Independents

We all look forward to things. We anticipate, we dream, we desire. When that which is anticipated is realized, we feel joy, satisfaction, pride. When we fall short in mapping the mind on to the world we feel disappointment. But sometimes, and these times are rare, the realization far surpasses our expectations. This brings on euphoria!

 

We anticipate events all the time. We might try a new recipe, expecting some outcome, and measure the end result to our expectations. Perhaps in a feedback loop, we customize the recipe, adapting it to suit our taste, searching for a result that will satisfy and bring on those positive emotions. On a larger scale we write a business plan and execute it, and in doing so adapt it to unanticipated events. Ideally one succeeds and gets the rush from achieving a dream.

 

We anticipate in artistic endeavors, both actively and passively. In writing, does an author accurately express in words that which he imagined, whether a description, a feeling, or an idea? Does the reader understand what the author is trying to convey (it is a two way street with writing)? Does a composer capture in notation what his inner ear is hearing? Do the performers realize the structures, gestures, and sonorities that the composer intended? Do the listeners grasp what both what the composer is trying to express and what the players are trying to realize? Can they imagine it being better?

 

I write this because I have just had an experience that far surpasses my expectations. Many readers here know that I ordered a Jean Daniel Nicolas two-minute tourbillon from master watchmaker Daniel Roth. It is a rare watch, to say the least, and there was a certain leap of faith in my choosing to purchase it: I couldn’t try one on before committing to it. It is also, by far, the most money I have ever, and will ever, spend on a watch, so much so that I had to liquidate a VC collection that I had spend years building, with many pieces that were both rare and valuable, to fund it.

 

I wired my deposit in May of 2007 and the watch was ready for pick up on March 1, 2010. I flew over to Switzerland this past weekend to pick it up and finally meet Daniel, his wife Nicole, and their son Jean-Daniel. All through the production process I received updates on the progress of my watch, both written and photographic, and I often showed these photos on this forum. This certainly fed my anticipation, seeing just how meticulous Daniel’s work is. But everything up until this weekend showcased the parts, and to finally take delivery of the assembled and regulated watch, to see it in person, to wear it, to meet its maker, is to experience a whole that is so much greater than even the sum of those parts.

 

The watch is magnificent! The Roth’s are generous, warm, and friendly. This smile you see on my face in the picture below, taken on Sunday, is still there:

 

Photo taken by Alex Ghotbi

 

 

 

There will be many more photos to come:

 

 

 

Bill

This message has been edited by WHL on 2010-04-15 10:18:52

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Wow, a three-year wait, but yes, judging by the watch itself and the smile on your face, it seems well worth it.  The watch looks beautiful.  I know you made a lot of adjustments to your collection to get this one, and I am happy for you to see the beautiful result.

Can't wait to see more photos.

respo

To me, it doesn't get any better than JDN.  A masterpiece from one of the true masters - I'm sure you'll enjoy that one forever.

Wear it in good health.

Darren

 

 your words are truly touching, and your smile truly reflected  on me and am smiling as well.

 

 Faisal

I had the great pleasure to meet Mr. Roth and to see up close one of his watches in Basel.
(He even divulged to me in passing the solution to one of that myriad of little watchmaking problems that no-one who didn't really make their own movements themselves could ever imagine)
I can imagine your joy and satisfaction to aquiring this little piece of perfection from such a warm and inspiring person.
Enjoy it to the full!
Don

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Congratulation!!!!!!
It's one of the super top Tourbillon in my head alongside Journe remontoire, PLM, RM009, Patek 5101P and the new Laurent's Tourby.
*CL

on your beautiful new special piece.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.

I can't wait to learn more about it.  You have every reason to smile about your new purchase.  I feel sure that the satisfaction you are experiencing now will linger with you for a very, very long time.  It's such an amazing timepiece, Bill.  Even though I'm thousands of miles away from you, I assure you that your post and watch are making me smile too.

Many congrats, and enjoy your gorgeous new watch.

Cheers,

Daos

Bill, I couldn't be happier than to see that photo of you with the big smile!  Congratulations to you on this magnificent piece, as well as on achieving the level of self-insight that allowed you to liquidate a significant collection in that spoke to you in another time to permit the acquisition of this piece.

Looking forward to more!

Best,

Gary G

Stunning watch, congratulations!  Can't wait see more pics.

Regards,

ED-209

I now understand why you have had to let go a number of your pieces for this absolute masterpiece. Well wort it!

If not a jacket, at least a collar and tie!!  ;>)

worth the wait

worth the wait

Finally you collect your long awaited piece.
Will be waiting for more pics.

Maybe i cant find your old post but initially how did you interact with DR on how to build the watch to your specs?

this watch deserves to be featured here widely.
Congrats on the watch, you really bought a 'piece'.
GEO

-nt

NT

A very special day indeed.

That''s a treat to see and must feel incredible to wear.  Enjoy it! (And please more pics!)

Best,

Jed

Congrats on a truly remarkable watch! 

I have had the pleasure of seeing one of these in person, and it truly is one of the most stunning pieces around!

Wear it in the best of health!

asg

Can't wait to hear more.

- SJX

Huge congrats, Bill!  Well worth the wait.

a truely lamazing watch - and a bold step to liquidate your collection.

best regards

christian

• your audacity to venture into unknown territory
• your trust and believe into a watchmaker individual
• for taking a decision, stick to it and make the necessary arrangements
• for listening only to your own criteria

This is an example of entrepreneurship on the customer side.

I am delighted to read your report.

Cheers and enjoy your timepiece!
Magnus

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No message body

this is a STUNNING Piece.

 HUGE congrats. enjoy it in good health.

 Cheers

 Tony