Horological Meandering

AndrewD
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POTW – Alex Sunrise

Hi All

It is my great pleasure to post the Purist-of-the-Week, Alex Sunrise. I met Alex last July in Los Angeles. We were both on our way home from business trips and spent a very fun long weekend ‘hanging out’ with the LA PuristS. As you read Alex’s answers I am sure you will sense his very acute sense of humor and enthusiasm for life. And Alex is joining us in Las Vegas for the PuristS Tenth Anniversary bash. Having a great time is inevitable. I hope many more of you will join us as well. I can’t wait!

Andrew

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1. What watch are you wearing today?

This morning I chose to wear a Rolex 1675 from 1977, due to the fact that I wanted to keep track of the time down under as I wanted to send this to you as soon as possible. By the way, sorry for the delay.

2. How do you usually choose a watch to wear?

Mostly on my mood that morning and depending on the activities I will be participating in, whether it is sports, travel, dinner, etc.

I also normally like to choose a watch which brings me great memories, or one which takes me to a certain place or state of mind. With my GMT for example, I look back and remember my travels and the friends that I have all over the world. With my Subs, I usually day dream about the beach and where my next vacation might be. If it is a vintage, I tend to reminisce on the simpler past and at the same time, lay in awe as how these micro feats of engineering where made back in the day without the help of the advanced technology that we have today.

3. How did you discover PuristS?

It was thanks to a dear friend of mine who would send me links of several discussions in which watches were being showcased and presented with great photos. He not only sent me those in the forums, but also in the collector’s market as a recommendation of sorts. He would always say to me, “Buy this one, and/or that one”, LOL. He is also a member, but not an active poster, unfortunately, despite my constant efforts to convince him otherwise.

After those superficial and sporadic introductions, I started taking the time to read, learn, and understand the chemistry and the interaction amongst members and topics. It was after that initial phase of acknowledging the culture, that I lost the stage fright and decided to make my first post on the then recently created Rolex forum, back in March of 2008, after which, thanks to all fellow Purists, I was made to feel right at home, and continued to post on a regular basis. Granted, not on the most substantial topics, nor up to par to the rest, but still, the important thing has and always will be to make friends and share the passion for horology along the way.

4. What does it mean to you to be a Purist?

A tremendous honor and responsibility, but in all fairness and honesty, I am yet a long way off becoming one. Being the age that I am (30), life has still to teach me many lessons which will surely forge me into a better person, friend, and partner, as to me, being a Purist is to be open, respectful, gracious, just, and humble. Virtues which are only reached after a lifelong filled with goodwill, love, passion, and devotion.

5. Is there a single element in a watch that is most important to you, and why?

“De la vista nace el amor” prays an old Mexican adage, which literally translates to: ”From sight, love is born”, and, as such, I must admit that the design and look of the watch is something that I am first drawn to.  Why? Hard to put into words, but probably the same reason why I have always felt more attracted to brunettes than to blondes. I just like them more ;-).

6. What other hobbies do you have and how do you like to relax?

My other hobbies include practicing sports, mostly swimming, and most recently, leisure bike riding. I mention leisure because I use my bicycle more as a means of transportation and just to relax, rather than for the benefit of an aerobic workout.

Cooking is also something that I have found a “taste” for. J This is actually my other great passion, as at one point in my life I would like to have a restaurant of my own. Nothing fancy, just a small diner that would be a great excuse to get together with friends, and have a few Purist GTG’s, of course!

And, I could go on for hours, but for the sake of preventing boredom, I will stop now.

7. Have you followed any particular directions in your watch collection?

I used to. Back when I started, I started collecting solely based on the occasions I would wear said watches. From a casual one, a sporty, a sport casual, elegant, etc. Nowadays, and after having discovered The PuristS, and learning more and more about watches, manufactures, and reason for being, I basically just begun searching for those pieces that made (and make) my heart skip a beat and collect them as my possibilities have allowed me to do so. In brief, I acquire based on loving a watch, then opportunity, and possibilities.

8. If you could keep only one watch in your collection, which would it be?

Tough one, but it would probably be the 1675 or my 5513. The 1675 because it has been the watch which opened a whole new world to me, and one which enabled me to make and meet friends from all over the world. It was the catalyst in my collection and even in my life.

On the other hand, the 5513 is a watch I love due to its simplicity and its many personalities. It can be adventurous, bold, elegant, romantic, charming, and intriguing all at the same time. Too many facets make it irresistible.

Never say never, but these are some which I would find very difficult to own.

A vintage Panerai is one of them. Why? Mostly due to the price of ownership and because I don’t believe there are any more barn finds, but I will continue to search for them, that’s for sure!

A vintage Geophysique. Again, these are very scarce, and unless JLC come up with a re-edition, I really don’t see myself owning one, although the effort will be made.

A vintage Daytona is another one which I would love to own.

10. Which watch has most recently captured your attention and why?

It’s not a watch but a group of people. They are the independent watchmakers, those who are willing to risk their wellbeing and sanity for the sake of fulfilling a dream and their calling. You really have to value their efforts and sacrifices in order to accomplish their vision of what a watch should be.

11. Are you looking forward to IGOTT2?

Absolutely!! It will be a lot of fun hanging out with the wolf pack!

Link to video: www.youtube.com Y

I am eager to meet all of those attending and make them feel appreciated and welcome. I am also really looking forward in getting together with the wonderful friends whom I have already had the opportunity of sharing some wonderful moments in the last years.

My appreciation and thanks to the organizers, who are putting their time and resources into a great event and making sure all of the attendees are well taken care of.