Wow, just when you think you might finally have the whole picture of something, a big extra puzzle piece pops up...!
ANY P1 is interesting, but this one is definitely more than that...
Yes, I saw this when the auction was only 25 minutes old (showed up on four independent searches). My understanding was that the only P1 still in its' original owner's hands was in the UK...so much for that. I, too, have many questions about the history of this watch. But, I agree, the serial number is the eyebrow-raiser. And, like the 14K P1 that surfaced three years ago, we now see another page of Time Computer history being written. This watch has the earlier, 201-1 P2 circuit board, so must have gone back to the factory for re-fitting relatively early, but the serial number gives us no clue as to when the watch was made (there is, unfortunately, no pic that shows the bracelet date code, which, while not conclusive, would still be better than nothing). Clearly worn, and in well-below what I would call "perfect" condition (numberless small contact marks overall, and a small dent in the upper right corner of the face, which would probably require welding to remove). The description states there are 18 links in the bracelet, but I clearly count 19. I estimate it would take 8-10 hours of serious work to get this back to like-new condition; but, that aside...I have three BIG questions...
Why is the serial number so totally out of sync with all other known 18K P1s? Damaged, perhaps, and sent back to Time Computer for a replacement back? How and why was this number chosen? And finally, the big one...this watch is still with its' original warranty card, and so, not "registered" with Time Computer; how, then, did TC get in contact with the owner to return the watch for the module replacement (which was clearly done). He doesn't have the recall letter, or the one extending the warranty to three years (I do have a copy of that one). Jean Wuischpard's records could probably have answered all these mysteries... I just hope this one doesn't disappear into the fourth dimension, as others have over the years...
Finally, to clarify...the P305602 P1 is NOT a "salesman's sample"; it's a full-fledged P1 (albeit in solid 14K, instead of 18K, gold). I think they did make, or at least planned to make, 65 of them (the 65 cases specifically mentioned in the correspondence refers to 14K ones). The samples were only plated, and not serial numbered (and therefore clearly not intended to be sold), so we don't know how many may have been made; certainly not a large number, but still unknown, nevertheless. And, except for number 650, this is the first "new" P1 on the scene in nearly two years.
UPDATE:
I just had an illuminating conversation with the owner. Watch was a gift from his father while he was in college(!). Returned to Time Computer for the re-fit (the jewelry store owner knew the father, and called to inform him of the recall...that's how the warranty card stayed with the watch, but the news of the recall reached the purchaser, anyway). Module replaced, but no other repairs done at TC, so the anomalous serial number remains unexplained.
09 Aug 2014, 15:47
Bruce Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
