Horological Meandering

 

Sometimes I read others with envy when telling us about very special timekeeper, often related to a parent, sentimental, special event or something long forgotten, but often described as a value that cannot be bought, time that cannot be timed or priced.

Envy I should not have as I am myself in possession of several pieces which I treasure for what they are and what they represent.  A few of the timepieces I own I sometimes doubt the whys I have them but in general I have time for almost every occasions even boredom ;-) but the one I always have been missing is the watch for which I know nothing will ever change its Values.

In my experience, one of the beautiful part about watches is about the people I meet. Those relations are for most interesting and often enriching. Some of those relations turn into friendships, and rarely like in other circumstances, a relation turns brotherly.

Last week I was travelling to a destination of which when there or close, to me there is only one place I can possibly want to be lodged and that is at my friend’s place.  It is easy choice really, because my hosts, my friend and his family offer me all I can ever possibly want, but I only go there because even if our relationship started about watches, it rapidly grew from friendship into a brotherly relationship and we enjoy each other company.  Of course watches continue to be looked and spoken about in the evening near the fire place.

During my last visit my friend wanted to be square, this ‘square’ was not called or discussed in any sort of ways, it is simply that my friend belongs to those of which brotherly things of life do not stay or go unnoticed.  Anyway, he handed a gift to me, not that gifts should be about value, but what a gift! Something he cherished, something that mattered to him, something he wanted me to have…Time does not count.

My friend like me owns a few watches. One day, 3 years ago, he made a great find, a 1968 watch absolutely sparkling brand new watch… a beauty! I was happy and ‘envious’.  This piece was often a subject of conversation amongst us, and I was hoping to duplicate the find.  Compared to all the other watches he has, this piece is ‘nothing’ safe for being a meaningful find to my friend and a safe queen to all.

the Gift.
I of course refused the gift, but there was no escape from receiving it, my friend is like me, stubborn. I open it up….life stopped for a long moment. I realized to have in hand the piece, not about that timepiece, just and only about The Time of no Value powered by heart-beats.

Thank you to my friend (The Gentleman) and his wife for teaching me about the values of time.

 

I and happy to share with you a sparkling brand new 1968 Rolex 5513, so new one could cut his fingers’ skin when caressing the edges of the watch-case or the bracelet. I need time to know how will I use this piece, all I know is that I will want to see it as often as possible…

Both the story and the watch. You are a lucky man - congratulations!

- SJX

A true sign of great friendship.

Lovely story. Your friend has added significantly to this watches’ history.

 

I am sure you will enjoy it with great pleasure and pride.

 

Andrew

Second, I think I can say that I am not surprised at all. This act of friendship between 2 of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing, so classic and so natural.

BRAVO!

 

Cheers,

 

Asi

This message has been edited by Asimut on 2009-05-24 02:36:26

It doesn't amaze me, it makes me very happy for you and your friend.

Value of Time, Value of Friendship, and a big, strong one, indeed.

I love these stories, my friend.

Now, you have a treasure to cherish, the best watch you ever had.

Thanks for this refreshing post, POY.

You made my day.

Best,

Nicolas.

PS: Aaah, the watch...Just BEAUTIFUL!

... Nicolas, you're truly my best friend ........ oh yes, i like you MMR ... soooooooo much ....

Your friend,

The Bim

Friendship is a pretty rare thing in this world ... well, i mean TRUE friendship. It is also about trust. I'm very happy to see/read things like this, they make me feel better knowing there are still some very nice people on this planet.

I envie you four having a friend like yours POY, and not for the watch you received from him ....................... errrr, well maybe a bit ....

Filip

a touching story indeed...

Look after the Friend a lot !

Congratulations!

Regards,

MTF

I am envious. Not of the watch, but of the bond that you have formed with your friend.


Warm regards,

iAn

Congratulations of finding such a rare and genuine friend.

Sincerely,

Jack

. . . like the The Four Musketeers trading watches and Mike's gift to his Dad, and now we have yours, Poy. Warm regards to you and your comrade, Art

and thanks for sharing such an intimate and touching story with us all.

A true friendship like this is such a rare gem in today's world.

Cheers,
Anthony

better story,
best friend
Enjoy both the watch and your friend
cheers

No message body

Your watch is wonderful -- a thing of beauty that should be cherished, but I think it is really your friend who is special and irreplaceable.

Wear the watch in good health, and I hope it will always be a reminder of your great friendship!

Cheers,
Daos

Great story! Wear it in the best of health and thanks for sharing.

You are one lucky man Poy.

And I firmly believe that the giver is as happy as the receiver - giving away what one cherishes to someone else who will cherish it equally if not more is an absolute joy. And I believe your friend has found a worthy new owner.

Enjoy it in good health!

wear in good health.

Cheers

Pat

Congrats & thks for sharing

A charming story, and an inspiration to us all!

You are as good as the people who surround you.  PoyFR is in good company.

Bravo.

Bill

I also missed this amazing story of genuine friendship
that is rarely seen nowadays... but thanks to you and POY for sharing it at first place
it really made my Sunday
Thanks on both counts
Damjan