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Horological Meandering

"....How hot was it???"

 

answers the audience... smile

It was so hot,



that I decided to take the train downtown rather than risk being stuck in rush hour traffic, very convenient because both the hotel where the GTG was held and the restaurant afterwards were within a few blocks of the train station. Besides, there is some beautiful scenery that always makes me look out the window the entire trip.





And upon arrival, met several gentlemen who brought with them some very nice watches. Everyone doted on the Patek and the Lange, both looked great on the owners' wrists and on the table!



An IWC Aquatimer on bracelet with a quick change system that felt as secure and easy to use as the one on the Extreme World Chronographs that were present. An appropriate choice, this IWC, because the skies began to open up with torrential rain on our way from the GTG to dinner! I think you can still see the drops all over my EWC wrist shot below!









The lens cover on my camera didn't open fully for some reason, but I included these shots because they have a voyeuristic quality, not unlike the quizzical looks of hotel guests who wondered why we were passing watches around the table!



A vintage Longines that was in the gentleman's family for nearly a century if I remember correctly, being a wedding present from his grandfather to grandmother.





I would take advantage of any chance to see watches like these up close, thanks to all who brought out their treasured pieces and to Respo for setting up this gathering!
This message has been edited by PeaceFrog on 2010-07-20 15:18:42 This message has been edited by PeaceFrog on 2010-07-20 15:32:58

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29 Comments view entire thread 

When Extreme Worlds Collide

 
By: respo : July 20th, 2010-09:31
Last night a few of us braved the EXTREME heat of a Philadelphia summer (not to mention a thunderstorm) to get together and talk watches. It was a small and friendly gathering that included some lovely watches, a drink or two, and dinner. Look at this gor...  

Thank you for your report...............

 
By: Topcat30093 : July 20th, 2010-11:12
It's always nice, when you get the opportunity to gtg to talk about one of our favourite subjects!!

What a great evening you had! :)

 
By: blomman Mr Blue : July 20th, 2010-13:30
Sounds like Philadelphia were the place to be last night! And from the looks of it, in very good company. Your two first pictures are two of my non JLC dream watches! I can understand your excitement to meet your EWC brother! It’s a rear thing to meet som... 

Very good company indeed, Blomman

 
By: respo : July 20th, 2010-18:16
For two or three of us it was our first such GTG, so it was a special experience to begin with, made even better by our companions. I spotted an EWC in the wild earlier this month while traveling and then to meet up with PeaceFrog at last has made July a ... 

It is always a pleasure to see virtual friends becoming TRUE friends.

 
By: amanico : July 20th, 2010-14:08
These GTGs are really important in our virtual world, and best, they are mandatory! Very cool gathering of nice guys with great watches. Hope to meet you all one day, in the flesh! Maybe for IGOTT 2? Best! Nicolas

You are, of course, absolutely correct Nicolas

 
By: respo : July 20th, 2010-18:23
It is always exciting to meet others who understand how we feel about these watches and to build upon the virtual friendships we develop. Interestingly, one attendee last night saw a watch he liked on one of our wrists (not mine) last night at the GTG and... 

These GTGs are hot, indeed. :)

 
By: amanico : July 20th, 2010-21:48
There is always some contagious effect, eeeh? And you, did you catch any new virus? Best, my friend. Nicolas

"....How hot was it???"

 
By: PeaceFrog : July 20th, 2010-15:10
answers the audience... It was so hot, that I decided to take the train downtown rather than risk being stuck in rush hour traffic, very convenient because both the hotel where the GTG was held and the restaurant afterwards were within a few blocks of the...  

Well done, PeaceFrog

 
By: respo : July 20th, 2010-18:09
That first photo is GREAT! Gee the EWC CAN do everything, even fry up an egg. Thanks for posting the additional photos. Next time I am just going to let you and Bill do your thing -- I have nothing to contribute with my photography skills -- and I will ju... 

What others think ...

 
By: AndrewD : July 21st, 2010-17:12
Did any of the staff or other patrons ask you about the watches? At our GTG in Melbourne our waiter wondered if we were watchmakers. He then took off his Rolex that had been handed down from his father and placed it on the table for us to look at. Very co... 

That's a nice story, Andrew

 
By: respo : July 21st, 2010-18:12
We did not have that kind of fortune. Our neighbors just gazed at us quizzically. respo

Next time, Ronald

 
By: respo : July 21st, 2010-06:32
It would have been good to have you there, but the GTG was organized as a more of spur of the moment gathering - an emergency respite from teh summer heat, if you will. Agreed, however, it is better to have more advance notice of these events. respo

Glad you guys had a good time

 
By: RJW : July 21st, 2010-05:52
Thanks for the report and photos. Regards, Richard.

A special GTG ...

 
By: AndrewD : July 21st, 2010-17:36
Hi Respo, Great to read your post and see the pictures. It's a special feeling having that first GTG, and a little strange because we already know one another from postings and conversations on the forums. From my recent experience the on-line familiarity... 

My hopes exactly, Andrew

 
By: respo : July 21st, 2010-18:18
The other reports I have read here were inspirational. I admire the friendships I can see growing among a number of the PuristS. respo

a wonderful collection

 
By: playtime : July 21st, 2010-18:34
thanks for sharing--what a gathering--richemont would be proud....

Looks like a terrific gathering, Respo!

 
By: boa2 : July 23rd, 2010-06:58
I'll have to get to Philly to meet this group. Thank you for the report!

Howard, let me know

 
By: respo : July 23rd, 2010-07:03
I would be delighted to meet you here in Philly and perhaps we could get this group together again for such a special visit. HAGWE. respo

That would be great.

 
By: boa2 : July 23rd, 2010-09:07
My closest friend lives just south of there, so on one of my visits, I would love to meet up. I'll certainly let you know. Thank you!

My pleasure to attend and meet everyone....

 
By: wrb75 : July 23rd, 2010-13:36
It was a great evening and hopefully will be repeated soon. Next time we will look for a venue with better lighting. Even in post processing, I couldn't get the WB right and show the true beauty of the watches on display. Thanks respo for the invite. See ... 

It's funny, Bill, but I chose that location...

 
By: respo : July 23rd, 2010-18:48
...in part because I thought it would have decent lighting. But My plan was foiled at least in part. If the bar had been open, rather than having been shut down for renovations the night before, I think it would have been better for photographs. Do you th...