Times Ticking Restores Seiko Watch Tied to Historic WWII Rescue

July 30, 2025 at 19:54 PM EDT

Times Ticking repairs a vintage Seiko that was once owned by Joseph D. "Tommy" Thompson, who participated in the WWII rescue of future president George H.W. Bush.

(PRUnderground) July 30th, 2025

Times Ticking, an internationally recognized leader in watch repair and restoration, recently completed the meticulous repair of a vintage Seiko Diashock 17-jewel mechanical watch. The watch was once owned by Joseph D. “Tommy” Thompson, who served aboard the USS Finback during one of World War II’s most remarkable rescues.

On September 2, 1944, the Finback’s crew members pulled a young Lt. George H.W. Bush from the Pacific Ocean after his TBM Avenger was shot down during a bombing mission. As a member of the Finback’s crew, Thompson shared in this defining moment now etched into history.

Decades later, Thompson’s son sent his father’s 34mm vintage watch to Times Ticking for expert Seiko watch repair and restoration.

“Like many of the servicing jobs we do, this was more than just a watch repair,” said Jared Foster, President of Times Ticking. “It was an opportunity to preserve a piece of American history. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring life back to something with direct ties to a moment that shaped a future president’s story. We’re honored to have played a part in its journey.”

The watch represents a timeless legacy: connecting a son to his father, and both to a moment of courage in the vast Pacific. Times Ticking approached the restoration with the same care and respect for professional watch repair that’s earned them a reputation among collectors and families alike for over 40 years.

Other watch repair shops might turn away restoration jobs for vintage watches or those with hard-to-find parts. But Times Ticking relies on the expertise of its Swiss-trained technicians, expansive parts-provider network, and experience crafting missing parts to breathe new life into watches.

It’s this dedication to excellence that allows people like Thompson’s son to trust Times Ticking with their beloved timepieces.

For more information about Times Ticking’s restoration services or to inquire about vintage repairs, visit TimesTicking.com.

About Times Ticking

Times Ticking specializes in watch repair. A trusted repair center for watches and clocks, their personalized customer service is what sets them apart.

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