A recent addition to my collection of assorted junk-store treasure was this old wristwatch, which I got for a few bucks in a big haul of stuff, including a nice Lettera 31 typewriter (more about that later). Thus I don’t know what the watch cost me, but the tag was $10, so it was considerably less than that. The tag was on the back, so I had no idea what it covered up until later when I got home and peeled it off. Suddenly I realized the significance of the label. WOLFSBURG. The place where Volkswagens were made. I have owned a few VW’s, starting with a 1970 type 2 that I bought in Amsterdam for $1000 and took a long trip around Europe in. I drove various Beetles from time to time, but never did own one of my own. Today they cost a ridiculous amount. My 1984 VW Westfalia camper is 40 years old and still going strong. We will be camping in it in a couple of weeks. Despite the dead simplicity of the VW van, the utter lack of luxury, the noise, the poor fuel economy and the low power, I enjoy travelling in this vehicle more than any other. Visibility is superb, and it does everything I need, without a fuss. I think it is possibly the greatest vehicle ever made. It is also the only car model I know of in which the owners always wave at each other.
My extensive research (you know what) revealed that Wolfsburg watches were presented to Canadian VW owners whose vehicles hit 100,000 kms. I’m sure my Westy qualifies for this watch, although the real mileage on the van is unknown. After 40 years however, I think it’s safe to assume it has travelled well beyond 100k, probably 2 or 3 times. Needless to say, no car companies give prizes to customers anymore. You’re lucky if they even know how to fix your car!
The movement is a Jeambrun 26D, made in France, from the 60’s, older than my Westy! I cleaned up the case and the crystal with some old Brasso, the kind they no longer sell, but which works like a hot damn on metal and plastic. So far the watch is keeping good time. I think I will wear it when we go for our camping trip. Of course I will! It’s the people’s watch. The Volkswatch!
nathanguitars 