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The strangest, most bizarre thing yet in my Caveman Watchmaking career happened today.  
Ricky Lee
November 17, 2009 09:37PM
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Registered: April 2005
Posts: 8,010 (2010-07) |
Strange, and more than a little sad. 
Remember the 6-piece joblot on which I performed the Tom Swift tuneup? O' course you do, 'twas just yesterday. 
Well, ol' boy was happy as a lark yesterday, but today he shows up at me desk with a hangdog look, like his dog just died. 
Long story short, his wife apparently went ballistic on him for "wasting $41.50 on junk watches". 
Now.. sad as that is, there is some method to her madness, I must admit.. 
Not to go all TMI (like the fellow himself did!), they had some credit card troubles a while back, and are strict (very
strict in her case, I guess) proponents of the Dave Ramsey System.
Iron-clad budget, cash only, on and on. Since he already has one 'good
watch' (a Fossil), in her eyes the rest are simply dead weight, not to
be fooled with.
Well.. I couldn't quite see where he was going "Surely he's not going to ask for a refund..".. I'm tellin' meself (be a frigid day in Hades! 
) but, no, he finally blurts out "I know you buy old watches and such, what will you give me for these?" Ah! now I see. 
Now,
mind you he's brought only four of the six watches back. Missing is the
nonfunctional dress Bulova, and most conspicuously, the Seiko 7T32
chrono. Well, what would you have done? 
Meself, I gave it to him straight.. "Look,
the TIME is worthless, basically a cereal-prize giveaway watch. The
Fahrenheit and the Polo Club are OK, but not my style - I'll give you
$5 each. The Paul Jardin.. well, it might be worth a few bucks, but
it's totally not my style, so I'll go $10 on it, tops."
Well.. he adds it up mentally, and says meekly "So you're saying $20 for all four watches?" Not the answer he was looking for, obviously. 
"Yup", I says, "And I really don't want to fool with them at all, so that's the best I could do".
We hemmed and hawed for a few minutes, him being clear that he had to get the $41.50 back and then
some, or Mama weren't gonna be happy, and me standing firm that $20 was
the offer, take it or leave it. Well.. you might see where it's going..
"Throw in that Seiko chronograph, now, and I'll sweeten the offer a wee bit" sez I. Well, he gets a sheepish look on his face, and pulls the 7T32 out of his pocket.
At that point I knew it was gonna be like taking candy from a baby, and
after some more haggling, I walked away with all 5 watches for a cool
US $55, cash. 
So WoooHOO! it's an 
x5.
Anyone know where I can find a couple or three bracelet links for this'n?
TIA!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
The strangest, most bizarre thing yet in my Caveman Watchmaking career happened today. (Views: 211)
Ricky Lee -- November 17, 2009 09:37PM
Geez! I think I would have held out for the 7T32 *and* his wife's wristwatch. (Views: 44)
Chris L -- November 18, 2009 03:32AM
I think the witch needs to share in the misery too!
Kind of
reminds me of a story from my workplace many years ago. A new hire had
been with us in the service department for a week or 2. He was engaged,
not fully sure if he was living with the fiancé or not. It was
abundantly clear she wore the pants. She would drive into the parking
lot about 4:40 each afternoon to pick him up, and we worked until 5pm
back then. One day about 4:52 she had been sitting in the car and
getting steamed-up over something but she burst into the building and
yelled at the guy that they needed to get going already.
I was
not the boss or anything (only had about 3 years into the job myself)
but I just looked around at how everybody was shocked and didn't know
how to react. I then stood up, and rather firmly told the bee--itch
that we work until 5pm every day. She stormed out in a huff and the poor guy was not working for us shortly after. I don't remember if he quit or not.
Personally, the guy sounds like a tool, what a wimp! Why didn't he just sell.... (Views: 51)
MCV -- November 17, 2009 11:32PM
the stuff to you in the first place?
-Marc
Well.. I dunno if I'd go s'far as to call the gent a wimp.. (Views: 26)
Ricky Lee -- November 18, 2009 01:05PM
..but I will say this. The Pants (in
capitals) that get worn at his domicile? Well, they don't require much
room in the crotch, if ye get me meaning...
