MattS
2639
the unstoppable man
60K posts, OMG!!! Nico is really the Forrest Gump of watch collectors!!!
So let me give you a couple of stories and insights on the subject.
I met Vlad in the Spring of 2010 for the first time in Paris!!! I had just joined the forum and was a bit lost at the time in my horological personal journey. I had been a watch enthusiast for many years, had a few nice modern watches (chronos) and had just started discovering the vintage world. I had logically continued with chronographs and had at the time 2 vintage pieces, a speedmaster and a JLC 4 ATM. As I said I had discovered the forum a couple of months before and had read a lot of great posts which lead me to be interested in vintage divers!...
So as I live in the same city as the devel, he offered to meet to help me and bring some light!
So the thema was watches and vintage divers! At the time, Nico was around 30000 posts, already an impressive milestone that I think nobody else has reached yet!?...
At that time, he showed me what he considered to be the cherry on top of the cheese cake when it comes to vintage divers, and he was very proud to show me his top 4 that were at the time an achievement, these 4:
Well, not bad!...LOL
I was struck right away by the Fifty Fathom and by the SM 300. The FF was in my head but a difficult quest. On top of these four watches he also showed me the UG Polerouter Sub! A more affordable and easier to find piece that immidiately spoke to me! so I went back with 2 projects in my head, find a Polerouter Sub and a SM300.
By reading on the forum I also discovered the Benrus watches which I found interesting, so after 3-4 months of hectic hunting I finished the summer with these 3:
That was a good start. I continued the discussion on the thema of divers and to finish the year it came out that I needed to add a Submariner to the theme. I wasn't ready to wear a Rolex at that time and Vlad led me to Tudor, so by the end of the year I found a nice Tudor Sub 7928 and also came across a Kontiki which joined the family. I also decided at the time to focus on 60s watches as they are very nice, not too difficult to find and financially accessible!
That was a good start. I continued the discussion on the thema of divers and to finish the year it came out that I needed to add a Submariner to the theme. I wasn't ready to wear a Rolex at that time and Vlad led me to Tudor, so by the end of the year I found a nice Tudor Sub 7928 and also came across a Kontiki which joined the family. I also decided at the time to focus on 60s watches as they are very nice, not too difficult to find and financially accessible!
So here is a picture of my theme in the Spring of 2011, focusing on the 60s:
2011 has been a very busy year for me!!! I was looking for a Fifty Fathoms...not easy even with the help of some friends!!!...so while hunting the Fifty fathoms, I was offered a watch that I didn't even dream of, the Rolex submariner Big Crown 6538, so I did the big jump and aquired it!...later during the summer I found another very rare bird, in the spirit of the FF, the Longines Nautilus, so this one joined the family end of August!...
Finally in November, I found my Fifty Fathoms!!!
and the quest continues, so I decided to continue to focus on this theme and especially on the no crown guard, no dates, so this year I found the Eberhard Scafograf 200! and here is where I am on this:
We'll see how this continues!...
No doubt that Vlad was influencial in guiding me and getting there!...
He is a master when it comes to building a theme and is always ready to help and give advice. This helps a lot, gives you a path to follow and allows you to stay focused, although one would argue that he doesn't apply this to himself!?
Well, Vlad in all his "Vladescence" has the ability to build several themes at the same time!
He has a vintage divers theme going, a GMT theme, en explorer theme, a JLC theme, some would argue he has a Rolex theme going on, and also has crossing or sub themes like military, why not a little chrono theme, and just to spice it up a little Haute Horlogerie theme!?....
Well, just as his 60K Posts, his collection is enormous but what is really great is that he is always ready to help and give advice be it to the beginner as well as to the most advanced enthusiast, just follow some of the discussions on the Fifty Fathoms!...
well, fantastic achievement on your 60K posts Nico, great to have you around!...
To finish just a last picture of a lunch last summer, I'm wondering if you are not getting lost!?
Kepp going,
best
Matt
This message has been edited by MattS on 2012-11-05 02:48:13
THE "FESTIVAL OF VLAD" (Part One)...
Fellow PuristS - "Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye!" This weekend sees an awesome milestone in the history of the site, as Nicolas aka Amanico aka 'Vlad' rolls over to 60,000 posts! We must spend the weekend in celebration. You will get the chance, over a series...
A-ha!
So, that's who I want to be when I grow up, huh? Well, at least I know I'm going to be a handsome bugger. ;-) Congratulations on your milestone, Nico! Regards, Adam
THE “FESTIVAL OF VLAD” (Part Two)…
Our demon JLC moderator revealed his true unearthly identity by clocking up his first ten thousand posts in as many minutes, often responding to posts that were still being typed, at all hours of the day and night on both sides of the globe. His prodigiou...
