TheMadDruid shares a deeply personal horological journey, recounting the emotional experience of reacquiring a cherished Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer. This post resonates with many collectors who have faced the regret of selling a beloved timepiece. His story highlights the enduring appeal of certain watches and the satisfaction of reuniting with them, offering a unique perspective on watch ownership beyond mere acquisition.
I know I am not alone here with selling watches I thought had run the course with me, only to regret that sale over time (sometimes "over time" is a period of a day or two!). The last three or four years I've made a concerted effort to get back some of those pieces I have particularly regretted letting go. About 4 years ago I got back my "Phil Hill" GP; about a year and half ago I got back my Scuderia Ferrari; and yesterday I was able to return this baby to my wrist:
This has always (or always except for maybe 24 hours) been my favorite Marine Chronometer, and the regret for selling was almost instantaneous. I even replaced it some years ago with a Maxi-Marine, but that watch never could replace the hold on me this one had. Certainly the size-38mm vs. 41mm had something to do with the failure of the Maxi to be a true replacement. The 38 seems just so perfect to me for this watch.
I had been looking for this watch, in steel, with the enamel dial, for at least 10 years and never found one that said "Pull the trigger"! There was always something about what was available that made me hesitate-price; condition; location; seller; lack of documentation.
This past week it all came together. This piece is 14 years old, and yet it suffers from only a few hairline scratches on the bezel and virtually no knocks on the bracelet, which is amazing. The price was very fair; the seller a real straight-shooter, who I got to meet so as to examine the watch; and he's till had all the documents that came with this Marine, including the COSC certificate:
Now I have returned three of my greatly-missed watches to the fold. I got quite lucky with this one and I'm feeling great! HAGWE everyone!
