Last year I wrote about finding a chocolate Speedmaster 145.022-69 which originally belonged to Milt Shirley: an artist, a pilot, and mayor of Amelia Island, Florida.

Milt, an environmental engineer by trade, has a particular fascination with the Florida Marshlands and paints them regularly.  After receiving the watch, I tracked Milt down, and have been pestering him to sell me a painting ever since.  Last month, he finally responded – he had a painting for me!

 We agreed on a price and Milt then asked for my address so he could give a shipping quote.  Two days later, the painting unexpectedly arrived!  He had sent me the painting and hadn’t even asked for payment yet!  As I secured the painting on the wall and wrote Milt a check, I thought about my fascination with vintage watches… they are a gateway to a time before anonymous emails, before Paypal… to a time when men were expected to be gentlemen… when a handshake, a promise, and a man’s word meant something!

 Please enjoy the photos of Milt’s Speedmaster and his painting. To Milt!  An artist and gentleman.

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Chocolate Milt Shirley

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Chocolate Milt Shirley

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Chocolate Milt Shirley

Omega Speedmaster 145.022-69 Chocolate Milt Shirley