cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
20774
Watches FOUND after a long search, Part 3
This story of a FOUND watch took me awhile to discover - my failing memory was jogged by the appearance of some watch photos in an old email.
Here's what I found - photos of a manual wind Credor Spring Drive from 1999's edition of 200 or so. These were sent to me by a friend in 2003 or so. It was expensive, the pictures weren't that compelling, and for some reason I declined or delayed and the deal never happened.
Here's the back.
Several years later I saw photos of the same model Credor watch on SteveG's website (used here by permission).
Wow! I thought. Here's another of the many watches he owns that I like too!
(So far I have owned at least 20 copies of the many beautiful watches on his page. Is that sad, or what?)
This was a gorgeous piece. I resolved to own one someday.
But the Credors were so obscure, and I didn't know how to search through Japan (back then it was not so easy), life happened along and I forgot to keep looking.
After wearing it for awhile (a year or two now) I was searching back through my old emails for something, and I found the original pictures at the top of this post, and the offer from my friend for me to buy it.
This was a gorgeous piece. I resolved to own one someday.
But the Credors were so obscure, and I didn't know how to search through Japan (back then it was not so easy), life happened along and I forgot to keep looking.
Fast Forward about 8 years to the Fall of 2012 and I spotted the watch for sale! BUT I HAD COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN THAT I HAD LOOKED FOR IT EARLIER.
I immediately contacted the seller in Japan, and we quickly made a deal. Within a week it was on my wrist.
After wearing it for awhile (a year or two now) I was searching back through my old emails for something, and I found the original pictures at the top of this post, and the offer from my friend for me to buy it.
I contacted him again after all these many years, and showed him the pictures of my new watch. He said in response,
"Nice. It's my favorite in the whole Seiko line. I used to have that watch, but I sold it to SteveG."
So the watch I could have had back then BUT didn't buy, was sold to Steve and I saw HIS pictures, resolved to have it, got one, and THEN discovered 2 years later that the inspiring photo were of the watch I COULD HAVE HAD all along. Is that bizarre, or what?
I love watch collecting!
Cazalea
PS - this Fall, the watch and I went together to Its birthplace!
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-11-26 19:31:42
Watches FOUND after a long search
We have had some discussion on this forum about searching for rare and desireable Seikos. I think it would be appropriate to give encouragement to the seekers. Could those of us who HAVE FOUND the watches we were looking for share a bit about the process?...
Very interesting story...
and pretty handsome watch. They did superb job restoring the dial. Your Seiko looks like new! Regards Edward
well worth your time...
in hunting one down. the thrill is always in the hunt...but finally having it on your wrist is another story. :)
Such a great read, and so true.
"The thrill of the hunt"... we all know it. And to come across samples that are so close but not just right. Makes it so rewarding when you find what you are chasing. I would say this one was more than worth the emotional (and financial) investments!
That's right! Don't give up!
My preciouses :-) They both happened to be Credor, but each has own story.... Little known, maybe the only Chronometer from Credor. LE of 500 were YG, white dial. This another LE of 20 for certain retailer is my precious :-) Especially with B&P& C...
Watches FOUND after a long search Part 2
Here's another story in the Watches FOUND after a long search (Don't give up!) saga. I heard about a special Seiko Chronograph that was issued at the 40th anniversary (2004) of Seiko's first Chrono. As it turned out, it was a Kinetic Sportura variant, usi...
finally found!
Though i didn't spend years searching for this watch (luckly!), I have spent almost every day chasing it after seeing it in Cazalea's small seiko thread. I don't know why i love it so much but I think the design, the shape and size are just so perfect or ...
Send it to me and I'll fix it :-)
what a happy circumstance that you found it. I knew I couldn't have the only one in the whole universe! Here's how it looks inside: New razor blade only, please. Insert and tilt or twist slightly. Voilà Cheers! Cazalea ...
Already checked it out
I've already taken the back off (using a tool) and then took off the balance spring cuz I thought it could be stuck or maybe tangled but it's still going way too fast :/
Watches FOUND after a long search, Part 3
This story of a FOUND watch took me awhile to discover - my failing memory was jogged by the appearance of some watch photos in an old email. Here's what I found - photos of a manual wind Credor Spring Drive from 1999's edition of 200 or so. These were se...
How about a watch that I waesnt looking for, but somehow fell into my hands?
Earlier on in my watch collecting hobby, I gradually gotten to know about the existence of the 4S family of movements, mainly due to Don's excellent review of 1 particular 4s watch. His excellent review can still be seen here . The watch in question is th...
Real beauty dear Mike
Which just reminded me of...what was the verdict from Seiko masters regarding our "contest" about spring drive definition? Yoirs truly in expectation or cordially yours that missed post about it Damjan
Thank you, and regarding the Spring Drive discussion
No, you didn't miss it - the finale was a bit anti-climactic. I started something I anticipated would be a bit more exciting at the finish, but it turned out that the fun was in the process of the competition. You convinced me I needed to go back and expl...
Looks Fantastic
Hi That looks fantastic I can understand why you were captivated and had to have one. Not in the same league - but still inspired by others photos when I saw the first posts about the SARX029 and people raving about it I was inspired to get it. Cheers JML...
U r equalliy poison!!
Darn, wat a beautiful journey to obtain the Grand Seiko you loved. I just acquired my Grand Seiko SBGR095 after 3 tries, so i'm ecstatic as you! M
Found! After an unusually long search...
Great thread topic. My most recent adventure was tracking down two all original, mint Seiko World Time watches from 1964. One was for me, the other for my dad. My goal was to give it to him for his 65th bday - I live in Tokyo and he lives in NYC, and the ...
Excellent! What a great accomplishment!
Thanks for sharing the photos and your story. I hope your dad enjoys the connection to this crazy watch world we inhabit. Cheers, Cazalea
I really like the story of
how you have found this beautiful watch! I have never seen this model before. Is it the Wako?