"pocket watch sent to me from NY by a buddy for free and I think it's worth far more than any amount of $."

I just noticed an echo here. Actually my deal was, I paid two bits or some such for a non-running old pocket watch with no crystal to put in still life photos. Then some crazy guy in NY asked about buying it for parts. Instead he got it all fixed up, and sent it back with a great old mellow chunky chain. I've found a couple of excuses to wear it for special occasions, with a vest my current lover made for me.
I don't know that I'm as attached to my watch as gnu is to his, though; I might consider letting mine go for an even million bucks.