As many of you know, I wanted a Heuer Siffert Autavia in honor of those great race drivers who gave their lives back in the 1970s. But they're rare and expensive and after a couple of close calls, I decided on the next best thing. I'd make my own.
I won't bore you with the details, but painting a watch is much harder than it looks. And there are so dang many little parts inside. Who'd have thought?
I was on the edge of despair when Shaun, a fellow OTD'r offered to sell me his Siffert. After a bit of cloak and dagger--if you're in the witness protection program, Shaun, your secret is safe with me--I picked up the watch today.
Is it as perfect as Abel's NOS Siffert? No.
Is it as old as Jeff's Big Bang Autavia? No.
Is as complicated as that very cool Carrera Dato? No.

But it's the coolest watch I've ever had the honor of wearing,

I once got an assignment to write a story about 50 things every man must own. The first thing, of course, is to establish the ground rules. If you want to be really literal, you'll start your list with a gallon of water and end with a roll of toilet paper, and it'll be really boring,
If you make it a money is no object list, it's full of Gulfstream jets and Patek repeaters and Ferrari GTOs that no one can afford.
I finally settled on this criteria: Is this something that makes your feel happy when you use it? Smarter for having bought it? Make you wish you could have a beer with the guy (or woman) who designed it?
The Siffert is such a thing (as is my Omega Speedy Pro)
It's funny, I've always been kind of a strap guy, but I'm really liking the rice bracelet on this one. Just a bit of bling, plus it's the way the dear departed Seppi wore his.
I'll post pics when I can figure out how, but thanks to all of you for your advice and counsel, and especially to Shaun for his integrity and general good-guyness in helping me find my grail.
As of this afternoon, this family has a new heirloom.

best
Allen