MattS's post vividly captures a vintage divers' watch meetup in Marseille's historic Vieux Port, bringing together an impressive collection of iconic timepieces. This article offers a nostalgic look at community gatherings and the shared passion for vintage dive watches, highlighting the unique atmosphere and camaraderie among collectors.
Hi,
Is there a better place for a vintage divers' meeting than the Vieux Port of Marseille?...
Some of you may have seen a preview on the Rolex forum, so here is more...As I was going to the South of France to enjoy some sun for a few days before we go into the dark winter I contacted my friend Jeff aka DrStrong. As a nice coincidence Tony aka DivingT was in town for a few days as well (officially for work...)...that makes a great excuse for a nice dinner and meeting!...
So here is what comes...as an appetizer I will give you a shot of my Fifty Fathoms that had a real divers life here many years ago as it originally came from a diver from Marseille...
So the Vieux Port is a special place with a very nice athmosphere. It has been dressed up as Marseille is the 2013 European capital for culture. Here is a view with the famous "Bonne Mère" cathedrale overseing the harbour and the city...
Here is a view from the other side with the town hall overseeing the "vieux port"
Jeff had arranged a nice cosy place just behing the "Vieux Port"
So we have 3 friends, a nice place, great seafood, wine to go with it, lets bring out the watches and have fun!...It was the first time we met with Tony after a few years of chatting on the forum and by email, was also the first time for Tony and Jeff to meet, so lets go!...
The issue with retaurants at night is that it makes it extremely challenging to take decent pictures so the result is not great!...
So we start with 3 Fifty Fathoms, a primitive (1955), a Milspec and a Bund!...not bad for a start!...
then comes the crown brand! a 6538 Big Crown, & 7928 "chocolate", a 1680 Red Sub and a 1665 Double Red!...
The theme was obvious, but there was a non diver I wanted to see so I asked Jeff to bring it!...a Tudor Homeplate!...wow what a watch!...
And here is a picture with two "UFOs", two very singular designs, the Homeplate and the Eberhard Scafograf!
And here is a table shot:
here is the list: Longines Nautilus, Eterna Kontiki MKII, FF, FF Milspec, Red Sub, Tudor 7928 PCG "chocolate", Omega Ploprof, 6538 Big Crown, Tudor Homeplate, Eberhard Scafograf 200, 1665 DRSD, FF Bund.
What a great evening!...
As I was frustrated by the quality of the pics I took a few day light pics the next day, at least of my watches, so here you go:
Here a picture from another nice place, the Calanque of Port Miou in Cassis
And a picture of her majesty the Big Crown on a backdrop of typical Marseille soap:
And a farewell, playing with the late afternoon light on the Vieux Port...
Thanks Tony and Jeff, if you want to add some day light pictures of your beauties in Marseille...
Matt
