Dad passed away - questions about his 1981 GMT Master

[Hurricane]

I’ll wear it in his memory when we bury his remains at Arlington National Cemetery early next year (the wait list is now 10-12 months). He wore it every day for 40 years and although I like to rotate the other watches once in a while, I have a feeling I will wearing this one a lot, in memory of him.

[aczaja10]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad recently and I know what you are going through.

The results are beautiful. These are my absolute favorite threads. Thank you for sharing.

[TimeLord2]

Sorry for the loss of your Father…
The watch looks great, and I think your Dad would be proud of it as well. Just had my Dad's watch serviced by Phillip, also couldn't be happier! Take care and be well.

[shaunylw]

It looks fantastic, what an heirloom to remember him by.


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[winst]

Great restoration and a great way to remember your Dad.

[1665fan]

Send to the ridleys…..and just because the gmt hand is cracked, get it stabilized, no need to replace it……

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

Well, as an update, I sent my Dad’s watch to Bob Ridley in Texas to restore and service the watch. I received it back yesterday and I could not be happier with the results.

Excellent !!

[JustinK]

Looks great!

[Styles Bitchley]

Stunning results. So glad to see this carried on to the next generation in such style.

[Chester01]

I’m sorry for your loss and really enjoyed learning about his watch and legacy. This having 1 great watch and wearing the hell out of them is what creates the meaning and not always chasing the latest and greatest. Seeing this should also help folks realize that their watch can take far more punishment than they can imagine and with a little tlc be brought back to life.

[alexlt730512]

sorry for your loss, but the watch turns out to be good.

[drockadam]

Incredible restoration! Happy to see it back on the wrist and being enjoyed. Looks amazing.

[jatco]

So sorry for your loss ...but the restoration of his watch is outstanding. I can see why you'd want to wear more frequently....

[Hurricane]

Thank you all for the kind comments! The watch hasn't left my wrist since I received it - it is really nice to wear and look at. Really happy with how it came out.

[indianmachine]

Sorry for your loss.

GMT looks great!

[Bladeshot]

My condolences. You have a great piece to help preserve his memory and the adventures he had.

Phillip was the right call. And it looks like you stabilized the 24 hand rather than relume it. Good call! No polish was also the right call. No point making it look new when you can enjoy seeing the journey it’s had (I almost never polish anything anymore).

Well done.

Ps. It was interesting to see your post from 9 years ago where you mention his watch and the TT GMT you have, as a result of his watch.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

My condolences. You have a great piece to help preserve his memory and the adventures he had.

Phillip was the right call. And it looks like you stabilized the 24 hand rather than relume it. Good call! No polish was also the right call. No point making it look new when you can enjoy seeing the journey it’s had (I almost never polish anything anymore).

Well done.

Ps. It was interesting to see your post from 9 years ago where you mention his watch and the TT GMT you have, as a result of his watch.

I had forgotten about that post. Dad’s taste in watches wore off on me (as did his taste in cars) and I love that his watch has a story. I have photos of him over the years wearing his GMT Master, in his army uniform as I grew up, commissioning me as an officer in the USAF, at my wedding, and holding my three children when they were each babies. Dad wore that watch when he taught me how to drive, when he helped me fix things around my first house, and when he picked me up and dusted me off in the more challenging parts of my life.

I don’t know why exactly, but it’s more than just a watch to me. It’s a small piece of his memory that I get to hold on to forever.

[topcat30093]

A wonderful story.
What beautiful memories you must have.
And now you will start to create your own, for the next generation :-)
For me, I would never wear another watch.

[snakeeyes]

Sorry for your loss, the watch is an amazing momento. Whenever you check the time you will think of him.