I just noticed this is the Bulova forum, so I'm sorry for posting a Rolex find, but I was lucky to find it! I couldn't sleep one night for some reason, and was very anxious for some reason, so I got out of bed at about 3 AM, and went on my computer. Checked out my normal ebay searches, looked at how my current auctions were doing, etc. Well, after looking for about 10 minutes at Rolexes, I came across a listing that said "STERLING BOLO, CUFFLINKS, AND WATCH BAND. I was wondering why that showed up in my search, but clicked on it anyway, read the description, etc . The ad stated a watch was on the watch bracelet, but it didn't work, and was included for free. Also, the seller said the watch was a Rolex that he bought new in 1967, but didn't know anything else. Awesome! These are the ads I love! So the starting bid was $9.99 with a reserve, but didn't get my hopes up do to the reserve.
I sent the seller a message asking more about the watch, and wrote me back that he spent about $300 on the watch new, wore it all over the world, and stopped working about ten years ago, so it sat in a drawer. He said the reserve of his auction was $450, and the watch WAS included. I wrote him back asking if he would separate the watch from the set. Heres the great part! He wrote back and said I could have the watch, as long as I take good care of it and "treat it right". I wrote him back and told him I would happily pay him, but insisted on giving it away.
I go look at the listing again, and it's now bid up to $49. The seller contacts me saying that he doesn't want to end the auction now due to bids, but if it doesn't meet the reserve, the watch is mine, free of charge. So all week I'm watching that listing like a hawk! Down to the last second, when it was just $5 shy of the reserve. I couldn't believe it didn't meet the reserve. So before I could even message the seller he messages me asking for my address. This guy was top notch!
So he sent me the watch, free of charge! When I got the watch in, I was able to get his address, and sent him $80. Thats the story, but I really regret selling it. I was happy though that I was able to get it running myself, though! There was just a tiny speck of rust on the balance wheel holding it in place, but ran great after that was removed!