Man, there are some watch zealots in here, thinking that a verbal gentleman’s agreement about a collection outweighs $200k in estate property rights. There’s nothing to think about, you have to give them to the wife, right away. Legally, morally, in terms of business-ethics and your reputation, your exposure here is massive.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I did get to experience many watches that way, and yes, it was a ton of work.
My current collection probably won’t impress anyone, but I like it.
Seiko Tuna on “RollBall Strapcode” bracelet.
Squale 1545 black ceramic on Two-tone jubilee bracelet.
Seiko Pepsi Turtle on strapcode jubilee.
Invicta 9937 Pro diver, Swiss movement version with Kermit bezel insert.
Invicta 8926 Pro diver with Nh35 movement, Coke bezel insert.
I got sick of being a serial flipper. I owned and flipped about 75 watches in a 10 year period and I came to realize, it never ends. Many of them were multiple thousands of dollars, average was about one thousand. I decided to be happy with a comparatively very modest-priced collection of five watches. I’m not necessarily done forever, but I’m done treating reselling and depreciation as no big deal, because if you do it enough, it adds up to a ton of hassle and money wasted. And I may very well be done with spending thousands on any one watch.
“He kept his watch collection with me”
“He lets me use the watches”
OP doesn’t claim to own or have been given these watches. They are not his. Purchases made during a marriage are generally considered joint property, purchased with joint funds. The widow inherits the husband’s estate, including all property and applicable debt of that estate. For all we know, the watches were bought on credit, with the debt still owed by the estate.