"What do you like about it?"
Daniel studied the dial.
"The proportions. The movement. The fact that it doesn't need to announce itself."
Victor smiled.
"You're a collector?"
"Not exactly."
"A watchmaker, perhaps?"
"No."
"Then where did you learn to recognize these details?"
Daniel hesitated.
"My grandfather."
Victor nodded, accepting the answer without demanding more.
For several minutes, they discussed the movement, the history of the model, and the changes the manufacturer had made during the late 1960s.
Daniel's knowledge was impressive, but what interested Victor most was his attitude.
He never pretended to know something he did not know. When Victor explained a technical detail, Daniel listened carefully. When he disagreed, he asked questions rather than trying to prove himself right.
It was the kind of conversation Victor rarely experienced in his own showroom.
Meanwhile, Adrian stood behind the counter, growing increasingly irritated.
He had expected Victor to dismiss the young man within seconds.
Instead, the owner was spending valuable time discussing a relatively inexpensive vintage watch with someone who looked as though he had arrived by subway.
Adrian checked the clock.
Then he looked toward the wealthy couple, who had begun examining another display.
He decided to intervene.
"Mr. Harrington," Adrian said, approaching the table, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but your appointment from the investment group has arrived."
Victor glanced at his watch.
"They're not scheduled for another twenty minutes."
"They called ahead."
"Then ask them to wait."
Adrian's eyebrows rose.
"But they're purchasing several pieces."
"And this gentleman is examining one."
Victor's tone was gentle but firm.
Adrian stepped back.
Daniel continued examining the watch, apparently unaware of the argument.
After another minute, he placed it carefully on the tray.
"May I ask something?" he said.
"Certainly," Victor replied.
"Has this watch been serviced recently?"
"Three months ago. Our master watchmaker inspected the movement, replaced a worn seal, and preserved the original components."
"Was the balance spring replaced?"
Victor looked surprised.
"No. Why do you ask?"
"The timekeeping seems remarkably stable for its age, but the case shows signs of previous restoration. I wondered whether the movement had received the same treatment."
Victor leaned closer.
He examined the watch again, then smiled.
"That's a very good observation. The case was restored before we acquired it, but the movement remains largely original."
Daniel nodded.
"That explains it."
Victor studied him.
"Would you mind telling me your name?"
"Daniel Reed."
Victor repeated it quietly.
"Reed."
Something flickered across his face.
Before he could investigate the thought, Adrian interrupted again.
"Daniel, if you're interested in purchasing the watch, I can prepare the paperwork. Otherwise, we really do need to make room for other clients."
Victor straightened.
"Adrian."
"Yes, sir?"
"That will be enough."
The consultant went silent.
Victor turned to Daniel.
"I apologize for the interruption. My employee appears to have forgotten that our first responsibility is to treat people with respect."
Daniel gave a small shrug.
"It's all right."
"No," Victor said. "It isn't."
The older man returned the watch to its display tray.
"Now, Mr. Reed, are you interested in purchasing it?"
Daniel looked at the watch for a long moment.
"Yes. But before I make a decision, I'd like to understand something about its history."
"Go ahead."
"Why is it here?"
Victor tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
"Who owned it before your shop acquired it?"
Victor's expression became thoughtful.
"I would have to check our records. I believe it came from a private estate sale several years ago."
"Could you check?"
"Certainly."
Victor called for the acquisition file.
While they waited, Daniel reached into his canvas bag and removed a small notebook. Its corners were worn, and several pages were filled with handwritten observations.
Victor noticed the notebook.
"Your grandfather taught you to keep records?"
Daniel smiled.
"He taught me to pay attention."
"Good advice."
"It was the best advice he ever gave me."
A few minutes later, an assistant brought the acquisition file.
Victor opened it, scanned the paperwork, and stopped.
His expression changed.
He turned one page, then another.
Finally, he looked up at Daniel.
"Your grandfather's name wouldn't happen to have been Samuel Reed, would it?"
Daniel became completely still.
"Yes."
Victor slowly lowered the file.
"Samuel Reed was your grandfather?"
"He was."
For the first time since Daniel had entered the store, Victor seemed genuinely uncertain about what to say.
Adrian watched from behind the counter.
"What is it?" he asked.
Victor did not answer him.
He looked at Daniel again.
"Your grandfather was one of the most extraordinary watchmakers I ever knew."
Daniel's expression softened.
"He never told me he knew you."
Victor gave a quiet laugh.
"That sounds like Samuel. He never cared much for talking about himself."
He closed the file and sat down opposite Daniel.