A couple of interesting watch sightings

[Chicken Manny]

So the last few weeks have been great for watch spotting. I really enjoy the spontaneous conversation watches seem to spur and thought I would share a couple with you all.

So first I'm sitting at a Raider's game in my usual seats and I notice this rather large guy coming my way. Now I'm what most people would describe as a large guy but this guy was huge! As this guy gets closer I get a better look at him and recognize him as well known ex-Raider lineman. He ends up sitting just in front of me and a little to the side at about arms length. Actually just watching him wedge himeself into the seat was worth the price of admission. I wasn't the only person who took notice and a number of people ended up coming over to shake his hand or say a little something to him. I just hung back and didn't say anything but I did notice he was wearing a watch with a deployment strap that looked a bit like a Panerai. A few minutes later I was trying to get a closer look and he caught me looking at his wrist. He was wearing a championship ring (AFC not Superbowl) so I think he thought I was checking that out. As soon as there was a lull in the game I pointed at his wrist and said "What is the watch your wearing?". He gave me supercilious look and twisted his wrist while saying simply "It is a Panerai". (PAM104 I think). I nodded and responded with a "nice watch" while slipping my 196 out from under my coat sleeve. He looked down and his face completely lit up! We were like instant best friends. The rest of the game we spent talking about football and watches almost nonstop. Great guy and great time. BTW- The lume on that thing was on fire!

So the following week I'm sitting in a meeting with a number of people including some new additions to the group. I'm used to checking out watches and the last company I worked for was full of great watches. This new company doesn't seem to have nearly the eye candy but there were a few black subs and a Planet Ocean in the room. I look over at the new guy on my right and what do I see? Cripees, that is 1680. I don't even recall what was going on during the meeting at that point as I'm trying to get a closer look. Then I realize, it's a fake. Too shiny, too new and they guy was way too young. Plus, he didn't strike me as a watch guy at all. We broke for lunch a while later and my assistant asked me "what kind of watch was 'so and so' wearing?" She knows I'm into watches and noticed my attempts to check it out. I told her it was a 1680 rolex but I was sure it was a fake and that the real one was quite rare. So when we return from lunch I go in for the closer look. I'm sure it's fake but have to look closer. I had no intention of calling him out but had mostly decided in my own mind that I would instantly spot the flaws. I walk up to him and point to his watch and say "1680?". He turns to look at me and says "you are the only person that has ever said anything". He then procedes to tell me that he had inherited the watch a few years before and didn't know anything about it until he took it in to get the bracelet replaced. Rolex made sure to tell him what he had. He said the bracelet cost him so much that he didn't have the money to service the movement. He then takes it off and hands it to me. Yep, that is a gen 1680 alright! A few minutes into the meeting I leaned over to my assistant again said "it's real, damn nice watch!" Later that day I had a great time giving him a little history on what he had. He had almost no idea other than the fact that the rolex service center had told him it was rare.

I love watches!

[TwoTone]

Couple of great stories CM...

It always amazes me how quickly people respond and open up when you notice [and complement] there wrist ornaments...

I've had countless conversations in my travels and always enjoy them...

Thanks for sharing...

Double T

[Chicken Manny]

@TT,

Yes, I think that is my favorite part of the hobby. Which makes all of you good folks a huge part of the enjoyment.

Cheers,

CM

[freddy333]

Great stories, but I am surprised to hear someone at Rolex acknowledging -- let alone telling -- a customer that their watch is a rare model. Will wonders never cease.......