Dear pplater
now it's obvious where my drinking problem comes from :) Number of pieces that I didn't appreciated or even worst notice at all is indeed large before he opened my heart to them ...he even opened my heart to a brand --- the Rolex he poisoned me with Logo....
Nicolas, Vlad, Counselor, Friend
Your unyielding passion is amazing to me and I am certain to most. I would congratulate you on the 60K post accomplishment, but the appropriate thing to do is to thank you. You make life online so much more fun that it would otherwise be. Oh, and damn you...
Provoking dreams is much better than nightmares, don't you think? ;)
No, seriously, thanks to you, Jed... It was a pleasure, a real pleasure to meet you in the real life, in Vegas! All the best. Nicolas
The pleasure was mine, Nicolas.
I regret we had so little time, and I hope we'll meet again soon! All the best. CaliforniaJed
60 K posts would not be possible without all these marks of friendship, Damjan.
And you friendship does mean a lot to me. Hiiips! ;) Nicolas
First time I met Vlad...
He showed me his true person... And told me how I will end up... But did I run? No I was blinded of all the Grails lying in the mud of his footsteps... And now it's too late! ;) Best Blomman ...
You forgot to say that I had YOUR head in MY bag, on the first photo. :)))
I well remember our first meeting... I will never forget it. :) All the best, and a huge thank you, Blomman, to be my friend. Nicolas
I took 666 photos at IGOTT-2 in Las Vegas
But none of Vlad turned up clearly......NONE! What is this all about? This devil fish appeared when it should be a night time shot of amanico by the Wynn swimming pool with a glass of champagne. He was standing next to me in street clothes in one of the s...
Forced Mental Torture by Vlad made me acquire these....
Thank you Nicolas et bravo for all your work and advises. Cheers, Francois ...
Oooops! Forgot this piece of evidence as well....:)
And I love it, love it....thank's mate! Cheers, Francois ...
Huge 60k congrats Nicolas
your insight has inspired a lot of my collection, and in a strange way, I do consider that a good thing! :-) Richard
Those JLCs he hypnotize me with ...
More to come I afraid ... LOL Thanks for pointing me to these treasure my friend. :) Regards Tyler ...
Among few I have
and all very dear to me certainly my favorite is first one ...the one the day we met... how insightful I am is fact that I momentarily asked him to autograph JLC book One ;)..imagine the value after he jumps over 100 00 posts I'll just have enough for new...
Allow me to join
Vlad influence is very strong and, violating physics laws, is not reduced by distance. Does not matter where you are. Here is one of his mesmerizing effects: Congratulations Nicolas for this new mark. Cheers, Nilo ...
THE “FESTIVAL OF VLAD” (Part Three)…
We were very lucky to have Vlad ‘land’ at the PuristS (as it then was). As he may tell you, if you don’t already know, life amongst the Paneristi was bittersweet for someone who had been so passionate about, and such a great supporter of, the brand. Still...
Nicolas and Panerai = bitter sweet memories
Sweet (Having all this beasts is just ....well...sweet) Bitter (Last time seen on beach in Rovinj...estranged since...look after this one maybe it will emerge somewhere ... if so... call the Police immediately) and some Crude memories of course (when I sa...
Huge congrats on the 60K, dear friend!
Thank you for your friendship and all the hard work here! Hope to see you soon again! Best Blomman
THE “FESTIVAL OF VLAD” (Part Four)…
Friends, friends, friends… When you are as generous and gregarious as Vlad, you will have a lot of friends. He is quick with an open invitation to visit Paris, and just as quick to visit Purist friends around the world. Here are just a few of his shots (a...
I might have few
let's start with most decent one :) to the most recent one and one little secret...the man is working hard during GTGs...he gave us bottle of strange water and continued on frenetically taking pictures for our "viewing pleasure" during very blurry conditi...
WOW! If I ever want to write a biography, I know who to ask for
If I am short of pictures! :) Best, my friend. Nicolas.
Paris ...
I had the pleasure of meeting Nico at IGOTT2 in Vegas last year (but there was always a queue) and in his natural environment in Paris earlier this year. Every moment was an experience and he has as much enthusiasm, passion and energy as you see here. Gre...
IGOTT 2, May 2011 . . .
. . . Las Vegas, Nevada. Yours truly, the Impaler, and Purists stalwart Stefan. Next year in Paris! ...
