Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Tribute to a veteran--the watch

With all the negative stories occupying our news and thoughts these days I hope the following story helps.

At 76 I am still actively engaged with my work as a boat builder. And so my watch has taken a heck of a beating. Noticing that the crystal had chipped near the seal, I was afraid it would no longer be water-tight and that the internals could then be ruined unless I had the crystal replaced. My local jeweler, who has done virtually all my watch repairs, over many decades, advised me to send it in to Seiko. But they needed 6-8 weeks turnaround. So I went on eBay to find something cheap to wear while my "good" watch was being repaired.

Looking through the used Seiko watches I came across a cheaper model that looked pretty good in the photos and placed it into my "watched items" while I continued to search. After a short while I noticed there was an email in my queue and discovered that the seller had offered to mark it down from $25 to $20 (delivered!). Figuring I would not find a better deal, I used "Buy it now" and immediately payed through PayPal. Shortly I received another email from the seller stating that he would ship it the next day and that I would be very pleased, as he had paid $45 for it and had just installed a new battery.

So I immediately replied that it was going to a good home, as I was a Vietnam vet. Very shortly after that I received another response from him that blew me away. He wrote, saying (paraphrased and shortened): "Sir, I owe you everything. My friend from WWII has passed away. My friend from the Vietnam war has passed away. Your money belongs in your pocket. I want to send you this watch free of charge... (more)" Immediately I began to write a reply, saying "No, no, our deal was much more than fair..." Before I could send it a message appeared that my PayPal had been refunded. So I wrote that I would accept his gift in good grace. That every time I looked at my new watch I would be reminded of his kindness...

A few days later I received not only this watch, which was in such beautiful condition--not a mark showing on the crystal or housing--but in addition, a second watch, a Casio in likewise perfect condition! I wrote to him again of my astonishment and gratitude and told him I hoped he wouldn't mind if I paid it forward by presenting the second watch to my helper, whose own watch had just been destroyed a couple days previous. The seller was delighted.

Anyway, the seller and I have had numerous communications since that, And I just wanted to share with my Campfire friends an event that has touched me deeply and that I will never forget.

Outstanding.

Refreshing! Thanks for posting.

Great post. Seems good news like that is scarce these days.
Thank you for your service sir!

Two good guys. Thanks for posting.

Damn, I’m getting soft as I get older
Thanks for the story, and for your service

Thats a great story!

Nice...

Great story. Hanging around here can get pretty negative, good for you on the acquisition.

At 76, you’re 2 years older than my brother would have been. We lost him in Vietnam, December 1969. May God bless you and all the others, those still living and those that never came home.

Good things come to good people. Both of you guys are fine people. Welcome home, thank you for your sacrifices.

Thanks for your comments fellas. There are still kind and generous people in this world.

great story. thanks for sharing...