Conflicted. Receiving a watch as an unexpected gift
This just happened. Just now saw a patient and as we were concluding our time together, I noticed his watch. It was a huge Invicta, an automatic. I looked at it and I could tell him it had a Seiko NH35 movement, which he was happy to learn
Apparently he has collected forever and has hundreds. He has a Rolex of his grandfather's he cherishes, and has some really nice vintage watches, with some makers of past renown. As I went back to my office, my nurse stopped me and handed me this. For Armitron, this is a pretty handsome and tasteful dial. I was genuinely touched. My dilemma is that of ethics. Do I keep it? It, of course, isn't expensive (I believe he told me a Walmart manager made him a deal for what was left in the case, which comes out to about 6 bucks apiece), but that is beside the point. I don't want to insult him. Graciously accepting it certainly would create rapport and avoid hurt feelings. What would you guys do?
I am finally able to view watch videos and not order what I just saw.
A surprisingly handsome blue dial.
Accept it graciously.
Accept it graciously.
That's what I was thinking. It was inexpensive, but this is a gift from a man on a fixed income, who is a fellow lover of watches, great and small. I can't turn that down. I'll wear at his follow up visit. He'd get a kick out of that. Not to pander, but as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Just buy a watch stand and keep on your desk as memory.
Regardless of what watch it is, it is now a symbol of your interaction with him and a prop for a heartwarming story. I’d keep it and place it in a prime spot in my watch case.
That's what I was thinking. It was inexpensive, but this is a gift from a man on a fixed income, who is a fellow lover of watches, great and small. I can't turn that down. I'll wear at his follow up visit. He'd get a kick out of that. Not to pander, but as a sign of respect and gratitude.
Exactly. Keep it in your office and pop it on when he has a future appointment.
Exactly. Keep it in your office and pop it on when he has a future appointment.
That's what I was thinking. Not pandering but as a sign of gratitude.
I’m still in awe of that bezel. SO many questions…
I’m still in awe of that bezel. SO many questions…
So, do I reciprocate, like Jim Belushi and Schwarzenegger in Red Heat? I'm sure I have an old watch he'd like
I’m still in awe of that bezel. SO many questions…
Haha, yeah what's a tachymeter bezel doing on this watch? For looks, maybe? Lol
Regardless of what watch it is, it is now a symbol of your interaction with him and a prop for a heartwarming story. I’d keep it and place it in a prime spot in my watch case.
I'd agree. I'm contemplating a swap like they did in Red Heat.
Your hospital likely has an ethics guideline for maximum value of acceptable gifts from patients, as this comes up in a lot of instances. That said, 6 bucks is probably a fine gift. If he had given you a plaque or something that cost $20, you probably wouldn't think twice. Such as sweet thing for him to do, and I love the idea of wearing it next time you see him.
Check with HR about gifts or consult your Code of Ethics. If those don't apply to your work situation, then graciously accept the gesture with a handwritten note via snail mail, if a timely in-person thank you is out of the question.
Check with HR about gifts or consult your Code of Ethics. If those don't apply to your work situation, then graciously accept the gesture with a handwritten note via snail mail, if a timely in-person thank you is out of the question.
Yeah, the only issue here is if you're -- by your company policy -- allowed to keep it. Otherwise, yes! Graciously accept it (of course!).
Very nice of him to give you a gift, obviously wanted a way to show his appreciation with something on a more personal level, I'd leave it in your office and wear it when he returns
That is an ethically difficult question to answer, and I guess it comes down to the kind of relationship you have with your nurse. Are you friends? Colleagues? Do you feel that as the person with more power, you might be crossing a line?
True. A good thing to consider , but in this, I'm good.
There is just no sentimental value to this watch. It literally was given by someone who didnt value it at all. My advice...pass it on to someone else
That seems a bit harsh, but you could be right. He seemed sincere. I'll keep it in my desk drawer and mull it over.
That seems a bit harsh, but you could be right. He seemed sincere. I'll keep it in my desk drawer and mull it over.
My apologies. Yeah it kind of sounded harsh. It could be that it, and many of his watches were bought on impulse. You must've just been nice to him.
I mean i will keep it, but probably only until i can give it to the person who would need it more than me.
