A watch for a very special occasion (long post)

[DJ2020]

Late last year some of you know I was diagnosed with cancer of the liver. At the same time it was imminent that in addition I was to have neck surgery performed..

So the first was this March with a triple cervical fusion. This took weeks to recover from as one would imagine. What was not foreseen was that I was unable to keep my beloved mechanical watch collection running during this time.

I had pulled a brand new Breitling SO out and was wearing it at the time. With days, sometimes weeks of inactive wear it would rundown un expectedly. (38 hr) power reserve. Sleep was hit or miss and I would also forget to manually wind it.

I even tried my beloved Longines with the 72 hour power reserve and ultimately resulted in the same. I talked with my friends at Windsor's Jewelers about a watch I had previously, a Grand Seiko 9F series which was lite and about as maintenance free as one could get.

We thought it would be a ideal choice given my situation. So we made a transaction and I brought one home. In the next few months I came to appreciate the fine quality of GS and especially the 9F series. The more time I spent with it, the more impressed I was. So much so I was able to acquire a second 9F piece.

Enter Cancer. Treatment for the 1st battle really knocked me down. Convalescence left me weak. But the GS 9F stood by during many a night of painful recovery. Faithfully recording time of medication, appointments etc.

I had mentioned that if I could win this latest battle, I wanted to celebrate with a special watch. But which one? During a routine visit with my oncologist I received some news I was not expecting. I was not to return home that day. But rather to be immediately admitted to the hospital and the biggest operation of my life to begin the next morning! The third major surgery this year.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and minus one gall bladder and one entire lobe from my liver. I received the news. Cancer free!!

Say, time to start thinking about the special watch. When I told my friends at Windsor's ( Winston-Salem) they had the absolute perfect watch for me to mark this occasion. A truly remarkable timepiece. The GS SBGP017 special edition. And they were able to secure one even though all 2000 had been sold out.

It's beautiful in so many ways, exhibition case back on a 9F, right color and the coolest thing is out of only 2000 made world wide. Mine is number 1234/2000..

I know this post was very long. But just wanted to share my story. And I am sure to post some much better photos in the future when I'm physically able. Thank you all for reading and the support so many have given. I truly appreciate it.

[pandrew6l]

Wayne, Congregations on your speedy recovery. The SBGP017 LE is such a beautiful watch, wear it in good health .

[Booth9999]

Congrats and a fast recovery to you!

[GolfT3]

Congratulations and beautiful watch! Hope it gets lots of wear for years to come

[kwingy]

Congrats and hope you recover soon!

Here is mine :)

[soho]

Congrats Wayne and wishing you a speedy recovery. A (not too) long post that’s very much worth reading.


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[fmc000]

This is a very remarkable post! I'm wishing you a speedy recovery too.

[Ichiran]

Glad GS has been around you all this while and wish you a speedy recovery!

[swish77]

Great story, great GS, and a speedy recovery to you! You sound like a warrior!

[alllexandru]

I wish you fast recovery and to stay cancer free forever Wayne!

Watches are nice but health is priceless !

[nworbled]

Forget the watch, I hope that you stay cancer free! (But nice watch).

[DJ2020]

Thank you all so much for the kind words.

[omar-rye]

I hope you’re feeling better and better everyday and I hope your family are doing ok as well

The coolest part about your watch is the 1234, most definitely

[Yobrooks]

Speedy recovery. Love the GS's you picked up.

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[Gebbeth]

Congrats! Keep the good news coming. Also, enjoy the watches.

[sherlock40]

Wishing you the best of health and many years of enjoying your outstanding watch.

[Cru Jones]

What a year....... Now, onwards and upwards!!! With an amazing set of watches.

I wish you much health and happiness to enjoy it. All the best.

[ap1]

Good luck and glad to hear you are doing so well now. Nice fleet

[Paulie 50]

Congratulations. As Spock said " Live long and prosper ". Great watches by the way. ��

[Beginner]

Wishing you great health!

Thanks for sharing!

[FrenchBigCrown]

All my very best wishes dude.

[DJ2020]

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies. Happen to be wearing it today. Sorry for the low light photo. Not exactly up and about yet.

[samson66]

Wayne I'm so sorry it took me this long to view and respond to your post. Somehow I totally spaced out and missed it.

#1 I am EXTREMELY happy to hear about your latest dianosis that you are cancer free! Cancer is such a terrible illness that affects so many people and loved ones. I'm just really glad you recieved this very good news. Your perserverance through this challenging time has been uplifiting to many of us.

#2 Love the watch and everything it stands for. Many people celebrate momentus occasions with a watch purchase, and this watch will remain special to you for obvious reasons. Beautiful dial and a watch you won't have to fuss with. Excellent choice.

I wish you all the best on your continued road to recovery my friend! Keep posting those great watches of yours!

[AF_Rob]

Great news, Wayne! Also, great way to celebrate. Congrats on both!


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[lencap]

Wayne -

Glad you're on the mend! I've dealt with Windsor Jewelers many times, and Kevin is the best AD representative I've ever met! He found me a hard to get watch for a special event, and went out of his way to do so. Great people at Windsor, and I'm glad they could get you that special watch.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by lencap

Wayne -

Glad you're on the mend! I've dealt with Windsor Jewelers many times, and Kevin is the best AD representative I've ever met! He found me a hard to get watch for a special event, and went out of his way to do so. Great people at Windsor, and I'm glad they could get you that special watch.

Yes they are. The entire staff is impressive. I do all my business with them as well as my wife. You just can't get better service.

[Andad]

You sure had a rough trot Wayne and I hope it has gone for good.

Enjoy all your watches.

That GS has an amazing dial.

E.

[Reikolexguy]

That is some story. Enjoy the heck out of that watch and best wishes of health & happiness!


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[Gebbeth]

First off, congratulations on being cancer free. Cancer sucks. When I hear of a victory story, it makes me smile.

Congrats on the watches too. I'm a big GS fan, although I do have my nits and complaints. The SBGP is a wonderful watch. Wear it with joy.

[DJ2020]

Update:
First I want to thank everyone for the wonderful replies. Very much appreciated.

I am now back at work ( limited duties) and doing well. Recovery is on pace. In fact on to new quest for a few more Grand-Seiko's to add to the fold. Taking my time and looking them over for just the right candidates to join my collection. Having a lot of fun doing my due diligence. Love having something to look forward to. Hope to leave some new incoming post soon.