If memory serves me correct, this is the first Star Wars item I ever owned.
There’s a story associated with this watch. According to my parents I wore it to kindergarten, and after one of my classmates made fun of it, I took it off and refused to wear a watch ever again. I don’t actually remember that happening, but based on the fact that I’ve never worn a watch in my life, I assume it to be true.
Bradley released a couple of different Star Wars watches in 1977. There’s one featuring R2-D2 and C-3P0, and this one, featuring the iconic Darth Vader. There were two different versions of the watches available as well, a gold-plated one for adults with a leather band, and this version with the silver face and a black band (it’s actually dark blue) for kids. Bradley also released watches for The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, but most of those were digital.
I tried winding my watch this morning, but it didn’t work. I even held it in my hands for a minute to warm it up a bit (the old “Uri Geller” trick) to no avail. Right before I clicked save, I heard a ticking and looked down. The Dark Lord of the Sith has returned to life!
And also, it’s time to take the kids to school.
I give this piece of early Star Wars merchandise full marks for authenticity: it has two mechanical hands, just like Darth Vader!
Great watch and great story! As for the watch not firing up after being wound up, you should take it to a watch repair place, not in the mall, but one of those smaller “family owned 3rd generation” places and have it serviced. Sitting all those years without running has probably gummed up the works inside. I’ve had this done to a few pocket watches dating back 100+ years and they now run like new again.
The story is true. I bought you a pocket watch for your graduation and you wouldn’t carry it either. I still have it if Mason or Morgan wants it. :-)