05 Sep 2023, 01:35
Yes...I have spoken directly to the owner. Picked it up at an estate sale for next to nothing (well below the $6000 melt value). I do have the complete serial number, but can't reveal it without his permission (if it sells, that restriction lifts). Definitely "new" in the sense that it hasn't been seen by collectors before now, so my estimate of 50 surviving examples just got a bit more accurate... He has offered it to me, but, for the time being, I'm happy with just ten.
Even MORE significant...a SECOND 14K P1 has surfaced (no box or papers, serial number P305604...mine is 602). So, there is absolutely no doubt that Time Computer did, indeed, do a "run" of 14K cases (possibly 65, as documented in Time Computer correspondence with Star Watch Case Co.). There may even be a third, but, until I have a serial number, I am not counting it as verified. These have goldfilled bracelets, stainless magnet covers, and thicker, glass (NOT ruby) timescreens.
Still looking for one of the "wear samples", if anybody's looking to part with one...