Fantastic story and man behind an amazing watch. This is what it's all about!

Enjoy!

 

Wondered if any of the UG experts around here might either (1) confirm my thinking above, or (2) suggest the best methodology for finding one to purchase?

I’ve had the watch now long enough, and wearing it regularly enough, to justify some additions

 

This is random and not helpful to your recent post but just wanted to say I think your aero would look great a nice olive drab canvas strap. Steel bezel + busy dial + olive drab strap = military tool watch coolness IMHO

 

have just been thinking about what straps to have on hand for this...

 

I'm not sure they gave the same bracelet for every watch. Likely they gave you options (like everything else)
Here is one that EWC claims is single owner so the bracelet could be the one you're looking for.
Here is mine (once owned now gone although I still have the bracelet) that was also single owner (claimed when I bought it few years ago).

May not be able today to determine which if any could be the exact bracelet given on these purchases but they all seem to fit fine and look great imo

 

It should have the Gay Freres bracelet with locking clasp as below, with 22mm UB stamped endlinks:

 

Do we know that certain models came with the locking clasp?

I suppose I'm asking whether your statement is based on brochures, advertising etc or just on examples you've seen.

For example, I'm sure I've seen Subs and Space Compaxes with and without the locking clasp.

 

The original owner said, “but the clasp was a rube goldberg double fold up contraption thatcame undone far too easy.. ” which to me suggests the locking clasp?

 

Mainly from original brochures/advertisements as below.
You can make out the divers extension on some (this was not on all bracelets).
By UGs own words, the Space-Compax was an underwater version of the Compax, so it also makes sense for it to have a locking divers clasp...

 

It’s been two years since I received this watch. The original owner and I still occasionally email. Dave just turned 80.

He surprised me today with an email recounting how he spent the sale proceeds. Pretty special to know this:

“I just wanted to share a little show and tell with you. The proceeds from the watch wound up right in my yard, with a little shop and everything in it. Photos attached, along with a few things I have made. I am not a gun owner or enthusiast, but I sure do love making these little [non-working] six shooters….

The tower cranes take too much time and too little expertise, but they sell for a lot more than I make on the guns. The big tower crane sold for four grand. The little guns make lunch money but I do them because I want to get better at it.

I trust you are still giving that watch a little outing every so often.

Warm regards
Dave”

 

That’s such a lovely story. Reminds us again that passion comes in all different forms.

Please send my best wishes to Dave and tell him that he spend the money well.

 

That’s such a lovely story. Reminds us again that passion comes in all different forms.

Please send my best wishes to Dave and tell him that he spend the money well.

 

This is a fantastic post. Thanks for sharing the story

 

Nice watch! Congrats!

 

What a great story, what a wonderful owner, and what a perfect little watch!

 

Great story, thanks for sharing. Where can we find Dave’s guns to help with his lunches?

 

kind of you to ask; I’ll report back

 

Great watch, many congratulations !! I love that 24 H dial and design.