
Next door to our hotel we found a 'Saftladen' (health food shop) which (i) serves fresh sandwiches and (ii) opens early enough, so we managed to fuel up...
and enjoy a first coffee at Zurich's main train station.
That was the last moment we did not talk about watches! Barely entering the train to Basel, we recognised Marc Jenni, who just the night before was accepted as full member of the AHCI - CONGRATULATIONS Marc!
Being early certainly has its advantages. First, you have the leisure to admire the architecture, quite impressive since construction works are underway to replace the entire exhibition center in Basel.
You also get a rare feeling of tranquility, 'the quiet before the storm'. This even inspires a few of the industries top executives, here Nick Hayek having coffee with Walter von Känel, CEO of Longines:
Minutes later business starts, visitors, media representatives as well as industry members (exhibitors, dealers, collectors) are flooding the halls. Your moderators visit the famous brands...



The following collage I guess is what will make many envious - talking to watchmakers and executives is the icing on the cake for any watch connoisseur:
And it deservedly is! There is little more exciting that discussing first hand with the creators of timepieces, understand their vision, getting a glimpse into their personalities and thus expanding one's appreciation for the watches. Furthermore, one has much more freedom to inspect the watches in their natural environment (aka 'wrist')!


and lots of invigorating coffee...
... one only wishes to do the same as this dog here!
Before finally able to call it a day we realised we made a mistake. Both of us brought along our Leica M9 cameras which at the end of the day we had to pry off someones hands...
One last check of image files in the press center...
... and, with the impression of having achieved something, back to Zurich by train. The advertisement states 'Small is Big' - but why is Oliver looking slightly disturbed? I leave the answer to your fantasy!
The day is not finished yet. Time to meet old friends and exchange views on the novelties. You always learn from other people's perspective!
Well after midnight, the day has come to a close for us. A last night cup...

