Vintage
Bill shares an extraordinary story from Ian Brown about the discovery of a rare A. Lange & Söhne WWII Pilot watch. This article delves into the watch's serendipitous finding in a toolbox and the subsequent journey to understand its history and potential restoration. The community's discussion highlights the watch's significance and offers valuable advice for its future.
Here is a great story about a finding a watch out in the wild. Not just any watch but a A. Lange & Sohne WWII Pilot watch. I wanted to get the story from the horse's mouth. So I contacted Ian and asked if would be so kind as to give the back story. The following in his words. Thank you Ian for taking the time and we look forward to following the story.
Story by Ian Brown:
I came across the watch via a retired hobbyist clock repairman who found the watch in the tool box in a tool shed at an estate sale 28 years ago. He says he didn't now exactly what it was but recognized that the watch was a quality timepiece. He subsequently researched it and discovered what it is. He came close to selling it in the 80's. He states it was wrapped and ready to go to a friend in California whom collected military watches. The day before he mailed it, the man died.
I formerly ran Brown and Co. Jewelers in Roswell, Georgia. My wife and I have left there and opened a small operation one town over. I run a couple of small ads in the small local paper. This gentleman wandered in and asked me if I might be interested in his WWII pilot's watch. Umm, heck yeah! He came back in about an hour later and I about fell over. I was expecting something a bit different than a Lange.
I am unsure of the eventual pricing as I am not sure what to expect from A. Lange Service. I'd prefer it go to Glashütte, but am unsure how to proceed. I hate to go through an AD, but that may be the best bet.
Cheers,
Ian Brown, G.G.
Graduate Gemologist
Nice find. Did it ever happen to you, Bill? I must confess that at the exception of invoices, I never found nothing in a toolbox. I don't even think I found a toolbox. Best, Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-02-25 10:58:00
For me I am the guy that looses the watch for another lucky guy to find LOL. Bill
Please tell to Ian that he can contact Jan Sliva directly at Lange. Fx This message has been edited by foversta on 2012-02-26 09:47:19
I would definitely have at least Lange give you an appraisal. Nice watch deserves nice service (IMO), Best Andreas
I hope Ian will have some luck with the Lange people in getting the watch documented and restored. I guess we will have to wait and see. There is still more to play out in this saga. Bill
One of my friends had one of these restored a few years ago. It took over a year to complete the restoration at Lange and the cost was very high so be prepared for that! Tony
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