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  1. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    Bought this one owner 145.012 w/ 1039/516 bracelet recently.

    IMG_2236.JPG

    IMG_2238.JPG

    IMG_2225.JPG

    The seller, a former military air plane navigator, bought it new in 1969 on Greenland. He had it on his wrist crashing in the sea with a Catalina a half year later. According to him, the marks on the bracelet, and a mark on the case, are crash related. Maybe the missing lume at the 12 and 1 marker is caused from the crash too :D He used it ten more years and parked it for good in a drawer. He can’t remember ever having it serviced.

    To me everything, including hands, crystal (pretty scratched) and crown, looks original. Let me know if you disagree.

    For the plane enthusiasts here’s some info:

    http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19691211-3

    They were rescued after a half hour in the water. One of the eight on board died.

    Plane was totalled:

    Bjærgning%20Catalina%201[1].jpg

    Paul
     
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  2. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Sep 4, 2015

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    WOW - A true survivor! I'll bet it will clean-up really well.
    I would wear it, if for no other reason than good luck ;)
     
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  3. marturx Sep 4, 2015

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    Me like! Alot!

    A big congrats Paul. You deserve that one :thumbsup:
     
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  4. gophishin Sep 4, 2015

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    Congrats. Very cool to get the back story!
     
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  5. bencrouch25 Sep 4, 2015

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    Great story, from what I'm reading & hearing there are less and less of these one owner watches around so consider yourself lucky.
     
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  6. Davidt Sep 4, 2015

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    Brilliant. Stunning dial. Love these one owner watches.

    In spite of the prices steadily increasing, along with demand, there seems to still be an ok supply of barn find Speedys coming up.

    How long will that last?
     
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  7. emilio Sep 4, 2015

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    Awesome story man!

    Can't believe these guys sell them
    - they had a good job so probably enough money
    - they survived a crash with it
    - the watch costed them back in the days only $50

    Why on earth would you sell it?
     
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  8. RCAFBuster Sep 4, 2015

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    Great find and right up my alley. Very important, have the gentleman write out a Letter of Provenance for you including the serial number, and as much information as he can remember. also, if he has any photos of himself, wearing the watch too.
    Lucky you, but DIBS if you ever wish to part with her.
    Buster
     
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  9. cf999 Sep 4, 2015

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    Great example of original hands on an original dial.The hour markers have aged well and
    Hands do look "white" but still original
     
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  10. ViperStripes Sep 4, 2015

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    Amazing find, how did you come across the guy sellng the watch in the first place. Would have snapped his hands off.
     
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  11. Northernman Lemaniac Sep 4, 2015

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    Ohhhhhh. Sweeeet!
    If you have some leftovers for the mountain colony in the north, just PM me.
    Paul - You Rock! :)
    [​IMG]
     
  12. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    Thanks Martin:thumbsup:
     
  13. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    Good idea - I'll ask him if he will/can come up with something.

    Thanks for the DIBS, but I've promised the gentleman to keep it and take good care of it, so it's a keeper.
     
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  14. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    He contacted me.
     
  15. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    Thanks Anders :thumbsup: :D

    You're welcome to buy one of my other 145.012's, but I doubt my spares are up to your standard ;)
     
  16. Northernman Lemaniac Sep 4, 2015

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    Never say never! You have developed a very fine nose for great watches!
    Skål! Tid for å feire!
     
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  17. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    Btw. I forgot to direct a big thanks to Spacefruit for checking the photos, before buying. Thanks again SF:thumbsup:
     
    Edited Sep 4, 2015
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  18. Pahawi Sep 4, 2015

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    I get priceless help from OF members.....

    Skål:)
     
  19. Spacefruit Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Sep 5, 2015

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    Oh I am not worthy.
    I am the keeper of the tool.
    I am in your thrall.
    01-P4140015.jpg 03-P4140025.jpg 06-P4140031.jpg 11-P4140012-001.jpg 12-P4140014-001.jpg 14-P4140018-002.jpg
     
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  20. initialjh Sep 5, 2015

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    great speedy and nice story. what a nice 321. congrats
     
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