It has been a while since I have done a separate write-up rather than a few posts in the "What did you buy today" thread. There have however not been any lack of new projects and purchases. One topic that seems to be constantly re-surfacing is the "would you buy a watch with a dedication inscription" or not. I am actually intrigued by an inscription as it may tell more than the horological history we look for in vintage watches. In the case of this purchase I did not really have a choice as the auctioneer "forgot" to mention the dedication on the back. Good thing for them I don´t mind! So to the purchase: Online auction, nasty picture: - Case looks nice! - The steel expandable bracelet is one of my favorite telltales that is has not been "messed with" too badly. No dealer will re-attached such a nasty thing! - Chronograph pusher fu---ed. - Crown... Seriously? - Dial looks very nice if you hope that the most of issues are with the plexi. Watch arrives with my watchmaker, and first thing he mentions is the inscription, apart from the rest looking very promising: Pictures are "pre-decheesification". The caliber 2310 is pristine, but needs a general service. The following question leaped into my mind: What did Mr. J.K.Hall do to be awarded such a nice watch from the People of Rotherfield? The Dr. Watson in me (21st Century edition mind you) shoots off some searches on Google. It turns out that Rotherfield, Sussex is a charming little community in the UK, and the local Parish Council has both a Facebook and a web page. What did I have to loose? Not much! Off with an email to the webmaster. After some public re-posting of my email the search struck gold. A very helpful and nice lady provided both the information, and much better, a picture to go with it! "This photo is of Mr Hall and his wife (centre) receiving the watch from the Revd. Peter Goodram and Brigadier Scott (Chairman of the Parish Council at the time). I was the child that presented the bouquet to Mrs Hall, I was 12 years old at the time." The actual footage of Mr. Hall being handed the very watch in 1967! In my collector brain that is very cool indeed! And the Pharmacy/Chemist he used to run before moving along in 1967: It tuned out the watch cleaned up rather well, and now resides in the permanent collection. Cheers, and happy hunting!
Nice story on an even nicer watch (permanent collection...... ) Love it when things come together in such a way. Enjoy wearing it!!
Excellent work, and a lovely watch! I am always quite happy to accept an "inscription discount" as long as the work was done reasonably well.
There are a very few watches that will require my boots to be on the market before the watch is also available. At that point I will obviously not care any more..... Hence permanent is also a relative figure....
Thank you for posting the photos of the Lemania and the background story and photos. This is just the kind of thing I love to read about and such threads make the Forum worthwhile. I've become intrigued with Lemania and so am always ready to see them here.
Absolutely love it. Great story and a great watch. I've got a 60's Lemania/Meylan/Seamaster Chrono on the list this year....
Super quality post! Got to love that photo! See that happy face on the lad when he realises that it's a Lemania in the box He wouldn't have been half that pleased if it was a Rolex inside, ha, ha!
Great watch and equally great story, I am from the village of Framfield, not too far from Rotherfield at all.
Image can be found at the public Facebook page for Rotherfield Parish Council: https://www.facebook.com/rotherfieldparishcouncil/photos
