Bill Sohne
1637
The watch that almost got away !
Hello everyone....
Back in 1999 I came across a odd looking Omega on ebay. I was very interested in buying the watch. I placed what I thought was a high bid for the watch. The auction did not make its reserve price. I then proceeded to contact the seller. We had a few back and forth emails but was not able to "close the deal". i said to him please let me know if plan on selling in the future. I would send an email every 6 months or so to check in. Then he stopped returning my emails ( approx. 2001).
Well life goes on and so did my watch hunting. i have found other interesting timepieces over the years. Then one day in 2005 I was viewing MWR's PX and saw FS post titled " FS Omega while dial Railmaster ". Most people did not even clicked on the post, as Omega in the 1960s a while dial railmaster automatic that is NOT in demand. In comparison to the earlier manual wind Railmaster that was introduced in 1957 that had as special case construction that shielded the movement from magnetic interference.
Upon opening of the post the image that appeared was white dial Railmaster that was the same odd model of the one I "lost" back in 1999. As fast as my mail program would open i sent a email to the seller that I would take it. As soon as I sent it and email came in from a friend on the west coast saying he was going to buy the watch! I gave him a call and asked when he sent his email to the seller and it was before me. I thought oh well but at lest my friend will get it. During the phone conversation he then said to me " I really cant buy it as cash is tight". i took that as an opening for me to say " Hey, you know I sent him a email also but it was after yours and if you decide to pass on the watch please email the seller to let me buy it next.". To make a long story short I was able to purchase the watch but had a problem getting it back home to the USA. As the seller did not want to ship it outside of Germany. I had the watch shipped to my close friend Steve Waddington. Upon getting the watch steve told it arrived ok. He asked me about shipping the watch to me I replied " How far away are you from Munich ?" He asked why and I mentioned to him about watch fair that coming weekend. Steve said no problem he will deliver it to another friend at the fair who will bring it back to the states ( I did not realize that it was a 3 plus hour trip one way for Steve). Steve got the watch to Rick at the show and gave Steve a tour! Rick had to show off my new watch to multiple dealers at the Munich fair. I got an email from one of them., James Dowling who is also a close friend. James thought it was great and never saw another one like it. I agreed.
A week later I finally received the box from Rick. Upon opening the box and under close examination I realize this was the EXACT watch that I missed buying back in 1999. This watch was originally posted for sale in Canada, sold to someone in Germany and then I was able to buy it. I just started to laugh.
The typical White dial Railmaster Automatic 
What you have just read transpired over a nine year period. I just wanted to share the story with everyone here !
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all
Best regards
Bill Sohne
added to Editor's Choice This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-01-11 20:16:13
The watch that almost got away !
Better late than never..
