been keen on acquiring the even rarer black dialled SBGV011 but alas had missed the boat. I did however know that there was a Seiko Boutique in Bangkok's Emporium shopping centre. Hmmmm. No. No that couldn't happen right? Well no harm in having a browse.
I got to the boutique and nobody was around to help. I saw a couple of ltd edition Grand Seikos there as well as the new Spring Drive Tuna and wanted to have a look, although they didn't really fit the 'special, forever watch' theme I was looking for. 5 minutes passed, no staff turned up. Then 10 minutes. 'Sod this for a game of soldiers, I'm off'. And just as I turned away, formulating in my mind the letter of complaint I was going to email to Seiko the rather lovely sales assistant appeared and apologised profusely for her delay which was due to an emergency.
'Well I'm here now, may as well stay'. So I had a look at the ltd edition Spring Drives, very nice but not what I was after. The Tuna was absolutely Mahoosive and pretty much the ultimate tool watch, but not what I was after. 'Sorry, I'm not going to buy but thank you very much. By the way, silly question I know but I don't suppose you have an SBGV011 do you?'. I was assured that sorry, but they did not and their allocation had sold out quickly, and that her belief was that there may be a handful in Japan still left for sale but worldwide distribution had ceased and all stock had been sold. Only 900 pieces had been made.
'Ah well'. She asked me if I wanted to see some other dressy Seikos and I thought that I might as well as I was waiting for my wife to come out of a shoe concession. So she opened the cupboards to show me some Seikos that had not been on display, but all models I was familiar with (SBGR061 etc). Close but no cigar. 'Hang on a minute. What's this?'.
Out came a box which she examined with a rather quizzical look. 'Ummm, I don't know what this is, shall we have a look?'. Of course we should - might be something I had never seen before.
As it turned out it was something that I had indeed seen before. It was a Grand Seiko Self Dater Quartz model reference number SBGV011.....
If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I don't need to explain what happened after. Suffice to say this is my most precious timepiece, not in terms of value but in terms of what it represents and what it reminds me about life and what is dear to me.
I only have a couple of quick iPhone pics, those of you who know the watch will know that it is a thing of loveliness. That's not the point of course :)
I hope I haven't bored you all too much, but gents this is one watch that this flipper ain't gonna flip.....
Last edited by ryanb741; 7th May 2015 at 17:23.
Wonderful watch, and an even more wonderful story. Congratulations on your son's good health and your watch!
Fantastic story and a great pick up. Mean't to be is not the word!
I do like a good story...and that's one of the best. Very glad to read that all is well on all fronts.
Great purchase story but, most of all, glad to read that your son has been given the all clear.
A really wonderful story and so pleased to hear the good news regarding your son.
All the very best to you and your family. :-)
I'm glad your son is in the clear. What a story and a happy ending.
You know you're only looking after that watch for him right? ;)
I love the idea of watches bring linked to events and memories.
What a terrible period for you but a great ending. Sometimes things happen in life where everything else just melts away and doesn't matter and you really get a wake up. Its important to hold onto those sentiments.
Thanks for sharing
Steve
I'm so glad to hear your son is on the mend. Reading stuff like this puts everything into perspective. Life is fragile!
Wow, what a story.
So happy for you thT your son's health is on the mend.
Nice watch, too.
I'd like to say it's a great story but actually it sounds like a bloody nightmare. Glad to hear that your son is on the mend and well done on the serendipitous Grand Seiko acquisition.
What a story. I hope your son's turned a corner, and, correctly medicated, enjoys good health from now on. I have an inkling which particular watch he might be getting on his 18th birthday..
Cheers,
Plug
Great last pic with the little one :)
A watch to treasure for him for yrs to come
Wear it in best of health
Wow what a great story he looks like a little champ!
Nice watch too!
What a trial the three of you have been through and great news at the outcome - hope it gets a whole lot easier for you
Excellent news all round. Congratulations, and good luck to your son.
