The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi - just wanted to share this with you. I'm not a big watch person, and have only owned a few in my life, a Timex when I was a kid, a Casio digital as a teenager, a fashionable Timberland and a Fossil.

In October 2005 - my father in-law passed away. He left me his OMEGA Seamaster, which was purchased on 12th June 1963. It was his pride and joy - you can tell, because he kept all the original packaging, receipt and warranty. I have only worn it three times, at his funeral, his wife's funeral and on my wedding day.

Forward wind (get it?), to August 2008 - my wife and I were on holiday in Antigua. We visited St John's where there wasn't much to do other than shop. We came across Abbott's, who specialise in jewelry, time pieces and fragrance etc. There were some awesome brands in there, and I liked the Breitlings... A sales assistant approached me and asked if I would like to try some, initially I wasn't really tempted. However, I did try some and my wife suggested I have one for my 40th, however, my job wasn't secure and I forgot to take the credit card!

In November 2008 - my Dad who had been battling cancer for nearly five years decided enough was enough. He chose to decline anymore treatment, a decision I respected. I witnessed the last months, weeks, days, and hours of his life. Part of my responsibility was to sort his modest estate and after the money and possession were divided up, I chose to buy myself a nice time piece.

So far 2009 was looking pretty crap to say the least, I lost my dad in January, lost my job in March. However, in April I had the crazy idea of setting up a business, initially things were good but July and August were completely dead. So we decided to book another holiday to Antigua... One thing I was able to do over the quiet months was day dream about owning a breitling, I had three choices... Chrono Superocean, Avenger Skyland or a Skyracer, which was secretly my top choice but the wife thought it was too expensive.

In August we were off to Antigua, finally we were able to put the negative things behind us. We decided to visit St Johns to get presents etc. I was eager to visit Abbott's and this time I took my credit card! Oddly enough they has all three watches on my hit list - but it was the Skyracer that won it - I blew the budget and the wife wasn't too worried either..! I guess, as the saying goes, 'Good things come to those who wait'. And every time I look at my watch I have a reminder of my Dad.

Guess what? The Mrs Smiffy wants a Breitling too!

Thanks for reading... Smiffy

Anyway here is a pic...

Sorry to hear about your father!

And congratulations on beautyful timepiece. Love and cherish it, and it will be good memory of your hard times.

Best Regards

Mattias

....and of course welcome!

Ah, sounded like an awful year. Glad you got something special to remind you of him.

Good work.

_________________
Breitling Blackbird Big date

It sounds like you're long overdue for some good luck. May I offer my condolences on the loss of your dad, hope that things pick up in your business, congratulations on the new Skyracer and a heartfelt welcome to the site.

hope things turn around for you with this beautiful timepiece...i'm in love with that 3/9 subdials look.

Very sorry about your father.

It's obviously been a memorable year in all the wrong ways, but it's great to hear how special the watch is to you. It will never be 'just a watch' and that's worth a lot - I hope you have happy memories of your dad every time you wear it.

Sorry about your Father. I lost mine in 2006, sounds like a similar way. I got "the call" from the hospital as I was sizing my Doxa T-Graph which just arrived. I was wearing it when he passed and it is now linked to his memory forever. I think watches are a great way to remember people, they are heirloom quality, the subtle message of passing time, you wear it close to you... I think of my Dad every time I look at my Doxa. I hope you wear your Skyracer in great health and it helps to remind you of the good times.

_________________