Description

These licensed X-Men cards are the rarest ever made and were only issued with the purchase of the Character Time Watch Membership subscription. It is estimated that little more than approximately 3,500 TOTAL watches were ever distributed (3 of 6 models were actually released, with many people only seeing the first two) of the proposed 5,000 edition for EACH model. (Note: There were also 150 "Artist Proof" watches made for each watch issued, which are marked different on the back (#/ of 150). I do not know the total number released for the "AP" watches, but I seen at least six of them). Hy brown was a major character watch collector and author of the book, “Comic Character Time Pieces”, first printing 1992; and considered the expert in character watches, i.e. Mickey Mouse, Superman, Lone Ranger, etc. So, in 1992, Hy began efforts in producing his own character watch line based on the group of comic book heroes – “The X-Men” at two payments of $29.95 USD + shipping of $5.95 shipping and handling for each watch (See ad). His plans were to produce six watches consisting of the “X-Men” wristwatch; the “Cyclops” (red beam) wristwatch; the “Wolverine” wristwatch; the “Dark Phoenix” wristwatch; the “Cable” wristwatch; and a “Professor X” pocket watch. Each would come in a different (and very heavy) “die cast” watch case, certificate of authenticity, and a different limited edition X-Men collector's card. These watches were to be “subscription based”, with each person receiving one of each variety watch (with the same number (if requested) with a planned release of every six weeks as stated within his ad. In early 1993, shipments of the first issue “X-Men” (#1 comic book cover) watch was released; however, as the initial run of the watches began, slow production and months of shipping delays, caused subscribers to began questioning if they were going to actually receive what their watches….. so subscriptions began to slow. The second watch issued was "Wolverine," but further months of delays caused additional concerns, and people were not renewing their subscriptions as fast for the planned third watch, which the visor of Cyclops "lit up" when a button was pressed on the side. During this time, Brown was issued a request to “Cease and Desist" from Marvel. He continued some small shipments in very few numbers, pending the outcome of the legal action. The rest is somewhat conjecture, but it is assumed the legal fees to fight the “order" caused even further problems for Brown (who eventually lost or settled the suit); although this was a licensed and authorized product by Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. (Based upon the licensing statements on all the boxes, watches, and cards, etc.) As the suit progressed through the legal system, Brown continued producing the watches in an effort to fulfill his subscribers subscriptions, and many of these watches were even received with “wet paint” marks from the die cast watch cases rubbing against the inner cardboard lining of the exterior display box indicating Character Time was in “hurry-up mode”! Eventually, Brown was believed ordered to completely stop production and destroy or turn over all remaining watches ……… However, before the suit was finally adjudicated with the terms and conditions issued; some “inside collectors” who Brown knew were contacted and offered access to some of the unsubscribed watches, parts, returns, and cards, etc. Numbers, Numbers, Numbers……. Watches – Based upon what was delivered to subscribers, remaining inventory, and actual numbers observed on the watches and boxes which were either canceled and returned, it is believed the first “X-Men” watch has a total number in existence of only less than 2,000. The second watch “Cyclops” is believed to have a number of approximately half that amount (around 1,000), the third watch (Wolverine) estimated 600; with NO “Cable” , “Dark Phoenix” or “Professor X” watches or cards ever released*. One must keep in mind, subscribers could request a certain number, such as their birthday, i.e. 1955 or other significant number, so watches exist which can have high numbers as they were not released in sequential order or by a “first come, first served” basis; so although you may see high numbers on the watches, there were very few ordered or actually delivered. *The remianing watches were never released, but a single prototype exists for the “Dark Phoenix” watch. I'm not sure if any others exist and I have never seen a die cast case for this watch, nor is there one shown in the advertisement brochure. Cards – Now to the “X-Men” cards themselves. The original ad for the watches show the first three watches and the six “Limited Edition” cards which were to be given with each watch issued. The cards for the watches were believed to be produced first, but since the last three watches were never issued, the "Cable", “Dark Phoenix” and “Professor X” cards were also NEVER released or issued either, and many were presumably destroyed per the Court Order or never made in significant numbers to begin with. I believe only three individuals were able to obtain the remaining cards and watch parts inventory, which somehow escaped destruction or those which may have been possibly returned to Brown from subscribers later for a refund. Based upon only the first three watches/cards being issued, it is impossible to complete a full set of these cards unless you get the final three from one of the three individuals who secured the remaining ones which were not destroyed. I estimate less than 200 total “complete” sets can be constructed from the remaining “Dark Phoenix”, "Cable", and “Professor X” cards, and maybe even less! Based upon the unique history of the watches, this makes the Character Time “X-Men” cards, the rarest of ALL Officially Licensed “X-Men” cards authorized by Marvel ever made! You will receive ALL six cards made. If you already have the first three cards and just need the final three, there will be a separate listing for just the final three cards, but they are very limited and will also reduce the total number of "complete" six card sets I can put together.