When humdrum becomes valuable

[shootingstar]

Ever owned something or did something humdrum ..everyday...and suddenly eureka..it's valuable?!

My watch- I've worn for past 10 years --for work, play (bike, ski, snowshoe) and dressy party occasions...was assessed for repair job.

Today watch repairer told me it was a decent watch and unique. For the FIRST time on something I wore EVERYDAY, I looked hard at the brand-name, markings at back of watch face. Good grief, my watch was made in France with Swiss bearings, by designer Jean Chistophe Marschal. Later I find the factory is in a French town with a history of horology = watchmaking.

It is a theme watch ..with a calligraphy quill pen on face and parchment scroll. The current calligraphy design is ugly, my particular design is no longer manufactured. Watch is water-resistant down to 30 metres but I only knew ...today after looking at the tiny engraved letters.. Many people have complimented me on the watch. I only loved the watch for its classic versatility and subtle uniqueness.

But I had no idea of its value...not big dollars. Bought it for $40.00, but now is worth over $100.00. It has been a highly durable watch. It hasn't broken down until now..after 10 years.

I'm just weighing on spending dollars to repair it...or buy brand new watch.

No, I have no interest in just a sports watch. I do not need a stopwatch, altimeter, heart monitor, whatever on me. It must be versatile for all facets of my life...functional but beautiful, not too cheap looking.

Yes, this designer does do other themes,...musical instruments, yes there is watch with a bike... I am tempted ...just to repair it and love it some more!

[Mr. Bloom]

Such good fortune. The truth is that YOU had a discerning eye

I don't know if you get "Antiques Road Show" on tv up there, but there was one episode where a guy brought in an afghan that he kept on the back of his sofa.

It turns out that it was a special Navaho Blanket worth $350,000 to $500,000. The owner was shocked when the appraiser said something like "Sir, you have a national treasure here". Read about it under "First Phase":

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts...200601A55.html

I think of all the 'junk' that my parents threw out over the years that actually is worthwhile or valuable. Who would have ever thought that a Pez could be valuable?? Or the $20 Swatch that Silver and I bought in college?

[KnottedYet]

I just did some googling, but can't find the watch with the bike theme. Do you have a link? Or could you copy down some of the info on the back of your calligraphy watch?

(not that I *need* a watch... but a watch with a bike on it that looks classy and will last 10 years would be VERY cool!)

[shootingstar]

I just did some googling, but can't find the watch with the bike theme. Do you have a link? Or could you copy down some of the info on the back of your calligraphy watch?

(not that I *need* a watch... but a watch with a bike on it that looks classy and will last 10 years would be VERY cool!)

http://www.virus-lda.pt/homepage/Akt...1/desprtoq.htm

http://www.virus-lda.pt/homepage/catalogo1.htm

http://www.virus-lda.pt/homepage/akteo.htm

I gave you these links because it looks as if it's in Spanish. I'm not sure these watches are replicas or what. But they are wonderful watch designs some unusual but subtle, conversation-starters.

I bought my watch from a decent national Canadian retail store that was filing for bankruptcy...after 100 years of business. I do remember some of the other themes that I saw ... But other websites say that Aketo are only producing a VERY limited number of theme watches now. Probably best to contact their factory...if you know some French.

I believe for a watch that lasted me so long..it is the real thing.

I'm not an antiques browser nor do I shop stuff just to collect. But what I do buy, I tend to aim for quality and classic sleekness.
I love watching particularily the Antiques Roadshow from Europe....because their history is so much longer (except if aboriginal stuff is on American/Canadian antiques roadshows) with facts about the object not typical of North America.

[KnottedYet]

Thanks for the links! My computer won't pull up the pictures, I'll ask SKnot to help me get them. 93 Euro for a watch that would last a long time AND has a bike on it would be worth it!

When I was a kid we'd go up to Vancouver all the time because it was closer than any big US cities. Etons, The Bay...

[shootingstar]

Thanks for the links! My computer won't pull up the pictures, I'll ask SKnot to help me get them. 93 Euro for a watch that would last a long time AND has a bike on it would be worth it!

I can't pull up that image either. There's a U.K. link --that will be updated soon. http://www.exprimez-vous.co.uk/ (Don't you just love that violin watch? Lovely design.)

[KnottedYet]

That really is a beautiful watch! And such a clever design!

[shootingstar]

I thought I might reactivate this thread...on theme watches.
As I mentioned Aketo makes theme watches. I

There are 2 choices for cycling themed watches.

http://www.lladro-retailer.com/servl...ort/Categories

Ok, I'll answer non-cycling fashion topic thread that was started up today...

[crazycanuck]

I think i'll just stick with my Timex IM watch.. At least i'll be able to see my lap times

[shootingstar]

I think i'll just stick with my Timex IM watch.. At least i'll be able to see my lap times

Outside of work, I'm less time driven.
There is a reason why I've developed more lines around my eyes in last 2 years....a project-time driven job.