this is a picture of the helbrose watch that my grandfather Russell Brandt was wearing when the INDY went down. It was recently given to me by my father tom. I can only imagine what this watch would say if it could . I cannot describe the feeling that I get when I hold it,this is all that my grandfather came out of the ocean with. The watch still works,but the band is not the original, my father said that this was the only watch that he ever had

All I can say is wow. What a family heirloom. I'm sure when you hold it, that it is hard not to think of all the time he spent waiting in the water and looking at it, wondering when they would be coming for all of them. I would not be able to hold that watch without tears. When I saw it tonight I cried. I have only really learned about this tragedy, and I'm so amazed at the fearlessness of these men. Its unbelievable that any of them can even talk about it. Proof positive that we should hold on to the things that are dear to us, and never forget about what others have had to endure. God Bless you all.

That's awesome Jack! I can only imagine your reaction when it was shown to you and then knowing it's yours now. Was this a navy issued watch?

Thank you so so much for sharing it with us!

Jakub (Jake)

-- Edited by niebo at 20:30, 2008-07-07

dear jake , my grandmother purchased this watch in portland for my grandfather before he shipped out. thanks for asking sincerely Russell Brandt (JACK)

Very Cool