My grandfather’s watch
This watch without a doubt is the one that’s most special to me.
My grandfather bought this beautiful Breitling Antares in 1995.
He clearly loved this watch and always handled it with great care.
Being a hard working man he always spent his money thoughtfully and rather treated others before himself. Besides a gold necklace and his wedding ring he didn’t wear a lot of jewelry but a good watch has always been important to him and to own a Breitling someday has long been a goal for him.
Shortly after his 69th birthday he made this wish finally a reality. You can see that he loved this watch a lot and kept everything together. Box, Papers and even every other bit of documentation on services, repairs etc. were kept safe.
For 11 years this watch has been one of his most priced and beloved possessions until the year 2006 in which he passed away.
He had left the watch to my grandmother, who kept the watch safe in its box for another 5 years, until I graduated from school.
That day, my grandmother gifted this watch to me, saying that my grandpa had always wanted me to have it someday.
To this day I haven’t been this proud and felt so deeply honored to be able to wear his beloved watch.
Recently the watch turned 27 years old and it still looks almost like new. A few scratches here and there that make this watch unique are there of course and everytime I wear it for family gatherings, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions I feel very close to my grandfather.
It sounds a bit cheesy but I feel like a part of him is with me and putting it on my wrist is a very emotional moment for me.
I wouldn’t give this watch away for any amount of money in the world; it’s simply priceless.
And it‘s funny that my grandpa chose a blue dial because blue dials are my absolute favorites. Or maybe this watch started my love for blue dials in the first place?
The combination of a blue dial with those rather unusual radial patterns with the subtle golden elements on the bezel, indices and hands are just so pleasing to my eye.
In my opinion the Antares is a timeless masterpiece and fits to most wrists perfectly with its 39mm diameter.
I think that this one is a sleeper when it comes to neo-vintage Breitling watches. Not many people know a lot of Breitlings besides the Navitimer and Chronomat.
And the 90s and early 2000s were the glory days for Breitling in my opinion. A great era for masculine watches with a lot of style and just the right amount of bling.
I hope this short story of how I got this watch might spark some interest in it again for some of you guys as it simply is an absolute stunner of a watch.
12 years of watch addiction brought me here. My current collection: Tissot, Stowa, Breitling, (Grand) Seiko, Oris and Nomos.
I think this story is beautiful. Heirloom pieces should make us feel connected to our ancestors.
It's a great watch. Wear it in good health & MTFBWY
I think this story is beautiful. Heirloom pieces should make us feel connected to our ancestors.
It's a great watch. Wear it in good health & MTFBWY
Thanks, mate! Absolutely true. A watch is just something so personal and special. Not just a timekeeper, but a companion.
Not only are watches tools to tell the time but also a tangible connection that transcends it.
Cheers 🍻
Love it!! ill 🍻 I’ll drink to that!! Cherish it as you cherished your grandparent!
Great story and thanks for sharing it with us. Really true beautiful watch.
Awesome story, awesome watch! Yea, I have my grandfather's watch as well. It will never leave my collection!
Great story and a very nice looking watch👌
Beautiful story and watch, I also own my grandfather's watch (a Datejust 1603), keep enjoying that amazing Breitling 😉
Great story! Glad you like the watch too, sometimes tastes and fashion change and that isn’t always the case. That design has stood the test of time well. Well may you wear it.
Did your grandad live in Bonn? I spent a few years their at the end of the 70s/start of the 80s. Can’t remember the exact watch I had then, but it was a citizen metal digital watch.
I’ve got a watch left to me by my grandfather who passed in 1997. It’s a Seiko 5H23 which he bought new in 1986. Basically their take on the Rolex President. It’s not worth much more than $100, but like you, makes me feel like he’s around still.
modern genetics say he is still with you. The real treasure is the memories the watch triggers. You can't put a price on that. Nice watch btw
Wonderful story. It must bring a smile to your face every time it’s on your wrist. Considering how blue dials are all the rage now, having a neo-vintage watch in such great condition with an amazing blue dial is really cool.
Very touching story my friend how I would wish any of my family elders would of pass me down a watch regardless what brand. Is about the person and the memories behind it. And the best part you owning now makes it awesome.
Beautiful watch and story! I think you do have a piece of your grandfather with you every time you wear that watch. Time is something no one can buy more of. To me , giving someone a device used to tell time says you valued the time you spent together. Your grandfather was a special person as evident by his choice in a timepiece . IMO your grandmother is a special lady. She knew the perfect moment in time to pass on a great watch. Cheers Brother & Thanks for sharing something awesome with us!
Great story! I have my grandfather's pocket watch that he wore to work every day. It's an Elgin and I can totally relate to your story. Both of my grandfather's had a major impact on my life but my maternal grandfather taught me what it meant to be a man and more importantly a Christian man. He was and still is the best role model I've ever had.
Beautiful piece! Wear it in good health.
Great story! I have my grandfather's pocket watch that he wore to work every day. It's an Elgin and I can totally relate to your story. Both of my grandfather's had a major impact on my life but my maternal grandfather taught me what it meant to be a man and more importantly a Christian man. He was and still is the best role model I've ever had.
Beautiful piece! Wear it in good health.
Thank you very much! Awesome that you cherish something even more oldschool, even in watch related terms!
I wish you all the best while continuing your journey with that watch!