Meeting 'The Vlad': A PuristSPro Encounter

KMII · 2016-06-24T01:43:06Z

KMII shares his experience meeting 'The Vlad,' a legendary PuristSPro member, and getting 'bitten' by the watch bug. Discover high complications and community connections.

KMII

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

94 replies10698 views6 photos

KMII recounts an engaging meeting with fellow PuristSPro member Nicolas, affectionately known as 'The Vlad,' whose passion for horology proved infectious. This post captures the excitement of experiencing high complications firsthand and the joy of connecting with the community, leaving KMII with a renewed appreciation for grail-worthy timepieces.

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As it turns out, both Nicolas and me had hunger at about the same time yesterday morning. And while I flew in using this...

...he simply flew

Unfortunately the time was short and the topics too many to fully cover (I am still to get behind the story with Panerai - but then again there were no cigars to be had in the bistro

), it was a real pleasure meeting the legendary, one and only member of the 120.000+ post club on PuristSPro

And meeting Purists twice in one week - priceless!

As anyone knowing Nicolas will attest to, the name is not unwarranted. Meaning I was immediately infected

Starting with some heavy hitting poison...

I was right to admire it from afar before but having seen it live, my appreciation could only grow

Definitely one for the grail list and hopefully - in the not too distant future - for the wrist! To get me to appreciate the wonders of real complications, he also ensured I see a minute repeater. And what a specimen! All I can say (apart from being speechless) is that in spite of sitting outside in the morning traffic, it was very easy to hear - respect!

And why oh why does the 1858 have to fit my wrist? Well, at least they are all sold out for the moment. But what a watch!

And to ensure that JLC does not come too short (after jointly practicing my horrible pronounciation of the brand name

), another one for my future

And another

Just to really, really make sure

Have tried that one before in titanium but found (to my surprise) that even the Pt was not too heavy for my puny wrist

There was more but that's still under 'embargo'

What can I say! I can only thank Nico for the wonderful - if short - breakfast (my fault), for playing his Vlad role to perfection and I hope we will manage another, longer and more extensive meeting imminently. With a watch filled cake

I have a couple of possible locations in mind already...

Meeting Purists has so far been an unmitigated success and I hope to get many more opportunities; let's see if someone's hungry at the same time as me next week, too

This message has been edited by KMII on 2016-06-24 01:43:20

Key Points from the Discussion

Nicolas, 'The Vlad,' is described as one of the most gracious members of the Purist family, known for his superb collection and unparalleled knowledge.
The experience of seeing a minute repeater in person, even amidst morning traffic, was impactful, with its audible chime demonstrating its quality.
The Montblanc 1858's fit on the wrist was a pleasant surprise, despite its sold-out status, highlighting its appeal.
The platinum Jaeger-LeCoultre was surprisingly comfortable, even for smaller wrists, challenging preconceptions about its weight.
The meeting was a spontaneous, last-minute event, making the fact that Nicolas had time to meet even more appreciated.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

Jun 24, 2016

Looks like you are on world tour PuristS GTG Cheers D

KMII

Jun 24, 2016

It was pure coincidence and a last minute thing, so I was especially happy that Nico had the time

KMII

Jun 24, 2016

You should, at the earliest possible time Time flies in his presence, so my only regret is not having had more than one hour

amanico

Jun 24, 2016

The Vlad always needs to bite some fresh necks. It is only good poison, here. Hope that next time we'll have much more time. What about this next august, with Darko? Best, and thanks so much for the Sacher Torte, I wonder how you guessed I am so mad about that cake... Best, Nicolas

Luis6

Jun 24, 2016

Must see something different.

KMII

Jun 24, 2016

Glad the cake was nice - even if without watches August sounds like a plan! And the poison was all good - therefore that dangerous

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