Pulp Fiction Watch: Generational Legacy

elliot55 · 2015-04-14T18:14:29Z

Elliot55 explores the generational legacy of watches, inspired by 'Pulp Fiction.' Discover the sentimental value of heirlooms.

This watch I got here was first purchased by your great-granddaddy. It was bought during the First World War in a little general store in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was bought by private Doughboy Ernie Coolidge the day he set sail for Paris. It was your great-granddaddy's war watch, made by the first company to ever make wrist watches.

Captain Coons

You see, up until then people just carried pocket watches. Your great-granddaddy wore that watch every day he was in the war. Then when he had done his duty, he went home to your great-grandmother, took the watch off his wrist and put it in an ol' coffee can. And in that can it stayed 'til your grandfather, Dane Coolidge, was called upon by his country to go overseas and fight the Germans once again. This time they called it World War Two. Your great-granddaddy gave it to your granddad for good luck. Unfortunately, Dane's luck wasn't as good as his old man's.

Your granddad was a Marine and he was killed with all the other Marines at the battle of Wake Island. Your granddad was facing death and he knew it. None of those boys had any illusions about ever leavin' that island alive. So three days before the Japanese took the island, your 22-year old grandfather asked a gunner on an Air Force transport named Winocki, a man he had never met before in his life, to deliver to his infant son, who he had never seen in the flesh, his gold watch. Three days later, your grandfather was dead. But Winocki kept his word. After the war was over, he paid a visit to your grandmother, delivering to your infant father, his Dad's gold watch. This watch. This watch was on your Daddy's wrist when he was shot down over Hanoi. He was captured and put in a Vietnamese prison camp. Now he knew if the gooks ever saw the watch it'd be confiscated. The way your Daddy looked at it, that watch was your birthright - and he'd be damned if any slopeheads were gonna put their greasy yella’ hands on his boy's birthright. So he hid it in the one place he knew he could hide somethin': His ass.

Five long years he wore this watch up his ass. Then when he died of dysentery, he gave me the watch. I hid this uncomfortable hunk of metal up my ass for two years. Then, after seven years I was sent home to my family.

And now little man, I give the watch to you.

This message has been edited by elliot55 on 2015-04-14 18:17:57

Key Points from the Discussion

The first wristwatch was created by Breguet in 1810 for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, predating Patek Philippe's first wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz in 1868.
The identity of the watch brand held by Captain Coons in the 'Pulp Fiction' scene is debated, with possibilities including Breguet or Patek Philippe, prompting further research into watches purchased in Knoxville, Tennessee during WWI.
Watches, especially those passed down through generations, hold significant sentimental value that often far outweighs their monetary worth.
The concept that one merely looks after a watch for future generations, rather than truly owning it, resonates deeply with the idea of a family heirloom.

The Discussion

NickO

Apr 14, 2015

Thank God that Great-Granddaddy

wasn't into Panerais.

elliot55

Apr 15, 2015

Well Nick, I Think If It Was A Panerai In...

... Captain Coons' ass, it would have been a very different story. Best, - Scott

Tank-OZ

Apr 14, 2015

LOL!!! One of many memorable moments ...

... of a great movie. Apart from the important sentimental values, that watch could be worth huge $$$ now. Worth the little discomforts and sacrifices, huh! :-) Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Ken

elliot55

Apr 15, 2015

Hey Ken, A True Classic, And With All The Stories...

... About watches, this one is the winner of the prize. - Scott

amanico

Apr 14, 2015

I remember that one. Great story to read and re read. Thanks, Scott. [nt]

elliot55

Apr 15, 2015

Hey Amanico, Easily One Of The Best Watch...

... Stories of all time. Love that the watch was passed down for three generations. Perfection. Best, - Scott

Key Points from the Discussion

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