One of the most privileged positions we hold as a jewelry store is the care and repair of family heirlooms. The Waschka Family has been a Haltom’s customer since the 1980s. Recently, Mike Waschka stopped by with a priceless family heirloom, his Patek Philippe Calatrava timepiece.
His grandfather, John Hanney, originally purchased this timepiece in 1954. In the photo collage, upper left corner, you can see Mr. Hanney wearing his watch at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Calatrava passed to Ronald Waschka, Mike’s Dad, in 1977. Ronald is in the upper right corner wearing the watch at the Tulsa Petroleum Club.
Eleven years later, Mike’s Mom gave him the watch after he graduated from college, and a year after his Dad passed away. With his Mom’s approval, Mike started a tradition of adding the owner’s initials and the year they took ownership.
This family heirloom has told the time through workdays, weekends, holidays, and weddings. Mike’s grandfather wore it on his parent’s wedding day on July 27, 1963. Mike wore it on his wedding day on May 25, 1991.
When Mike brought the watch to us, it was not in bad shape, but it had endured decades of wear and tear. We sent it to Switzerland for a full-service to the movement and complete polish. As you can see in the photo, it looks brand new. Mike and his wife, Mary, look forward to passing it down to their son, Mark, when the time comes.
Can you imagine how treasured this timepiece is? As Mike said to me, “It is simply so beautiful and a joy to own and wear. It is even more special knowing its history and where it has been – and that Haltom’s has been a big part of that.”
Thank you for trusting us with this priceless timepiece – may your family continue to enjoy it for generations to come.
