Horological Meandering

pplater
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Define 'in the wild'...

Does this count?

It happened in the tiny old ABP store  a few years ago. Given that it is a watch strap atelier, you would expect that visitors might own or wear some decent hardware. As we were discussing the finer points of electric orange toadskin straps for a Panerai, a dashing English gentleman came into the store. It was enough that he was wearing a complicated Patek (no, sorry, no idea which: it was not a place to be staring intently!). However, he then produced a stylish leather watch-carrying case and from within that case he removed a watch carefully wrapped in a dustcloth and explained to the proprietor of the boutique that he wished to have a strap made for the watch in a colour similar to that of the case. That watch, even from a furtive glance at five paces, was dazzling for its elegance, presence and finesse. It was [then] not a familiar piece, but upon being unwrapped it 'filled' the entire boutique. Have you experienced such an effect?

The boutique owner handled the watch appreciatively and asked who the maker was. The Englshman replied with a name that sounded like 'Limousine', but it was indistinct. A subsequent retelling of the story and a  'callout' on this forum failed to produce any insight as to what that watch might have been, but it was possible to know instinctively that it was very special. The identity of that piece has remained a vexing mystery, and the failure to overcome reserve and engage the gentleman in conversation has remained an eternal regret. Any insights, even now, would be most welcome.

Cheers,

pplater.