London Watch Gatherings: A Purist's Travelogue

KIH · 2012-07-03T05:35:41Z

Join KIH's London travelogue, featuring Vacheron Constantin at Masterpiece, PuristS meetups, and a diverse collection of modern and vintage watches.

KIH's "Traveling Purist in London" post offers a delightful recap of a collector's journey through London's horological and social scene. This article captures the essence of community gatherings and exclusive watch events, providing a glimpse into the vibrant world of luxury watch collecting. It highlights interactions with fellow enthusiasts and showcases a variety of timepieces, from modern Vacheron Constantin creations to intriguing vintage finds.

Thanks to the gracious organizer Mo and great PuristS friend/ attendees, I had a great time in London.

1. First night - Mo took me to the Masterpiece show (the show for the wealthy people collectors, I understood..) in which Vacheron had a booth and the young but skillful engraver was there. I must visit the factory someday

Had a nice dinner afterward with Mo, Greg and his wife.... Thank you! Thank you also Yanni (VC, UK) and Julie (the Engraver)!

Very young, but quite skillful engraver.

Sorry for the poor light in the cab

Greg and Mo....

2. Then second night - Mo organized a small g-t-g with four Londoner gangs. I missed Mo as my return to London got quite late (went on a tour to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge...), but managed to come back to the last part of the dinner. Quite a feast for eyes, too! Thank you, ubik, Imran in London, Greg, and walidk.

Wow....

Pic can't do justice to this beautiful red.

Of PSM, this one is one of my fav, too!

Ah, standard, standard.. I like the dial color of this....

Now, enter the vintage world....

Said to be used by Japanese military... sold in 1941 - what a twist of fate....

THE original.

3. Third day morning to early afternoon - Walidk kindly took me to a stroll along the Nottinghill Portobello antique street and Bond Street watch shops/ boutiques. Saw inside the Buckingham Palace after that. What a fruitful and fun day. Thank you, walidk!

Nottinghill...

There I found this... with box! Consultation with my bank account.....

Then we went the famous Bond Street (Old and New?)

Went to many places, but highlight for me was this at JLC Boutique.
Crane - Used for many Japanese art - remember Makie series or VC.... Also on the tall of Japan Airline planes.
Chrysanthemum - Japan's Royal and National Emblem (On the cover of Japanese Passport, too)
... and No 8 out or 8 LE. I wonder why this is here.... VERY nice, nonetheless.

Thank you, Ahmed for letting us see this masterpiece.....

It was a fun week in London (plus one day in Paris). I am so glad that I decided to make this trip.
Again, thank you everyone who made time to meet me, and Mo for organizing, and walidk for walking around with me on the weekend.

Best,
Ken

Key Points from the Discussion

The Masterpiece show in London is identified as an event for wealthy collectors, featuring brands like Vacheron Constantin and skilled engravers.
The post highlights the community aspect of WatchProSite, emphasizing how the platform facilitates meeting like-minded individuals and fostering friendships.
The Vacheron Constantin and the Reverso Tribute Red are singled out as superb watches among the displayed pieces.
A specific vintage piece, said to be used by the Japanese military and sold in 1941, sparks curiosity about its origin and production numbers.
The author expresses uncertainty about the Japanese military watch's origin, noting that the inscription 'Air Force Pilot' sounds Chinese, and cannot provide production numbers.
The post generates interest in visiting London for similar watch-related experiences.
The community expresses regret at missing the London gathering but acknowledges the opportunity for future meetups.

The Discussion

amanico

Jul 3, 2012

Aaah, the UK Gang!

One of the most dangerous but also one of the most friendly I know... Mo is a kind of Kaizer Sauzée ala Italiana. I see that you were in very good hands. Thanks for posting, Ken! Nicolas

moc

Jul 3, 2012

Careful,Kaiser doesnt exist....

noone has seen him yet!!!!! He is the Devil...oh wait you are...I am confused... Moiser Sauzee

amanico

Jul 3, 2012

Good confession. ;) [nt]

KIH

Jul 3, 2012

Oh yeah, they were soooo nice! [nt]

amanico

Jul 3, 2012

And from what I see, one even got a Red Reverso. Friendly guys and good taste! ;) [nt]

andrewluff

Jul 3, 2012

Great report Ken

Thanks for sharing and glad you had a good time in our capital city! So did you bank manager approve the V&C purchase?? Cheers Andrew

London Watch Gatherings: A Purist's Travelogue

Key Points from the Discussion

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