Horological Meandering

It's all about the people...

 

OK, so there I was, headed off for my first-ever SIHH week, and thinking about what would be fun to do -- other than to participate in the wonderful set of activities set up for me courtesy of AlexG and VC and by the more seasoned members of the NorCal Gang of 6 (not to be confused with pplater's SoCal Group of 1 or the wannabe California Central Coast Crew of 2).  Then a wonderful thought hit me: take as many pictures as possible of the wonderful people who make the watches that we all enjoy.  Shortly thereafter, a cheesier thought hit me: get my picture taken with as many as possible of these wonderful people -- a Horo Hero Wall of Fame, as it were.  With deep gratitude to those luminaries who agreed to be photographed with me and to those who took the photos, and with apologies for my perpetually silly grin in the presence of these greats, here goes:

1. Laurent Ferrier -- he started standing on tiptoe, and so did I!  He's a LeMans 24-hour race class winner (and once finished second overall) and I had the honor of taking him out on the racetrack at Laguna Seca last year in my car.  Happily for the world of horology, no accidents ensued...

2. My friend Peter Speake-Marin, this on the occasion of trying on my new Thalassa for the first time:

3. Christian Semoni of VC -- I had a fantastic time sitting next to him at dinner, twisting his arm (not too hard) to re-emphasize openworking in future VC designs.  He is a very gracious (and obviously deeply knowledgeable) man.  For those keeping score (me), I think this is the worst photo of me in the bunch -- looks like I'm trying to swallow my tongue!

4. Philippe Dufour, after a lovely lunch and long visit at his atelier.  It was cold out there, especially with no coat!

5. Giulio Papi -- didn't get to talk with him much as there were other priorities during this session, but he was unfailingly kind to everyone who was in the meeting

6. Robert Greubel.  Here we're looking at IP2, I believe -- but it's about the people, remember!  I was having a great chat with him until another member of our touring group (you know who you are) arrived late and Robert offered him his seat...

7.  Stephen Forsey.  If you're going to run off Greubel, it's good to have a backup (just kidding!)

8.  Herr Walter Lange.  This was the only one I really cheated on -- our conversation was pretty much "Hi, I'm a big fan, may I have my photo taken with you?"

9. My friend and hair idol Kari Voutilainen, at dinner after a wonderful (as usual) visit to his atelier and first viewing of the new Twenty8:

10.  Max Busser and Steve Hallock.  Max is one of the only people who actually sends me Facebook messages -- at least I think it's Max!  Max and Steve are both true gentlemen -- I can see why they have so many distinguished "Friends."  Steve, congrats again on the birth of your son!  My fantasy is that this photo will be used for my introduction as MB&F's new brand ambassador (dream on...):

11.  Alain Silberstein.  I'd long wanted to meet him, and there he was, sitting in his booth at the GTE!  As I walked in, he looked at me and just said "so -- tell me -- what is it?"  A delightful man with a wonderful philosophy -- true happiness is to have your passion as your profession.  For those who are keeping track (me), I think this is the best one of me, taken in good light with a DSLR (vs. all of the others, mostly taken back-lit or in dark restaurants with a point and shoot)

12.  Vianney Halter -- every watch lover should meet Vianney at least once, just to understand how an artistic temperament and a big heart can result in lovely and unique expressions

13.  And of course, no photomontage from the NorCal gang would be complete without one of these: tahoeblue and myself, channeling our inner Vianneys:

I missed out on photos with a few of the great folks we met, including Kees Engelbarts, Carole Forestier, Philippe Bonay, and Roland Iten -- but it was a privilege just to talk with each of them.

If you've read this far, thanks!  Hope you didn't mind this somewhat whimsical post -- while the "wall of fame" project may have been a bit tongue in cheek, I am absolutely sincere in my admiration for and gratitude toward every single person pictured with me here for all that they do to make our passion what it is. 

Best,

Gary G