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A round of applause for Bill and his soon to come 30, 000th post!

Nov 17, 2024,21:54 PM
 

Bill deserves it, genuinely. 


Without Bill, we wouldn't have this virtual home of ours, dear to our heart. He doesn't like to be called The Boss, but he is. A discreet, humble one. Most often behind the curtain, in total modesty. 

But he is right. He is more than a Boss. He is a friend, a real one, and one I am lucky to call my best friend. 

Without Bill, I wouldn't have accepted his offer to be a Moderator here. I had the pleasure to meet him in December 2006, and it was friendship at first sight. 


Without Bill, we wouldn't have all these informative posts about Vintage Rolex, even if he is  guilty of having dried the market of vintage Rolex bracelets.  wink 

Without Bill, we wouldn't have some of the best internet moments, such as the fabulous International Gathering in 2011, in Vegas. 

All those who had the opportunity to meet him can witness his incredible generosity and sense of friendship. 

We love you, Bill. 

Ok, now some pictures and facts about The Man, the Star for those who don't know him personally. 

Did you know that in his young days, he was a famous rock star? 



And that much later, he ran a very prosperous business as a famous waffle maker in Belgium? 



He is also known as Popeye the Sailor Man, and developed a strong love for boats. The man, his watch, his wrist and his boat: 



He is a man of Passion, for everything in Life; His family, watches for sure, wine, cars, and his friends. 

Man you took your time to post your 30, 000th. Many times, I had an eye on your posts, hoping that I won't be late and miss the opportunity of putting this well deserved homage to you... But the pleasure, the reward and the honor are in the wait, as we used to say. 

Kudos to you, my friend, and once again, thanks for everything you did, for me, for us, for our virtual home, for our members. 

All the best, mon ami. 

Nicolas

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Comments: view entire thread 

Congratulations Bill and many more to come.

 
By: M4 : November 17th, 2024-22:07
Wonderful heartfelt tribute and no doubt deserving for those of us who don't know Bill personally. M4

Congrats to Billy ...

 
By: bimbeano : November 17th, 2024-22:25
.. and Bill ;-) December 2006 ... that's 18 years ago ... so you all aged by 18 years I guess ... and so did i :-(. Time really flies. Bim

Bill, sincerest thanks to you. Your dedication to our Community is unmatched.

 
By: MichaelC : November 17th, 2024-22:32
Everything you have done here, much of which is well under the radar - you lead by example. And a fine one at that!

Wow

 
By: The Berlin Flatline : November 17th, 2024-22:32
Thanks for this wonderful forum. Best place, I am so grateful to have found this community.

Congrats Sir 👏 🤗👍

 
By: SALMANPK : November 17th, 2024-22:33
Most Grateful for the Home Away from Home 🙏 My Count Vlad, what beautiful sentiments and I agree with you wholeheartedly. Once Again Sir Thank You and Congrats 😇

I saved the 30k response for my Dearest friend of nearly two decades.

 
By: Bill : November 17th, 2024-23:05
As we celebrate this incredible 30,000th post, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude. While I am truly humbled by the wonderful message from my dear friend Nicolas, I must send the same praise right back to him. Over the past two decades... 

Wise words.

 
By: Derreck : November 18th, 2024-14:13
Without Nicholas this forum would be much more quieter and not that much fun, his enthusiasm is contagious and is one of the most important elements that keeps me coming back to this forum day after day.

I wasn’t actually aware

 
By: Derreck : November 20th, 2024-16:33
how Bill was involved so thank you for highlighting it, seems he is the one behind the curtain keeping the machinery working.

Bravo!

 
By: S F : November 18th, 2024-00:37
Thanks Bill (and your team) in maintaining this community for all of us here.

Good memory!

 
By: NautNut : November 18th, 2024-16:18
Actually he did not play that night. It was the grand opening and he was one of the invited guests. A fun time

Bravo, Bill!

 
By: Boris : November 18th, 2024-01:22
Heartfelt congratulations on hitting this milestone. And thank you for giving us a home.

What a wonderful achievement, Bill!

 
By: Chicolini : November 18th, 2024-03:37
Thank you so much for providing us your knowledge, insight, perspective and beautiful watches for all these years. You are cherished and much appreciated. My hat is off to you with sincere thanks. Eddy

My sincere congratulations 🍾🥂…

 
By: Cpt Scarlet : November 18th, 2024-07:54
It’s a pleasure to be part of the team and make this place a joy for everyone. Without you Bill none of this would be possible. Beet regards Captain

To many more, Bill 🎉🎊🎈👏🏻

 
By: KMII : November 18th, 2024-08:58
Thanks so much for providing, maintaining and developing this home away from home of ours and for always being a supportive, understanding and helpful ‘landlord’ and friend 😁 We are all truly grateful for all you do and hope to keep you in good health for... 

I wasn’t aware that Bill was

 
By: Derreck : November 18th, 2024-14:16
one of the most important elements of this forum. Thank you very much sir for creating and keeping alive this great place, this community which is like a breath of fresh air. A home away from home.

Congratulations to the Quiet One

 
By: cazalea : November 18th, 2024-15:23
The fact that so many don't know who Bill might be is a testimony to his leadership style here. Thanks for all your blood, sweat and tears in keeping this "pure" watch pro site going. Mike Watches from our GTG of three, in Paris, 2010: (obviously I had fo...  

Congrats Bill and thanks for your many contributions!

 
By: JohnFM : November 18th, 2024-15:24
While I've always enjoyed your wrist shots (every watch somehow looks better on your wrist), I honestly didn't know you had such an important role behind the scenes here. After trying many, this has become my go to watch website, without a doubt. I learn ... 

Big congrats dear Bill on your 30K post milestone! Well deserved the words from our dear Nicolas opening this thread celebrating it.

 
By: Subexplorer : November 18th, 2024-15:38
I thank you so much for all your work to make it possible to have this place and make it our home away from home which I feel honored to belong and enjoy so much. I raise my glass to celebrate your achievement and keep looking forward to more of those gre... 

The man, the wrist, the collection

 
By: aperna : November 18th, 2024-19:26
Putting aside his world class watch collection he hast to be one of the nicest individuals I have encountered on this form. He’s a true Renaissance man, a gentleman extraordinaire . His hairy wrist will be remembered into the next millennium. All the best... 

Congrats Bill!

 
By: roundel : November 19th, 2024-01:10
I’d love to see a post showing your collection some day! I never would have guessed you are Billy Idol. 🤔

I tip my hat to you and thank you.

 
By: MTR : November 19th, 2024-06:28
Dear Bill, heartfelt congratulations on hitting this milestone! Even though I don’t know you personally, it’s clear from everyone’s comments how dedicated you are to this community and that you’re the one holding PuristSPro together behind the scenes. I a... 

Congratulations Bill !

 
By: mahesh : November 19th, 2024-21:58
It was a great pleasure to have met you in person… For many more posts to come…cheers ! Best, Mahesh.,

Nico, thank you for highlighting Bill!

 
By: Tim Jackson : November 29th, 2024-15:48
I have hung around here for many moons as they say. My enjoyment and participation have always been top notch. As one of the earliest online forums with which to come to learn and share one’s nascent knowledge, with fellow watch enthusiasts, “the purists”...