Quote
MCV
Why didn't he just sell the stuff to you in the first place?
I
know! That would've made more sense. Shoot, I'd have still (happily!)
paid $55 for that lot, dead batteries and nasty condition
notwithstanding, just to get that 7T32 chrono.. Who knows. Some folks
is just ...
-Ricky
Sweet bargain, Ricky. x5 (n/t) (Views: 25)
Mark C. -- November 17, 2009 10:47PM
Maybe this is a good time to ask. Hey Ricky, do you guys >>>> (Views: 28)
JohnnyT -- November 17, 2009 10:42PM
wear skivvies under those short dresses? ! !
I have absolutely no idea what this has to do with anything.
It depends. If it's a 'classic' function, like a Burns Nicht fete, then no, you're freeballin' fer sure. (Views: 29)
Ricky Lee -- November 17, 2009 11:30PM
But for less formal affairs, especially if dancing may be involved, then most of us do wear drawers.
Quote
JohnnyT
I have absolutely no idea what this has to do with anything.
's OK, you would not believe how often you get asked that question, when ye wear The Kilt.
-Ricky
Good score. (n/t) (Views: 29)
Adam in NYC -- November 17, 2009 10:26PM
Okay, so in Caveman math, he gave you >> (Views: 54)
Dave Murphy -- November 17, 2009 10:01PM
$41.50 plus 5 watches. You put in $6.08 in materials. Then you gave him $55.00.
So, you bought 5 watches for $19.58. plus some sweat equity.
Or,
the way I prefer to look at it, you bought a Seiko Chronograph for
$19.58. Plus you got four other sources of running parts with which to
play.
Flaming wannabe Scotsman indeed.
.
Dave
Somewhere on the South Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: So, you bought 5 watches for $19.58. plus some sweat equity. (Views: 65)
Ricky Lee -- November 17, 2009 10:10PM
That's about the size of it.
Quote
Dave Murphy
Or, the way I prefer to look at it, you bought a Seiko Chronograph for
$19.58. Plus four other sources of running parts with which to play.
You know it! That 7T32 is what I was in it for, and no two ways about it. Shoot, I can cross "7T32" off the WIShlist now.
Quote
Dave Murphy
Flaming wannabe Scotsman indeed.
Card carryin' and kilt-wearin', baby!
-Ricky
Scots don't like an Irishman rattling their cage- he might go... 
(n/t) (Views: 29)
itschris -- November 17, 2009 10:09PM
Nah, the Scots and Irish get along great! OK, maybe knock-down drag-out- ear-biting brawling one minute.. (Views: 54)
Ricky Lee -- November 17, 2009 11:26PM
..but then long-lost brothers sharing a pint and a dram the next minute.
-Ricky
Aye, its just we Lancashire Sassenachs wot cause trouble.. (Views: 47)
Harold Clitheroe -- November 18, 2009 12:51AM
Aye-up Lad!
I thought Lancashire was part of England (Views: 47)
bjohnson -- November 18, 2009 03:33AM
My great-grandfather came from that area courtesy of the quaint English
policy of plucking kids from poor families and sending them off
overseas to live with strangers.
Supposedly they thought it was somehow better for the kid.
I regularly monitor the Lancashire genealogy mailing lists and the Lancashire BMD site
A little tough to do research though ... it seems you couldn't swing a stick without hitting someone's Johnson
Lancashire is in England .. A Sassenach is a Scots word for an Engilshman (Views: 39)
Harold Clitheroe -- November 18, 2009 05:16AM
in a derogatory way, of sorts.. No, I'm Lanky, family has roots in
Lancashire from 1176. Clitheroe (the family home town) goes back a ways
too, but sadly, look like there are none of us living there anymore (no
Clitheroes in Clitheroe?, sad, that..) Grandad never lost his dialect,
after the move either. I can still remember that... Champion, aye?
Biggest
problem is that the UKgen and Lancs gen lists are missing quite a few
of us, I'm trying to get that corrected from copies of family
birth.detah records I have as well as some parish records. Still a lot
of stuff to be put into databases to make them really useful online.
