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Thread: Found My Dads Old Watch

  1. #1
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Found My Dads Old Watch

    I know I'm not the first and won't be the last to lose a loved one or go through the grieving process on TZ-UK but hopefully you guys don't mind .

    Last August my Dad passed away unexpectedly leaving my Sister and I to clear out his rented flat, we ended up with one old ratty brown suitcase filled with pictures, old wallets, paperwork and a few odds and sods. Today I felt ready to have a look through it all.

    After spending an age wondering at some of the things he kept and smiling at the old pictures I came across a watch. Nothing fancy, just a Silver rectangular Rotary showing signs of being well loved.

    The date turned over no bother but no signs of life, I took of the case back and as you can see it seemed ok, hopefully when I'm out tomorrow I can get a battery and see if it runs, I've no idea how long it's been sitting but it seems dry and clean inside. I popped it on and surprisingly it feels not too bad on the wrist.

    I'll update once I have tried a battery.

    Thanks.












  2. #2
    Lots of sentimental value there and if it doesn't work, someone must be able to get it going for you. Best of luck :-)

  3. #3
    Master
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    Chap. A pleasure to see. That watch will be priceless to you. Wear it as often as you want, but always on your Dad's birthday. He will smile down on you....

    All the very best. Your sense of loss will gradually fade, but happy memories won't.

    Pete


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  4. #4
    Master
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    PS. Doesn't matter if it doesn't run.....at least on one day per year. If needs be let time stand still.


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  5. #5
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    I cleaned up my Dad's gold Rotary and fitted a new strap and battery and my Mum's taken to wearing it (It's not big by Men's standard, but a lot bigger than the little ladies' watches she usually wears, so she can actually read it when she refuses to wear her glasses! ).

    My son has taken a liking to his Perpetual calendar Seiko too.

    Neither is particularly special watch wise, but I think it's kind of nice to know people have something to remind them of him and can make use of.

    I expect a bit of silver polish will smarten yours up, if you want it to - My mum and I couldn't believe how good my Dad's rotary looked after a dip in the ultrasonic cleaner.

    M.

  6. #6
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    Thanks for sharing this, I'm sure many of us can appreciate the sentiment.

    I bet the case would polish up very nicely if that is what you wanted to do, and the movement is I believe inexpensive and readily available if necessary. As it is probably only 13 years old, fingers crossed that it works with a new battery.

    Look forward to an update.

  7. #7
    Master
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    I wouldn't polish it Roy, this is how it was the last time your Dad took it off, leave it as is.

    All the best fella.

  8. #8
    Great find and hope w new battery does the trick.

  9. #9
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the kind words, they are much appreciated. If I can get the watch to work I'll be very happy, I can't imagine doing any polishing but maybe making sure it's clean and the strap is replaced would be brilliant.

    I can definitely see me wearing it at some point, hopefully I can make a few memories 😁

  10. #10
    Master
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    I'd be inclined to hold onto that old strap too...

    I have a fair few sentimental items from my departed close family that I regularly wear, usually on their birthdays.

    I think it helps me to keep their memories alive.

    Fortunately, my old Mum is still ticking along....


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  11. #11
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete D View Post
    I'd be inclined to hold onto that old strap too...

    I have a fair few sentimental items from my departed close family that I regularly wear, usually on their birthdays.

    I think it helps me to keep their memories alive.

    Fortunately, my old Mum is still ticking along....


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    Cheers, I will keep the strap but it does need changed for something new.

  12. #12
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    A successful day so far, a quick trip into town and for £4 a new battery acquired. Fitted into place, date set and thankfully it runs

    I don't have a new strap the correct width so the old one is staying for the time being. I've cleaned off the crud from under the lugs and gave it a light polish.

    I'm very happy and can't wait to show my Sister.

    Thanks for reading






  13. #13
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    Looks great, very pleased for you :).

  14. #14
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    I think you've done alright there. A solid silver case on a modern watch is a relatively rare thing and I don't think it looks too bad at all. I can't help thinking it would look better on something dressier, like a black lizard.

