elliot55
2817
To My Purist Family...
... On March 25th, 2011, at the urging of my brother I joined the WatchProSite. Over eight years since my first post and all I can say is time goes by quickly.
When I joined PuristPro I stood on the sidelines for a while, reading what others had posted, hoping the Patek Philippe banner ads would stop. I wasn’t quite sure how to contribute or what to write about. Before that first post, through a private message I introduced myself to the site’s most prolific participant, Amanico. I told him I had read many of his posts and wanted to post my own story but wasn’t quite sure how to proceed.
I sent him a sample of what I had been working on and he was straight up honest with me by providing the exact direction needed. Nobody knows more about Jaeger LeCoultre and he is truly a special person in my life. In fact, he is partially responsible for my love of all things JLC. By the way, when I started writing this Nicolas stood at 196,845 posts. By the time I finish posting this, he will have reached 206,213 posts. It is true, “Vlad” does not sleep. Trust me, he’s got witnesses.
Prior to my discovery of PuristPro, I knew little or nothing of the Independent watch brands. While attending my first PuristPro dinner, I had the incredible luck of meeting Tim and Janna. She was wearing a Habring Foudroyante and I knew I had to have one. I instantly went into deep dive mode: What is that? Why is that? Who makes that? When can I get one? You know, that sort of stuff. When mine arrived, “Independent In Time” Tim called me and I did not hesitate to jump in my car to make the two hour trip South. Nobody knows more about the Independents than Tim. In fact, his boutique is one of the very few places where you can see some of these rare beauties in the metal. Thank you, Tim and Janna, for including me in your life. I am lucky to know you.
That same evening, I had the good fortune to meet Dr. No. As is most often the case, Art is the event organizer. The Master of Ceremony. The guy with the pool cue. While he’s definitely one of the nicest people you’ll meet in this life, do not gamble with the good Dr. No at the pool table. And if you need to know anything about Glashutte or Omega, Art’s your man. And if you need to know anything about craft beer, or just beer, Art’s your man. All I can say is thanks for always including me in the get-togethers - I always look forward to our next one. Keep on rockin’ in the free world, Dr. No.
That same evening, I met a guy I call the “Curator of the Museum of Horology”. An incredibly special person whose love of these treasures is practically unparalleled, the only thing MitchK loves more than watches is sharing these rarities with all of us. Mitch’s collection is really all about the story - from that first Maurice Lacroix to those out-of-this-world group of Ulysse Nardin pieces, or even that crazy Thomas Prescher Tourbillon-On-A-Stick, each watch has its provenance. Like Amanico, Mitch’s passion for Jaeger LeCoultre has always been an inspiration and my “Grail” watch is the Duometre. Mitch and his wife are very gracious people and I’ve had the good luck of spending time with both. Going back to that first dinner, I will always remember the Sven Andersen Mitch was wearing. The Secular Calendar watch was something I had only seen in pictures and seeing it in the real was something special, especially when, without hesitation, Mitch took it off and handed it right to me for a closer look. It’s like a perpetual calendar but on steroids. This piece is “programmed” until the year 2400, which includes what are known as the “leap year resets” every 100 years. Theoretically, this means if the watch is kept running it will not need an adjustment on February 28, 2100, February 28, 2200, February 28, 2300, or February 29, 2400, which is very freakin’ impressive.
To the “Alphabet Gang”, a super group of people who always have some of the coolest stuff to share. The Omega watches that show up at these Get Togethers are simply unparalleled. And I think I speak for all of us when I say thanks to our dearest, Bill. Without Bill, we really do not have this platform for our views, opinions, and let’s face it; diatribe and pontification. In a cyberworld where it seems everyone is engaged in some form of bullying, shaming and vitriol, our site is a kindler, gentler place where the exchange of ideas is generally good-natured. And oh yeah, thanks to Bill for bringing that watch from Paris that time 😊.
If I forgot anyone, please don’t take it personally as it is now past five and I am full of whiskey. I appreciate being part of such an amazing group of folks. Here’s to the next 2,000 posts.
CHEERS!
- Scott
To My Purist Family...
Wonderful homage to the forum,
Beautiful writing Scott 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for such kind and profound words.
And You, Mon Ami...
Congrats Scott on an unbelievable journey thus far!
I Look Forward To Meeting...
Great Scott !...
Captain, I Appreciate Your Kind Words And...
I'll Tell You A Secret...
Wow Scott! What a brilliant tribute to this place of horological enjoyment.
The Drum Lesson Will Probably Be...
Even though I have met only a handful of these colourful alphabet characters , i feel I know them
The Alphabet Gang Is...
Thanks, Roman...