Parish records are a pain to go through manually, for sure..
When it comes to hard-core Scots and Irish, the Canadian branch of the clans are NOT to be trifled with. 
(Views: 43)
Ricky Lee -- November 18, 2009 01:51AM
Scots and Irish immigrants to North
Americay fall into two classes, t' my mind. NOT Scots or Irish, but
whether either o' the two immigrated to Canada or the USA. IOW a
Canadian Mick and a Canadian Scot are more alike than are USA Scots or
Irish are, amongst their own clan.
Me Canadian brothers are more
mindful of their roots, more akin to the Olde Country than the punk-ass
spoiled IRA wannabe thugs, OR their "I-go-to-mass-so-I-must-be-a-good-Irish/Scotsman" parents.
Something about Canada, I think the unforgiving bent of Mother Nature up yonder, keeps a body honest.
It's one thing to sit here in Mississippi and think "If I don't get me firewood in this weekend I might have to turn on the propane" and to sit in the wilds of Manitoba and think "If I don't get me firewood in this weekend I might not have another chance before spring, and I might freeze to death."
Ye ken my meaning, Wise Man that ye are.
Quote
Harold Clitheroe
Aye-up Lad!
Sláinte, my brother.
-Ricky
Thanks Mate! Some family background.. (Views: 37)
Harold Clitheroe -- November 18, 2009 02:23AM
My family is from Clitheroe (where else?, ok Eccles)) in Lancashire,
all a bunch of brass minding hard nosed Flat cap Northerners, (save for
Uncle Jimmy, who was a movie star of sorts (the Clitheroe Kid), my
bunch moved on over to Canada after WWI. Techncially, the family, if
you go back far enough is a mix of hardy Saxon stick, with some Norman
thrown in.. My wife is a mix of Scots/Irish, her father's side being
from County Down, and the rest being a bunch of Glaswegians and
geordies. So we're a right old mix up here, but I'm now't but an ex-pat
Lanky..
Here's a pic of my great-grandad taken at Blackpool...
As far as kilts, I;ve worn one once or twice....
So, I'll raise a dram for ye tonight..
Cheers
Harold
Re: ..from County Down, and the rest being a bunch of Glaswegians and geordies.. (Views: 32)
Ricky Lee -- November 18, 2009 01:13PM
It don't get no more Scots-Irish than that!
Quote
Harold Clitheroe
As far as kilts, I;ve worn one once or twice....
So, I'll raise a dram for ye tonight..
Good on ya mate for researching your family history.. and 'tis a fascinating one!
to ye, Harold!
-Ricky
Arrrrrrrrrgh! Seiko COSERV just ruined my day!
January 16, 2010 07:22PM
The bracelet was too short and, being
integrated, I had no other real options. So I got on the horn to Seiko
COSERV and, yep, they had the links listed as an active SKU. And, sure,
they were on backorder. I ordered 'em up anyway, and have been patiently waiting for more that two months.
Well,
long story short, an envelope from Seiko COSERV arrived today, and my
elation lasted about 5 seconds, until I realized that the flap on the
envelope wasn't sealed. Uh oh! And, sure enough, while there was an invoice inside, no links.
Now..
maybe I shouldn't blame COSERV. Perhaps the USPS would be a more
appropriate target of my ire. But in my view if they'd sealed the
envelope properly, this wouldn't have happened. It was not torn or otherwise damaged, ye'll note, simply open. In any case, it's extremely frustrating to have waited this long, and then get shot down in flames. I'm pretty sure they'll make good on the links but, man oh man, 'tis still a bummer.
Thanks for listening to me vent, and here's hoping y'all have a better day.