  15. #15
    Master sean's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    I can't help thinking it would look better on something dressier, like a black lizard.
    Not a great photo, but this is a Rotary black lizard strap, also 18mm. I picked it up on eBay and it does a good job.


  16. #16
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    Looks great, very pleased for you :).
    Thank you.

    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    I think you've done alright there. A solid silver case on a modern watch is a relatively rare thing and I don't think it looks too bad at all. I can't help thinking it would look better on something dressier, like a black lizard.
    Cheers, that's what I was thinking, dressy black should be perfect.

    Quote Originally Posted by sean View Post
    Not a great photo, but this is a Rotary black lizard strap, also 18mm. I picked it up on eBay and it does a good job.
    That looks very nice, hopefully mine ends up just as good.

    Cheers.

  17. #17
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    A great thread! Pleased the watch is running and it looks good to me, I'd leave as is myself.
    F.T.F.A.

  18. #18
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    Nice one Roy, glad it is working for you.

    Because watches are such personal items they make great mementos.
    Cheers,
    Neil.

    My Speedmaster website:

    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  19. #19
    Leave it as is, great thread and story.

  20. #20
    Master
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    Good on ya!!

    Nice post and it's great that you got it going!!
    I know for sure it will take me a while to go through my old mans things when the time comes!!
    Like others have said and from my experience of other close losses the intense sadness does lesson and allow room for the happy memories to take over!
    Good luck and happy wearing!!!

    Chris

  21. #21
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    Last edited by Analogue; 11th September 2017 at 19:50.

  22. #22
    Master
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    So sorry for your loss.

    Hope that watch will always be a great reminder of your dad.

  23. #23
    Master
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    Great news that you have got the watch going. Looks nice on the current strap too.

    Good on you!


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  24. #24
    Master
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    Heartwarming to see the views above too. Good that decent family-orientated people still abound.


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  25. #25
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts, I wore the watch all day yesterday and it felt pretty nice on, I will definitely be wearing it again.

    Unfortunately the strap is, I think, beyond saving. I didn't realise I hadn't included a picture of the long side. I'll keep it safe, but change it out for something else.

    Thanks guys.


  26. #26
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    Does look good, amazing how a little tidy up can lift a watch.

    I agree on the suggestion for a black lizard strap.

    I've got one of these - http://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/DiMode...-Black-G0.html - and it won't break the bank.

    Looks good on my Jaquet Droz (I think).

    M.

  27. #27
    Master animalone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Roy_Drage View Post
    Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts, I wore the watch all day yesterday and it felt pretty nice on, I will definitely be wearing it again.

    Unfortunately the strap is, I think, beyond saving. I didn't realise I hadn't included a picture of the long side. I'll keep it safe, but change it out for something else.

    Thanks guys.

    Hi Roy,

    I would change that, it also looks too narrow at the case.
    If you want to double check what size you need I'll have a rummage through my bits box for a strap.

  28. #28
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by snowman View Post
    Does look good, amazing how a little tidy up can lift a watch.

    I agree on the suggestion for a black lizard strap.

    I've got one of these - http://www.ukwatchstrap.co.uk/DiMode...-Black-G0.html - and it won't break the bank.

    Looks good on my Jaquet Droz (I think).

    M.
    Cheers, that looks like it would work at treat. I'm off for a browse.

  29. #29
    Craftsman Roy_Drage's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by animalone View Post
    Hi Roy,

    I would change that, it also looks too narrow at the case.
    If you want to double check what size you need I'll have a rummage through my bits box for a strap.
    Thank you very much, if you have something you think would do the job that would be much appreciated.

    It looks like it's 19mm at the lugs, the strap is a bit narrower.




  30. #30
    Master animalone's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Roy_Drage View Post
    Thank you very much, if you have something you think would do the job that would be much appreciated.

    It looks like it's 19mm at the lugs, the strap is a bit narrower.
    I've got something that should do just fine
    PM me your address and I'll get it out in the post for you.

  31. #31
    Craftsman Cyclone's Avatar
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    Lovely watch, glad you got it running. My grandad left me a vintage wostok hand wound which I love


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