My eldest daughter was born with a significant health complaint 8 years ago so I know what its like to go through the wringer as a parent in situations like this. Really pleased to hear that all looks well and that's a beauty of a watch. Years of fun and pleasure from both, I hope. :-)
SGR
Wow you've certainly been through the ringer! Thank goodness it's all turned out well for you all. Great news that your son is better and clear. Lovely watch and brilliant story, thanks.
Really happy for you. And that watch is a stunner!
My youngest is the same age, and what you went through sounds like a real nightmare. Glad to hear about the good outcome. I think the significance of any watch pales in comparison to your son's health, but having said that: You could have picked something worse. ;) All the best to you and your family.
Good to hear your son, you and your family are all ok and it's a great watch!
Every parent's nightmare Ryan, awful.
I hope the watch makes you feel lucky very time you wear it!
As said previously, every parents nightmare. I can't imagine what you have been going through.
Good luck to your son.
What a story. So happy that your son is well, all the best for the future.
Beautiful watch too!
Good for you Squire, great news :)
The watch isn't to my liking but the sentiment most certainly is, congrats!
The first picture is great, but the second picture is wonderful :)
Having a small child myself, I fully empathize with you... There's hardly anything more hard to bear than having the little one sick.
Best regards to your family!
Christian
Ryan, what an ordeal you and your family have been through, I am so glad that it turned out so well. The watch will always be a reminder of your good fortune.
I guess that you won't be needing that boring old grey dial version now, will you...?
Fantastic. I'm very pleased for your boy.
It must have been hard having to leave them and return to the UK. Glad things are looking up for your Son.
Thanks for sharing such an emotional story. Hope you enjoy your new purchase and you and your family have a safe trip home.
With an 18 month old son myself I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through! I'm sure I'd fall apart in similar circumstances, just reading your story has moistened the eyes (I know, I'll hand in one man card!) so glad for you Ryan and your family that this looks like it's going to be all good. Oh and great watch too :o)
An uplifting story - pleased to hear that your son is OK
Love the GS
Now that's a story! And with a very happy ending. Perfect. I hope the watch continues to bring you and your family good fortune throughout life.
Ryan, I'm so glad your son has a good prognosis. I don't have children yet but can't imagine how worrying it must be. Really pleased for you, and you picked a lovely watch.
Hopefully you'll get some extra holiday time with less worry. All the best mate.
So glad things worked out as your childs health is the most important thing in the world
PS love the cheeky wee face in the pic and the watch is not too bad either :)
Great choice after a dramatic story.
Cheers to a continued good health!
I fully concur...but what's that he's holding? I hope that he's not about to attack the watch...Originally Posted by MFB Scotland
great story and another lovely watch :)
Great news both for your little boy and your special watch - wear in good health!
Brilliant.. just brilliant..
What a touching story!
All prayers and thoughts with your family and your little boy.
Fantastic end to a hard road. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic news - I am so pleased he is doing well. I am sure it must have been a harrowing, painful and emotional time.
It's just a matter of time...
What a lovely end to you heart felt story.
All the best to you and yours
Nah PB, he's clearly pointing and thinking "thanks dad, for your great taste in picking my future watch".
And I've just worked out it's one of his shoes.Nah PB, he's clearly pointing and thinking "thanks dad, for your great taste in picking my future watch".
So glad to hear young Sebastian is on the mend. As a father of a six year old and four year old my heart was I my mouth reading the first few paragraphs.
Enjoy your son, he looks a smasher. The watch is a lovely too!
Great story, I hate to think what state we would be in if that happened to our son, pleased you are home and hope as time progresses it is well managed and no other issues developed, great watch too, really classy wear it in good health.
We had a scare and a brief stay in hospital when our son was only a few months old, the absolute dread you feel at the thought of your most beloved thing being in any sort of danger is impossible to describe, the time spent waiting to be told what is going on is torturous too. I am so happy for you that things seem to be on the up.
What a story, I can't imagine what it would be like to be so far away from one of my kids if they were in that situation! Glad of the outcome in every way :-)
Posting Permissions