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
Seiko COSERV just ruined my day! (Views: 489)
Ricky Lee -- January 16, 2010 07:22PM
Man, that blows like a college student on .25cent Beer Night {puke icon?} Hope it works out well (n/t) (Views: 26)
Nuvolari -- January 17, 2010 05:10AM
Get Steve McGarrett on it, now! The case of the Missing Links! (n/t) (Views: 24)
MCV -- January 16, 2010 11:48PM
I thought Ricky WAS the missing link......... (n/t) (Views: 19)
Allan Zirlin -- January 17, 2010 05:22AM
Bummer. Best of luck getting it sorted out Ricky. (n/t) (Views: 25)
Mark C. -- January 16, 2010 11:17PM
I've heard bad things about COSERV before.... sorry it happened to you (n/t) (Views: 28)
LTM -- January 16, 2010 11:17PM
(n/t) (Views: 22)
Micha -- January 16, 2010 10:13PM
Ohh, bummerrr,
(n/t) (Views: 17)
Dave Murphy -- January 16, 2010 10:02PM
COSERV Strikes Again!! 
>>> (Views: 27)
John Lind -- January 16, 2010 09:11PM
For all that Seiko does in making watches, COSERV (a Seiko America
Corp. subsidiary ???) has a track record that is not anything to brag
about.
Re: ..COSERV (a Seiko America Corp. subsidiary ???) has a track record that is not anything to brag about. (Views: 40)
Ricky Lee -- January 16, 2010 10:45PM
Right, I've seen several other reports from less-than-happy customers.
To be fair, I've dealt with them twice.. no, three times before, and this is the first problem I've had. Still, 3-out-of-4 is a terrible
percentage when it comes to Customer Service. We'll see how they do in
getting replacements to me. If it takes another 8 weeks I will not be a happy camper!
-Ricky
I'm sorry to hear about that, I hope you get some sort of satisfaction in the end. (n/t) (Views: 21)
Paul J Costa -- January 16, 2010 07:43PM
That Sucks! (n/t) (Views: 27)
OldHippie -- January 16, 2010 07:34PM
I hope you get your links (n/t) (Views: 22)
DRFP -- January 16, 2010 07:31PM
WoooooooooooooooooooHOO!
January 26, 2010 12:45AM
I know that you, dear Constant Reader, will recall my post of January 16, in which I vented my frustration at 
COSERV.
Well,
I'm happy to report that they were very apologetic, and promised to fix
their error straightaway. Now, 9 days may be pushing the definition of
"straightaway" , but the links did arrive today.
Normally I wouldn't be this excited over a couple of bracelet links, mind you. 
But, remember, I've owned this watch since mid-November, but due to the integrated bracelet I had no alternative for the missing links. So today's the very first time I've actually been able to wear it. Given this unusual circumstance, perhaps you will find it in your heart to forgive me for making a full-boat post over a pair of bracelet links...
I hope so, 'cause you're bound to see much more of it in the coming days and weeks , for I'm digging the hell out it 
, 2-tone Sissy Watch or no. Stay tuned!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
WoooooooooooooooooooHOO!
(Views: 228)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 12:45AM
You seemed to have defied the odds. It just seems unrealistic to think it would all come together, but BEHOLD! (Views: 42)
Nuvolari -- January 26, 2010 07:10AM
That is great Ricky ! And the watch is very nice too !!! (n/t) (Views: 35)
IF -- January 26, 2010 06:41AM
Congrats, Ricky. Lookin' good.
(n/t) (Views: 46)
Mark C. -- January 26, 2010 04:36AM
Man that's nice, They make those for Men ? >>>>>>>>>> Just Kidding (n/t) (Views: 34)
ARupard -- January 26, 2010 03:30AM
(n/t) (Views: 44)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 11:31AM
The new phone books are here!! (n/t) (Views: 51)
Chris L -- January 26, 2010 02:34AM
"These cans are defective!" (Views: 39)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 11:14AM
A classic!
-Ricky
for that! (n/t) (Views: 37)
John N -- January 26, 2010 02:04AM
so you 
it? (n/t) (Views: 46)
DRFP -- January 26, 2010 01:45AM
Oh, you betcha! (n/t) (Views: 36)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 01:49AM
Good for you! In defense of COSERV... (Views: 38)
Les -- January 26, 2010 01:05AM
I've sent several watches back to COSERV and have never had anything but an A-1 experience with them.
