It was circa late 2010, I came across a calibre11 article that talked about the restoration of an 11063 GMT by Abel, who is this Abel I thought to myself, I now know.
The watch, now in the possession of Stewart M, was gorgeous! I drooled the more I looked at it the more I felt an obsessive need to have one, so I started to look for one, couldn't find one that looked just like it... But then I fond these things called viceroy's that seemed pretty cool, than the Jo siffert's, a few Monaco's, Carrera's, Camaro's and GMT's later ... I see a post announcing a new arrival in Stewart M's collection - the 11063GMT that I had first drooled over, the fiend! The rascal! He had sent out an e-mail while three sheets to the wind on a bottle of scotch one night and bang he nabbed himself the watch.
I was jealous - but very happy for Stewart, the watch of course in very good hands.
I was convinced that I would never find one, but lo and behold - one emerged from the drawer of a watch maker/retailer.
There was hope
I contacted the seller
We chatted a bit
We struck a tentative deal
Some time passed as the seller wanted to have it serviced
I got a little nervous that the seller would back out!
I sat back and figured if it was meant to be - it would.
A few days ago the seller contacted me - he had received offers from others.
But being a true gentleman - he honored our original terms.
Today after much waiting - I white USPS box arrived on my desk.
I examined the box, it looked untampered with.
I opened it up and what did I find-
The lines are so crisp, it reminds me of the Paul Gavins NOS 11630 GMT which now sits in my safe:
There is still a very faded and browned sticker on the back.
The bracelet still has a completely new feel to it, no scratches or wear.
And as a bonus it came with the original box
The only thing not perfect is a bit of Lume missing from the minute hand, and you know what? It's still perfect to me.
I'm so tickled... I want to thank Joe S. for being a real gentleman and having a lot of integrity through out the whole process.
Thanks Joe,
Best Regards,
Lanny
Oops - damn it! I drooled on myself again.
