Passion drives us in this hobby, and we will move mountains to get to a watch we want. I wanted to share a story of how a chance meeting led to me tracking down a hidden gem in the middle of Eastern NC. Damn I love this hobby! Yesterday afternoon after getting my wife's car inspected, I ran over to a pawn shop to check things out. At the jewelry counter was a fellow discussing a GMT II for sale at another pawn shop for $3800. I chimed in, and struck up a conversation. Turns out he is an amateur watchmaker and dabbles in trading watches. We talked shop, and played the name game, and knew quite a few folks in common. He uncovers a lot of great pieces, and should be a great resource for future pieces. During our convo he mentioned that someone in a small town about an away had a 1963 Speedmaster for sale...for $3600. Needless to say I asked was wrong with it, and he said that the dial didn't look right. He mentioned that the owner was a watchmaker. After trading business cards, I returned to my car, and went straight to the Google machine. I knew the town, but didn't know the business name, so I started by searching watchmakers...no results. Then went to jewelry and pawn...10 results...I started dialing. On call number 9, after asking if anyone dealt in vtg watches, specifically Speedmaster, the girl told to try ABC Company. I called ABC, and spoke to the owner who said that he didn't have any Speedmasters, but he had a customer that may had some. I had come this far, so figured what the hell and asked, "I heard that someone in town was selling a 1963 Speedmaster...you know anything about it?" "Yes, it's mine, but I am not selling." "I heard that you entertained $3.6k...I would be a buyer in the $5-6k range depending on the watch." That got his attention. As I asked questions about the watch, it was clear that it had a DN90 bezel, 861 handset, and a long indices, Swiss Made, Professional step dial with a painted logo...clearly a service. I let him know what he had at my best estimate, and felt a little dejected, when he piped in, "Since you so knowledgeable about Omega, do you know anything about Universal Geneve?" "Yes, a little, what do you have?" "Well, I am not sure. It is the same size as the Speedy, but no outer bezel. Silver dial." "How long will you be at your shop?" "Until 5." "Great, heading your way." It was 3:30, and I had an 1hr+ trip to Eastern NC. En route I let the wife know what I was doing...she was not happy...but screw it, I was on the hunt. Arrived at 4:35, and after having looked at the watch for a few minutes, I made an offer, and he accepted. I beat out a local dealer who sources many of his watches from this seller. So now I just had to find a BOA...before 5. My GPS routed me in a massive circle and I ended up at the gates of a military installation...no BOA in sight...and it was 4:58. I drove back to the shop, quasi defeated, and asked if I could come back with cash in the morning, and he said it was fine. After a horrible night of sleep imagining him reneging on the deal, I got up this morning, put in the time with the family, and headed out. I have conveniently left out the part of the wife flipping her shit and threatening to remove me from a bank account, but that is another story for another time. I made it to the shop, and bought the watch (thanks to those who helped me on the thread last night, as I was clueless to this UG reference, and all UG for that matter). While it needs a new set of pushers, a crystal, a service, and has a replacement crown, it runs like a top, and I love the look. So without further adieu, here is my 1963 Universal Geneve 22407-1 with a V72 UG cal130 movement.
Cool story. Your post title reminded me of Motorhead's "Chase Is Better Than The Catch"; just youtubed it and it's still awesome
I got a very similar one, probably made out of the factory just a year or two ahead of yours with a cal 281 inside. Great win you made out of the hunt . Mine says hi (although the it has been sitting at the watchmaker for ages)
Pretty sure she would be happy for me to sell this one...luckily there is a queue of nice forum members who have so kindly reached out to me offering, out of the goodness of their hearts, to take this poor little guy off my hands
Well done. You're like the American Pickers of watches. Somehow I had the impression you lived in Europe. I guess I was wrong unless this was a vacation for you. That would be a heck of a vacation!
The beauty of OF and IG is that they give you an international perspective on watches. Over the last year my tastes and collection have been heavily influenced by European and Asian collectors, so thinking I am from Europe shows that I am heading in the right direction of emulating those whom I admire most. I am glad people enjoy my story, as it shows that with some good luck, sleuthing, and persistence, you can uncover great pieces. While ebay is awesome, finding watches the old fashion way, face to face, is still the best.
Great story, especially loved "what I was doing...she was not happy...but screw it, I was on the hunt." Brings back happy memories with the missus!