THE “FESTIVAL OF VLAD” (Part Five)…
“The thema; must complete the thema!” The thema is the mantra for Vlad. Not many collectors go to such lengths, with such patience, to collect a series or theme (OK Blomman, you’re the exception to prove the rule! ☺). Blancpain, Milspec, diver, vintage Ro...
My favorite Thema of Nicolas is
following mantra Life-Family-Friends Life is beautiful - Enjoy it Family is precious - Cherish it Friendship is great - Live it ;) that's all folks Damjan ...
Vlad was the first to greet me and my #99 Freak when i joined the forum
Its a shame that i had to sell the Freak, but the friendship remains. He is always first to comment on a post when you are proud of a new aquisition which makes you love it even more. Vlad is a huge amount of fun, but also has a huge amount of knowledge t...
We will remain Freaaakie Friends forever, my good Graham. ;)
you well know that for me, the taste in watches is more important than owning watches. That friendship is more important than watches, except that we do not have to forget that these are watches which lead us to know each other. Oooh yes, I do remember Mo...
I have the pictures ready,...
I have the pictures ready, i just have to submit them as evidence :) On Nov 5, 2012 6:37 PM, "www watchprosite" *Alert from:* www:watchprosite > *Posted By:* amanico (registered) on November 5th, 2012 - 10:36 > > *Title: We will remain Freaaakie Friends f...
the unstoppable man
60K posts, OMG!!! Nico is really the Forrest Gump of watch collectors!!! So let me give you a couple of stories and insights on the subject. I met Vlad in the Spring of 2010 for the first time in Paris!!! I had just joined the forum and was a bit lost at ...
Wow, Matt, thank you so much. BUT there is no master, here.
Just some shared pleasures. And you don't need anybody to build your own collection, which is truly amazing. Bravo, thanks and very well played my friend. YOU go fast! Best, Nicolas.
No pictures of Vlad to share...
...unfortuntely, as i haven't have the chance to meet Nicolas in person yet, but i feel the friendship nevertheless. 60'000 post - it just seemd to me that we celebrated 50'000 posts recently, or i am wrong? There must be some black magic involved here......
Celebrating friendship is much more important than the number of posts, for sure.
Thank you for the very nice words, and I do hope we'll have the pleasure to meet soon! All the best, Stefan. Nicolas.
Don't really have a favorite photo of da man ...
... but these give a good picture on his 'state of mind' i guess ..... :-) Horology .... Phrenology ... and Witchery .... héhé ... Bim ...
Hopefully not. Just passion, and friendship. ;)
And I am lucky enough to not need too many hours to sleep. Best, Nicolas
My experience of being influenced
This feels like a bit of a confession, but there is not a single acquisition or considered acquisition that has not been tempered (or accelerated) by the question "I wonder what Nicolas would think?" The reason is simple, Vlad is fast to give his supporti...
I have no pics because...
I know the true Count, and the true Count reflects no light and casts no shadows! Congrats, Nico, my friend, and thanks for all you do here! TM
Passion spelled with a capital "P"
A great friend and a very unselfish one always ready to listen and share in the Passion. If you look up the word Passion in the dictionary you will find a picture of Nicolas along with a wrist shot. One more picture of our great friend. Bill ...
That was a superb moment, Bill.
I am amazed by your own definition of friendship, with a Capital F. You did a lot for me. And this picture is one of many evidences of your friendship. THANK YOU! All the best, my friend. Nicolas
Amanico is a true Gent.
I had the enormous pleasure of meeting him in Paris back in 2009, when I had an afternoon free. It was a Tuesday, but owing to the Bastille Day holiday, Nico wasn't working and agreed to meet up in the afternoon for a coffee when I PM'd him a few weeks pr...
Shared pleasure and honor, my dear Tim.
It looked natural for me to spend this day with you. Afer all, you did a big trip, and I always wanted to meet you. Next time I hpe it will come soon! All the best. Nicolas
Certainly my appreciation of vintage sports/special use pieces has expanded...
With your prodigious posting and fab pictures. I even aquired an old UJ Polerouter dive watch, partly inspired by some of your postings here. For sure I would not have known what a neat and historically interesting piece it is with the micro-rotor UJ cali...
Needs some TLC, the movement is in dire need of work.
Quick pics, rather dirty, prior to cleaning up exterior with rubbing alcohol. Rather fun asymetrical case, which means a natural crown guard! Dial is good even patina with hands, appears to be all original. Perhaps you can PM me with the name of a good re...
