So my niece really likes the Hippocampus...

[Watch Carefully]

...it's her favorite part of the brain and she also likes the fact it's a seahorse.
She will be graduating college in 6 months, so I thought she might dig a Hippocampus for the wrist.
Thus, a new project watch:



A classic mid-1960s Seamaster.
It needs a little cleaning up and regulating, and a bracelet.



As it turns out, in my stash of parts, I have a NOS bracelet of the type very common in that era.



I think this will look pretty cool when complete!
Brad

[Chris]

Very cool Brad!

[George W. Olney]

...And a great graduation gift, in so many ways.

[Mike D]

That is so cool, Brad! A very meaningful gift!

[kurt48]

She'll cherish it!

[Watch Carefully]

Thanks, Guys! I have to credit my wife, who suggested the idea of a Seamaster after I mentioned the hippocampus connection.
I hope my niece will dig it, and find it useful.
At least her eyes are young enough to be able to tell time on this tiny dial!

[mosswood]

Awesome gift. You are a kind uncle.

[Tim.]

That's a very thoughtful gift mate, I'm sure she'll treasure it, wish I had an uncle Brad.

[Watch Carefully]

So, inside is a beautiful little movement from 1962:


Cal 630

Case reference is 535.002 and also indicates 1962 production.

[Watch Carefully]

Crystal polished, case ultrasonic cleaned, period NSA bracelet end-pieces shaved to fit, installed in vintage box:



I can hardly wait for my niece to finish her final semester, so I can give this to her.
B

[Mike D]

Wow, that looks great! She will likely love it. Nice work.

[JP(Canada)]

Beautiful. What an awesome gift.

[Watch Carefully]

Hi y'all,
Sadly, the Virus situation means that my niece's actual graduation is delayed. The university will try to hold a ceremony in October, which I hope to attend with my family.
However, we also held a very funny Zoom-based mock commencement today, with a recording of a kazoo band playing Pomp & Circumstance, some prepared statements, video addresses, slide shows and presentations of awards and a diploma.
It was a blast and very well orchestrated by the graduate's elder sister. The whole family is quite clever and erudite, so it was enjoyed by us all and I'm still chuckling and smiling several hours later.

I want to report that she was quite pleased with the Seamaster, and the watch was a big hit with my sister's family in general. They appreciated the effort that went into the gift, and the thought behind the connection with my niece's field of study (and personality).
Thanks for all you kind comments...and good luck to any members of your family who are teaching, studying, graduating. I realize this is a really challenging time to take all that out of the classroom and into the ether.
Best wishes,
Brad

[mosswood]

Brad, thanks for the update. Covid has permitted the creativity of some people to spring forward. I have been so impressed on so many accounts. It is awesome she liked the gift... and you are a good uncle!

[larryccf]

Got a feeling your niece is going to treasue that watch for a long time to come - heckuva an idea for a grad gift, kudos