This is either the best day of my life or the biggest disappointment ever

[ars1g09]

So was over at dinner at my aunt's place today. My uncle passed away a while back ago - and we were talking about watches, and she mentioned he had some in his safe that she never really looked at. So she asked me to see what was there.

First 3 pieces (first two pictures ) were very cool -vintage sub, gmt, and day date. Not in the best condition but a cool part of history nonetheless. There was also a GMT AP in there (picture 3).

Then i took out the last watch - picture 4... and nearly had a heart attack. A Newman. Is this legit?? If it is this is one HELL of a barn find!

Regardless, what should I do next to take care of the watches? Thus far I have put them back in the safe, away from sunlight, and put a bowl of rice to absorb moisture to prevent further water damage.

Thanks for your input!

[cat1pro]

Why can't I have an uncle like that?

[dhknola]

Whew, hello auction caliber watch! Nice 'barn' find!

[lee fowler]

Wow what a find! Any paperwork??

[carwashchris]

OMG ! What a nice group, and well preserved. Please keep us in the loop on how the rest of this story plays out.

[ars1g09]

Originally Posted by lee fowler

Wow what a find! Any paperwork??

i did not see any papers unfortunately. I have asked my aunt to check some of the other safes to see if she can find anything

[mjclark32]

My condolences.

You never spoke watches with him?

Looks like he knew what he was doing!

[RouletteDate]

This is incredible!!

[cat1pro]

Originally Posted by cat1pro

Why can't I have an uncle like that?

In an effort to be humorous I forgot to express my condolences for the loss of your uncle. Sorry about that. Good luck and hopefully this story has an amazing ending.

[Dan S]

Your uncle had a wonderful collection.

[ars1g09]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

My condolences.

You never spoke watches with him?

Looks like he knew what he was doing!

When he passed, I had not been introduced to watches yet. Would have definitely loved to share this hobby with him - he was by far my favorite uncle!

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by ars1g09

When he passed, I had not been introduced to watches yet. Would have definitely loved to share this hobby with him - he was by far my favorite uncle!

Got ya. I assumed it was relatively recent.

[kippyhunt]

Something looks seriously amiss with that Dial - the sub-dials are too small and far apart ... compare the OP's pic to one of the real thing .. unless I am hallucinating?

[Juhuatai]

Amazing.... what a find if legit

[Phrank]

So your Uncle had a super nice collection, I gather your Aunt will be pleased with her treasure....I gather she's going to either keep them or sell them, or is she going to pass them onto you?

Guy had some great taste....

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by kippyhunt

Something looks seriously amiss with that Dial - the sub-dials are too small and far apart ... compare the OP's pic to one of the real thing .. unless I am hallucinating?

Interested to see how this turns out. I really want it to be right.

[ars1g09]

Originally Posted by kippyhunt

Something looks seriously amiss with that Dial - the sub-dials are too small and far apart ... compare the OP's pic to one of the real thing .. unless I am hallucinating?

you're right - they definitely appear to be smaller. and here I was getting so excited...

[Tomas Eriksson]

The Daytona unfortunately doesn’t look genuine.

[brigadoonb]

Uncle had some great taste!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

The Daytona unfortunately doesn’t look genuine.

Yeah, it's a copy. Subdials weren't iridescent silver like that on the black dial versions, among other issues.

Still, some nice watches there to remember an uncle. (Fabulous patina on the Sub Date.) Condolences to the OP.

[exador]

Cool Royal Oak. Not a GMT BTW - the white hand denotes the date.