I know a great repairer...
I know a great repairer in uk, but thats no good to you is it. G On Nov 7, 2012 7:32 PM, "www watchprosite" *Alert from:* www:watchprosite > *Posted By:* Tim Jackson (registered) on November 7th, 2012 - 11:32 > > *Title: Needs some TLC, the movement is in...
That is a superb example. I love a lot the cross hair dial and the assymetric case.
When I think that i miseed one for nothing, a few years ago!!! Best, my friend. Nicolas
Apprenticing with Vlad is very challenging!
He is a demanding tutor! I take lessons from him on how to stay up all night posting...I dream about starting "themas" on vintage dive watches...I attend workshops on neck biting. LOL! I *heart* you, Vlad! Thanks for all you do! :-) Daos
Our dear Vlad..
The most prolific, irrepressible and tireless playmaker extroadinaire! 60,000 plus posts and still counting! An unsurmountable and humanly impossible feat! But we all know that. :) He has led us into temptation countless times and I can attribute my three...
Hey, Fernando, because I wear a garlic necklace...
...I have only fallen for the Polaris & the 1931 Reverso. Not the DSA! You should try it: some garlic every day keeps the VLAD away... and the lady's too, I am afraid...
That's good advice!
But the ladies .....they are probably the reason why I don't wear the garlic necklace. Not that it makes much difference. :)
We all are an inspiration for each other. That is the strenght of this Site. In fact
This is our virtual home which deserves recognition, not me. But thanks for the " sweet as blood " words. ;) All the best, my good friend. Nicolas.
Congratulations!
Mr. Amanico, You bring so much to this forum. Thank you for all of your dedication to watches and sharing of your knowledge. Regards, Jon
My Memovox TTDSA
Nicolas has provided me with much interest and information from his fantastic posts and photographs. The number of times I've drooled over various Rolex, Blancpain and other interesting and sometimes obscure watches is beyond counting. The watch that actu...
Congrats on a major milestone Nicolas!
thank you for your contribution to this great site! your passion for this crazy hobby of ours is beyond words... Congrats and toast to the next 60K as we all know the Vlad lives forever! Merci!
THANK YOU so much, Kevin, for such an original, funny and excellent homage.
I am deeply moved, my friend. All the best, Nicolas
This Bimbeano is a traitor...
What happened in Vegas had to stay in Vegas... :) Best, Nicolas
Can't keep up with the pace!
I clearly remember you 50k-th landmark post as if it were yesterday. Am I going to to have to praise you every time you add another 10k to your account? I reckon most of this site would be dedicated to celebrating your proficiency. Joke apart this a magni...
What an outstanding series...
commemorating an outstanding record of an outstanding Purist - well done all around, and special congrats to Nico (how many keyboard did you kill in the process?)! Cheers, Magnus
To answer your question...
I " impaled " 8 keyboards, and 6 computers ( well, one was stolen ). ;) Thank you so much, Magnus. You know how much it is diificult but also important to try to write some good articles. Best, Nicolas
I must confess that there are 2 important steps for me...
The 66 666th post, as a good Vlad Dracul I am... And the 100 000th one. :) Well, I have a few other big topics to put on line. Topics I am working on for some years, now. Which will be posted on due time... Best, Ztirual, and thanks for your kind comments...
Yeah, big congratulations Nicolas!! (and a great post pplater!)...
Although I have a had the greatest pleasure to have met, and continue to meet (whenever I can finish a meeting early when in Paris), I have no photos of the man himself. But I'm sure, as all of us who have spent time with Nicolas, we all have his face and...
Wot?
Wait wait wait...it was just the other day that there was that 50k posts thread wasn't it....? (goes off to check...) Okay, so you've clocked up 10k posts in what, 9 months/ 270-ish days? You've got it bad, man ! Will I finally get to meet the prolific 'V...
Don't check, you are right. ;)
Would lve to go to London this week, but I am screwed in Paris for my real job.... Too bad! But we'll certainly have other opportunities, Rob. All the best, and ... Thanks! Nicolas.
I have so much to blame Vlad for
Where to begin? Well, how about here, More than 60,000 posts is inspiring, frightening and awesome. Congratulations and thank you for all that you do here, Nicolas. Best always, my friend Robert ...
Well, the TTP is a friendship watch, my dear Respo.
No matter if 65 or 68, the TTP is a community watch, and our Polaris Roll Call is here to witness that. I am innocent on that one. :) But thanks for making me believe that I am guilty... did you appreciate the lawyer's trick? :) :) :) All the best, and hu...
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