When
I sent my ailing moonphase watch back to them a couple of years ago,
they went to a great deal of trouble to locate what turned out to be
the last new 7A48 movement on the planet -- and they had it shipped
over from Tokyo. My total cost, including return shipping, was all of
$80.
I'm glad they made good on your missing links (sorry, had
to use that phrase!) and you're lucky that they even had any in stock.
I had two links break on a Ti TAG bracelet (the watch was less than 5
years old at the time.) I had one spare, but TAG didn't have any links
here in the US and made it sound like it was impossible to see if they
had any in Switzerland.
--Les
Aside from this last little hiccup, my experience with them has been positive, too. (Views: 42)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 01:48AM
Quote
Les
..they went to a great deal of trouble to locate what turned out to be
the last new 7A48 movement on the planet -- and they had it shipped
over from Tokyo. My total cost, including return shipping, was all of
$80.
That is impressive!
Quote
Les
I'm glad they made good on your missing links (sorry, had to use that phrase!)..
Ah, at least you didn't crack wise about ME bein' the Missin' Link. {Shakes fist at Allan Zirlin }
Quote
Les
..and you're lucky that they even had any in stock.
They weren't in stock. Backordered for 8+ weeks, remember. Still, I get your point and, yep, I feel sort of lucky to get the links at all. 'tis important to bear in mind that we are talking about a watch that's pushing 20 years old!
You
know.. based on your 7A48 story, I wouldn't be surprised if they
shipped these links in from Japan expressly to fill my order.
The 8-week timing would be about right, and not out of line. But if so,
they must've got a few extras, to get the replacements to me in 9 days.
Even that seems plausible, though. Heck, that's exactly what I'd have done, were I running Seiko COSERV.
Quote
Les
I had two links break on a Ti TAG bracelet (the watch was less than 5
years old at the time.) I had one spare, but TAG didn't have any links
here in the US and made it sound like it was impossible to see if they
had any in Switzerland.
See, now that's just pitiful. 
just went down one notch in my estimation.. and it like they were tip-top to begin with.
-Ricky
Great news; congrats, and yes, a 
was completely in order. (n/t) (Views: 37)
DJM -- January 26, 2010 01:04AM
Ricky, if those two links are the difference of wearing it or not, An is totally good!! (n/t) (Views: 39)
JohnnyT -- January 26, 2010 12:58AM
I just KNEW y'all would understand! (n/t) (Views: 44)
Ricky Lee -- January 26, 2010 01:32AM
Some better photos of the Seiko 7T32-6M90
January 27, 2010 01:08AM
Note I didn't say "good photos". "Decent" photos is about the furthest I'd go...
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Still diggin' it!
This is a pretty hefty watch, at least compared to my 7T62 titanium. Indeed, the heft is quite pronounced even when compared to the 7T92 stainless, probably because the 7T92 uses a folded-link bracelet, compared to the solid jobbie here.
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
This
was the first day I've worn it to work, and I chanced to run across the
bloke I bought it from. He noticed the watch right off, and it was
pretty obvious that he missed it. Kind of ironic, as he works in a different building, and I normally don't see him very often.
Click HERE for larger photo
This watch is not enough to totally change my (poor!) opinion of integrated bracelets, but I've got to admit..
Click HERE for larger photo
..there's something about it. It feels "of a piece", like it's.. well, integrated.
That's an impression I rarely get with conventional lugs, and really
drives home the point that my objection to an integrated bracelet has
more to do with pragmatism than form & function.
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
And
I'm also liking the interface of the 7T32. In particular, the alarm
function (controlled by the crown at 4) seems much more intuitive
compared to the 7T62. I had no problem operating it, even without
consulting the manual.
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Wears Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr8!
I tell ya, it's just hard to beat a ! But then I'm preachin' to the choir here, I know.
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
Some better photos of the Seiko 7T32-6M90 
(Views: 513)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 01:08AM
That's a nice watch. Tell me, which cost more >> (Views: 43)
Dave Murphy -- January 27, 2010 11:42AM
>> the extra links, or the original cost of the watch? As I recall, your net out of pocket was pretty low on that one.
.
Dave
Somewhere on the South Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: ..the extra links, or the original cost of the watch? (Views: 50)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 12:15PM
The watch, by far!
