Texas Tales: PuristS GTG in Houston

MichaelC · 2018-01-28T08:02:28Z

MichaelC recounts a PuristS GTG in Houston, Texas, featuring Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and P15 Cronometro watches, Texas BBQ, and community friendships.

MichaelC

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

90 replies11561 views8 photos

MichaelC shares a heartwarming account of a PuristS mini-GTG in Texas, underscoring the profound friendships forged within the WatchProSite community. His narrative beautifully illustrates how a shared passion for horology transcends geographical boundaries, creating connections that are as enduring as the timepieces themselves. This post reminds us that beyond the watches, it's the camaraderie that truly enriches the collector's journey.

A business trip to visit one of my stone projects recently brought me to Corpus Christi, TX. I have been friends with JerryW for many years, and we had met at IGOTT2 in 2011. We share a mutual passion for all things Audemars Piguet, as well as other fine watches. I routed my ticket through the fine city of Houston, so Jerry and I could spend an afternoon and evening together on my return.

I have traveled to Texas very little in my life, but each time I am impressed with the friendliness of the people. There is also a real American Spirit in this state, and I embrace that feeling. Jerry insisted on picking me up at the airport, and when I landed, I had a text message that my silver PuristS Uber was stationed outside. It was rather easy to spot.

We had a light lunch and visited a local authorized dealer that represented many of our favorite brands. For dinner, Jerry knew just the place to share a local specialty.

Go big or go home, everything is bigger in Texas... the sayings are quite true.

1/2 pound of brisket, a near 2 LB beef rib, a 1.5 LB ribeye, mac & cheese, Texas toast, creamed corn, just what a few growing boys need.

Jerry's RG City of Sails Royal Oak Chronograph stole the show. I had requested to see it as I never have before, and wow is it gorgeous.

I traveled with my trusty P15 Cronometro, a watch firmly cemented as one of my favorites.

It took a while, but we were up to the task. And I am still full.

I discovered this website in 2001, and am therefore a very early member here. I could never recount all that I have seen and learned about watches. thePuristS / PuristSPro has been a steady part of my life for these 17 years. But the most special part, more than any watch, are the friendships. Jerry and I carried on as two old college buddies or childhood friends, even though I had only met him in person a single time before. I have made other friends in this Community the same way, and I really feel like I could travel to most any part of the world and have a similar experience with a local Purist. I will always give thanks to Thomas Mao for starting this entity, but it is all of the members that make us so special. You can now learn and read about watches in countless arenas, but PuristSPro is the only real Community where lifelong friendships are forged.

Thanks, Jerry. Already looking forward to the next time

Key Points from the Discussion

The post captures the essence of a 'nirvana' experience, combining fine cars, beautiful watches, and excellent smoked beef, inspiring others to share their own BBQ experiences.
The most rewarding aspect of the PuristS community is meeting people from all over the world and forging friendships through shared passions for watches and life.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 'City of Sails' in rose gold is particularly striking, and the P15 Cronometro is a firmly cemented favorite.
The community fosters a global friendship club where incredible bonds are built, making the shared experiences and connections the most special part.
The dash of red on Jerry's City of Sails Royal Oak Chronograph complements the Texas BBQ theme, highlighting the enjoyable time spent.

The Discussion

crown comfort

Jan 28, 2018

Thanks for sharing CC

andrewluff

Jan 28, 2018

Friends all over the world sharing the same passion for watches and life! The P15 looks great (the Sails too, I saw one of these only once in London sitting in a now closed retailer). So you took photos of your starter, what did you eat for the main course?? Cheers Andrew PS... why is my Uber ride always a Prius!

dr.kol

Jan 28, 2018

Great and healthy food! Best, Kari

SALMANPK

Jan 28, 2018

And always fun to be with. Glad you had a great time with him. S

Baron - Mr Red

Jan 28, 2018

.......the beauty of this forum is that it creates a global friendship club. A club where one builds incredible friendships. That beef looks fantastic.

Wojo

Jan 28, 2018

This was the first post I looked at today...it’s going to be a good day! Fine cars, beautiful watches and a plate full of great smoked beef, this is my nirvana😂. While I have always been a BBQ fan, it’s only been 3 years since I started to do it in house, so I’m a sure what you enjoyed was of superior quality to mine. The picture is of a 18 pound brisket smoked over New England rock maple and pecan woods that took 20 hours and was finished for yesterday’s dinner. Best regards, Wojo

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