This may sound like a creepy/macabre question but bear with me. My father passed away in June. He gave me his 1968 Seamaster caliber 550 quite a while ago. It's the watch that started my Omega obsession 40 years ago. I wanted so much to let him go with it, but couldn't do it. I know he would have said, "You're nuts, don't let the worms get it!" Anyone care to share any similar stories?
He would have wanted you to have the watch, he gave it to you- and giving it back he would be pissed. I found a finger painting I had made for him when I was 5 that said “ I love you daddy” with my hand prints. I found in his desk when we were cleaning up after he died which means he has kept it for 24 years at that point. I put that in with him, as well as a catalog from my first exhibit which had opened when he was in the hospital so he couldn’t attended- but he was so proud. Wear it with pride- enjoy it as his gift to you.
I can only imagine. I'm sure many of the families had the attitude of "it was his, who cares." I couldn't do that.
That used to be the way it went, you were buried with your priced belongings, horses, jewelry (and wife...). Would be very impractical today. Keep it to remember him - my dad gave me his signet ring the other day which has massive significance for both of us.
Once you are departed ... that’s that. You have no need for watches. Cremation in my family. I wonder how many nice watches jewelry etc. actually make it into the hole.
If cremation is to be involved with the idea you will keep the ashes, DO NOT leave the watch on the body.
Would seem like a meaningless gesture to me - I'd rather my kids get my watches, but respect that this is a right and also a very personal choice. I guess it's similar to the pharoahs. The kings of Egypt were buried with all sorts of treasure in order to keep them in style in the afterlife.
I have left instructions with my heirs that I want to be buried with ALL my watches, clocks, and marine chronometers. Not gonna happen!