: I have an Autavia I believe 2nd gen which I got new from my father
: in the early 70's. As a young teen, I was hard on the watch as I
: really did not know it's value.
: It has not been used in 4 decades. If I wind it it runs, all dials
: (3 of them) work, timer hand works, etc. but have been told not
: to run it as it really needs to be opened, cleaned and oiled
: properly. I have lost the outer bezel and the band is broken. I
: have the original booklet that came with it. I am the first and
: only owner of this watch.

: I estimate that it needs over $1000 worth of work to get it back up
: to par. Cleaned, oiled, new bezel, new crystal, band repaired,
: etc. I do not have the desire to invest this into a watch, I
: would prefer to have it go to someone who really appreciates it
: for what it is and does not mind making the investment.

Keep it!

Yours is just the fourth watch to appear on this discussion forum still in the hands of the original owner. Mine was the third. OK, your watch has got its scars, I expect you do too. I do, my watch does but it's not going to be altered, just serviced so it runs well.

Keep it and if you can afford the cost get it properly sorted out. And then you can wear it with a lot of pride that you have got something that is exceedingly rare.

Mike