Moral Support requested! Selling a watch to fix the 911.....

[jcsjcs]

Hey all -

My '84 Targa is need of a transmission rebuild. Money is tight right now - so my wife and i have agreed that if I want to spend extra cash to fix the car it has to come from a non-standard source.

I have an old rolex my dad gave me (that he got from a client) that I stopped wearing years ago. It's worth about 2 to 3k and would pretty much cover the work I need to complete. While it's from my dad (who passed away about 10 years ago), it is not exactly a family heirloom since he got it as a barter for some dental work. And I would imagine he would love to see me in my classic 911.

So the decision is to sell the unworn watch to fix the classic 911 (which gives me a heck of a lot more pleasure these days than the watch.)

Thoughts? Am i crazy to make this move?

(And if anyone wants a watch let me know!)

[James Brown]

As long as it's not sentimental than I would say go for it. And you will think of your dad every time you shift from first to second and it's like butter!

[80-911SC]

divorce her now, then fix the car ..................................

or if you really have to sell the watch, i always like the conversations that go to cars and saying " well the Porsche " but don't usually have the "what time does your rolex have"

maybe the groups i hang with but the Porsche beats rolex, like rock paper scissor ........

[Targa Me]

If the watch really doesn't mean that much to you, and you don't wear it.... sell it.

[Joe Bob]

Trade it to the guy doing the work.....

[jcsjcs]

Originally Posted by mikez

Trade it to the guy doing the work.....

I was just looking at your site - how about another watch for some amazing graphics?

I have a great quote from Gary Fairbanks to rebuild the transmission - and hopefully I will have some extra cash left over after the watch sale to do some additional work while I have the engine out.

(But after speaking a few times to Gary, I really want to give him my watch and anything else he wants! Down to earth, super honest and nice guy - who also happens to be one of the best in rebuilding transmissions!) Amazing people in the classic 911 community!

[yelcab1]

I could help you fix this thing if you were in California.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by jcsjcs

I was just looking at your site - how about another watch for some amazing graphics?

I have a great quote from Gary Fairbanks to rebuild the transmission - and hopefully I will have some extra cash left over after the watch sale to do some additional work while I have the engine out.

(But after speaking a few times to Gary, I really want to give him my watch and anything else he wants! Down to earth, super honest and nice guy - who also happens to be one of the best in rebuilding transmissions!) Amazing people in the classic 911 community!

Mongo LIKE watches.....email me.

porschemikey@gmail.com

[Flat6pac]

Thats an AMEN on Gary Fairbanks..enlightened me for almost 30 years
Bruce

[BGCarrera32]

If it was the watch your Dad got from your Mother when he met her in 'Nam or something that would be different. Fix the tranny and get a fake Rolex.

[G450X]

an old Bell & Ross titanium Space 2 chronograph with the Lemania 5100 movement to fund SSI's and an M&K for the SC, and Supersprint stepped headers, race cats, and a Delage Sport CF intake for my M3.

I never wore the watch, so it provided little "joy," while the SC and M3 are enjoyed on a weekly basis. I'd say it was a good trade....

Enjoy the 911 - an enjoyable "trade" is a great decision!

[Hugh R]

2 to 3K, for a used Rolex, post a pic of it.

[Todd Simpson]

In 1997 I sold a bunch of musical equipment to buy my first 911. A couple nice Gibson guitars and a mint 1972 Marshall 50 watt head and newer vintage cabinet.

I kinda wish I still had some of that stuff, but it just would have sat around the house occasionally getting played, while I've had a TON of fun with the 911.

So...yeah, reallocate those resources to where you need them.

Oh, and Gary did my trans back in '98!

[dienstuhr]

I'm a watch guy too, what exactly have you got? I'm intrigued...

Cheers

d.
--------------------------------
Rolex Submariner 14060
Omega Speedmaster Pro "pre-Moon"
others

[James Brown]

Speaking of Rolex, I purchased a SS GMT Master I in HongKong in 1988, plastic crystal. I don't ware it that much, scratches a lot. Looked on Ebay for price trends and that model is selling for 3-4K!!! Might consider doing just that. And they make a bunch-can always get another.

[jcsjcs]

For those of you who are intrigued, it is a 1982 or 1983 Submariner. I actually got an offer a few minutes ago (from a vintage watch dealer) for $3k - which seems to be a pretty fair offer. Apparently he is the Gary Fairbanks of the Rolex community and will have no trouble replacing the crystal and having it serviced for a reasonable cost. You have all inspired me to move forward. $3k means a transmission rebuild and a new clutch!

And when my finances pick up (which is inevitable in the next year or so) I'll be able to pick up a replacement watch (and a GT3 for my stable!)

The band is off - so I could take pictures of the serial number and model number. Not much different than snapping a shot of our engine numbers!

[WPOZZZ]

Put it this way. It is just an old Rolex and there are thousands out there. Since it is not a family heirloom, sell it. I can't believe those old Rolexes are worth that much! I have a Sub I bought in 1988 and I only paid $1200 for it brand new.

[dshepp806]

Rid that damned watch,..fix your baby.

Doyle

[hcariss]

Without doubt I would fix the car in a heartbeat.
but as an FYI re the Rolex : It has a very nice vintage patina and the hands and dial match, looks to me that the scratch will polish out easily. If you have the box and papers for the watch the price will go high(er) Also what kind of bracelet is on the watch ? divers with flip lock or non flip lock these things affect the price

If you have B&P I would get it gently polished at Tourneau (or somewhere trustworthy) and try selling it yourself. One thing is that they don't make these solid marker faces anymore, and your bezel still has the Pearl. Do not let any service center con you into changing the face / hands and bezel because of the 'radiation' nonsense.
Do some research some celeb / fashion people are heavily into the vintage RLX sub thing which can drive up prices.
Check out watchnet.com or timezone to get some ideas
Good luck !

[woland]

My father passed away in oct 2001 and I rebuilt new his old Omega that I wear weekly and never will sell.

The one you're speacking is not the own of your Dad but a sort of excange with a customer of him.
Sell it and be happy