My apologies. Yeah it kind of sounded harsh. It could be that it, and many of his watches were bought on impulse. You must've just been nice to him.
I mean i will keep it, but probably only until i can give it to the person who would need it more than me.
He seems to be an enthusiast, but admittedly his contemporary choices don't match mine. Surprisingly, he's on the money with vintage watches. Not Omega or the like, but respectable. He seemed enthusiastic about finally meeting someone that could talk with about it. He loves Invicta (lol) but he completely was knowledgeable about the true Invicta's Swiss origins. He unabashedly likes what he likes. I have to respect that. As for Invicta, I told him the Pro Diver automatic was a well-regarded choice. Lol
I believe that you can declare it as a gift if it is under a certain value with your employer, I would then display it in your office. It’s actually a really nice looking watch
I believe that you can declare it as a gift if it is under a certain value with your employer, I would then display it in your office. It’s actually a really nice looking watch
I was surprised, given that it was an Armitron. The dial has that pie plate contour and it has a nice blue color. The bracelet is the dead giveaway. It's bad.
The dept admin cleared it. I showed it to them. They said it wasn't over a certain amount.
I was surprised, given that it was an Armitron. The dial has that pie plate contour and it has a nice blue color. The bracelet is the dead giveaway. It's bad.
The dept admin cleared it. I showed it to them. They said it wasn't over a certain amount.
Great news, enjoy it in good health & treasure it’s sentimentality, maybe a nato is in itself future 😆
Ah, Jack Bogle. Financial titan. I love that he wore a Timex. He could have worn Jacob & Co (not that he would).
The image of that cracks me up. I'm a huge John Bogle fan and have read most of his books and am also a member of the Bogleheads. John wasn't really a financial Titan in the sense of a lot of the guys at his level, his net worth was $60 million when he passed, but if he structured Vanguard for profits it would have been in the billions. He really made a huge difference in the amount of money the little guy will have in retirement. He truly democratized retail investing the way Timex democratized wrist watches.
The image of that cracks me up. I'm a huge John Bogle fan and have read most of his books and am also a member of the Bogleheads. John wasn't really a financial Titan in the sense of a lot of the guys at his level, his net worth was $60 million when he passed, but if he structured Vanguard for profits it would have been in the billions. He really made a huge difference in the amount of money the little guy will have in retirement. He truly democratized retail investing the way Timex democratized wrist watches.
If it weren't for him, index funds would not be available to normal people, only to the super rich. I'm only learning about these just now.
If it weren't for him, index funds would not be available to normal people, only to the super rich. I'm only learning about these just now.
Indeed. All of us Average Joe's and Jane's have a lot more money in retirement because of the way John "Jack" Bogle structured Vanguard. Instead of keeping the money for himself, he let us the shareholders enjoy the profits. I guess that's why we call him St. Jack, he deserves that title. I preach his message every chance I get, especially to young people just starting in the workforce
Indeed. All of us Average Joe's and Jane's have a lot more money in retirement because of the way John "Jack" Bogle structured Vanguard. Instead of keeping the money for himself, he let us the shareholders enjoy the profits. I guess that's why we call him St. Jack, he deserves that title. I preach his message every chance I get, especially to young people just starting in the workforce
I can't believe I've been fleeced all these years by fund managers and brokers. I haven't changed everything yet as I'm still reading a book about it. Jack Bogle is quoted often in it.
I can't believe I've been fleeced all these years by fund managers and brokers. I haven't changed everything yet as I'm still reading a book about it. Jack Bogle is quoted often in it.
Don't feel bad, you are not alone. I'm very passionate about personal finance and investing, if you have any questions or need advice, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be glad to give you my input. Also, check out Bogleheads.com, there are a lot of smart people and professionals that are very generous with their knowledge and experience.
Don't feel bad, you are not alone. I'm very passionate about personal finance and investing, if you have any questions or need advice, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be glad to give you my input. Also, check out Bogleheads.com, there are a lot of smart people and professionals that are very generous with their knowledge and experience.
Thanks, man. It's a lot to take in.
Lovely #armitron
Lovely #armitron
I'm betting it would really benefit from a new bracelet.