The
links were nominally $2.83 each. However, Seiko COSERV will waive their
fee on up to 3 bracelet links, so my out-of-pocket cost was actually a
big zero! WooHOO!
That's partly why I didn't go absolutely beat-them-down-with-the-jawbone-of-a-mammoth Caveman on them for the lost links.
Quote
Dave Murphy
As I recall, your net out of pocket was pretty low on that one.
Yup, just under $20, even ignoring the other 4 watches that were part of the deal.
-Ricky
Oh, wow! That's a great deal! (n/t) (Views: 34)
Dave Murphy -- January 27, 2010 01:05PM
(n/t) (Views: 55)
IF -- January 27, 2010 08:02AM
I guess I need to take a snap of this one, instead of this stock pic
(Views: 63)
itschris -- January 27, 2010 04:23AM
It is comfy on the integrated bracelet also. I like yours Ricky Lee- good going getting the links. (fellow 8" wrist)
I'd love to see a catalog shot of that one! 
(n/t) (Views: 32)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 05:50PM
Looking good Ricky (n/t) (Views: 40)
PaulGeo -- January 27, 2010 03:07AM
I think my last integrated-bracelet was on a White Knight... (Views: 62)
Chris L -- January 27, 2010 01:59AM
I never thought of the integrated bracelet as a negative with that
watch. It was a quality bracelet, and I also noted that the whole thing
balanced well on my wrist. That's saying a lot because I was over 100
pounds heavier back when I owned that watch, and my wrist was larger
and rounder in shape. I think the lack of conventional lugs helps with
that balance. I actually did not like bracelets on watches then because
they had a way to flop around and wind up with the watch head down on
the sides of my wrist. Today I have an oval-shaped wrist and this is
not such an issue, and I have come to appreciate a well-made bracelet
since they don't flop around on me now.
So given all that, I fully appreciate your joy with wearing this watch.
It sounds suspiciously like you're sayin' "Integrated bracelets are great for fatsos!" (Views: 38)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 02:12AM
I resemble that remark!
-Ricky
Very photogenic subject & a durn nice watch Congrats! I like (n/t) (Views: 51)
Riddim Driven -- January 27, 2010 01:40AM
Thanks Adam! I think the suspense of owning the watch ~ 3 months without being able to wear it.. (Views: 48)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 02:10AM
..makes it even sweeter, now that I can.
-Ricky
Hard to beat a Seiko................hmmmmmmmmmm. (n/t) (Views: 55)
Allan Zirlin -- January 27, 2010 01:26AM
Now don't be gettin' any ideas! (Views: 44)
Ricky Lee -- January 27, 2010 01:41AM
That looks like a bat outta hell! (n/t) (Views: 44)
Allan Zirlin -- January 27, 2010 02:50AM
New photos of the Seiko 7T32-6M90
March 06, 2010 06:14PM
While I have posted some semi-decent photos of this one previously,
I was never really happy with the way the hands looked in those
snapshots. They are actually a bit brighter and more vibrant a shade of
blue than those photos would lead you to believe. So I attempted to
correct that last Sunday:
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
Click HERE for larger photo or HERE for supersized photo
And while I'm still not really happy with the results (especially not the washed-out semi-focused HWS!), they are a better representation of the hands beautiful blue hue.
T'anks fer lookin'!
-Ricky
Messages In This Thread
New photos of the Seiko 7T32-6M90 (Views: 311)
Ricky Lee -- March 06, 2010 06:14PM
Never fails to impress! So many 7T32 case/dial styles. (n/t) (Views: 31)
John N -- March 07, 2010 04:27AM
Looking darn good, Ricky. (n/t) (Views: 32)
Mark C. -- March 07, 2010 12:09AM
Good pics Ricky Leee (n/t) (Views: 35)
Adam in NYC -- March 06, 2010 09:29PM
Very good looking watch with good wrist presence. (n/t) (Views: 36)
Paul J Costa -- March 06, 2010 09:09PM
Very nice looking hands and dial. (n/t) (Views: 37)
DJM -- March 06, 2010 06:40PM
