Horological Meandering

I am a recent graduate of Horology school and relatively new to the world of watchmaking; I am absolutely NUTS for watches.
I feel kind of isolated though, because I don't get much opportunity to meet and hang out with many other watchmakers here around St Louis, MO. There are a precious few watchmakers of whom I feel extremely privileged to know, but there aren't many high-end watch retailers around here to even SEE fine watches. And, of course, we have absolutely no watch factories to tour in the whole western hemisphere, so I feel cut off from my roots even before I begin to grow them.
However, with the Internet connecting our global community with sights like PuristS and Tempered, there is hope.
I was thinking of going to Baselworld this year for the first time to do a "meet and greet" with other watchmakers and to see what’s going on out there.
Any suggestions, anything special I should know, any pointers, warnings?
Is there a plan for a PuristS get together?
Are there any factory tours going on that I can get in to?
Thanks,
Patrick@watchwerks.biz

Hi Patrick! I would like to point out to you this invitation of Glashütte Original on April 13th:

www.watchprosite.com

If you are interested in seeing the 2007 novelties, and in a nice evening dinner, you are welcome! Just send me a message, and indicate whether you come alone, or have company. Regards, Marcus ---------------------

Hi Marcus, Thanks for the invite! I'll be there along with a watch buddy of mine. I look forward to meeting you and y'all!

nt

Hi Patrick, the Baselworld is a great show. I was there in 2005 and 2006. However, don't expect to 'meet and greet' with many watchmakers there easily. Here is my experience: The show is open to the public, but clearly focussing on retailers and the press. The big watch manufacturers are mainly represented by their management and sales people. Without a prior appointment it can become quite difficult to talk to someone with a technical background. Follow Marcus Hanke's invitation and get yourself registered for an evening reception. This may be the best opportunity for a 'newbie' watchmaker to get in touch with some 'watch veterans'. An exception is the booth of the AHCI, where you may find the well known AHCI members being around open for discussions at any time. Don't miss out the hall of nations, which used to be a little remote from the main show floor. This 'showcase' of the Hong Kong watch and jewellery industry is really amazing (in some respect it may be a little frightening to a Purist). If you are planning to got to the Baselworld this year, hurry up with your hotel booking and ... have fun there !!!
Best regards from Germany,
Heinrich

My background as a Video/ Electronic Engineer took me to the NAB (National Ass. of Broadcasters) conference in Los Vegas every year; what a zoo that was. So, I know the feeling of these "mega promos", where the people responsible for actually making the product get shoved behind the marketing execs to be hauled out when someone has a real question that can’t be answered with sequins and silicon breast implants.  I guess that’s why I put up this post, to connect with real people, such as you, who know the art and don’t have to hide behind arrogance. Such people are worth there weight in gold, and worth the expense of the journey to meet.
I look forward to meeting you in person,
Patrick

Hi Patrick,

Those sequins and breast implants sell an awful lot of watches and ultimately keep the wrenches like you and I in mac-n-chez from one day to the next.  And more often than you might think there are some very nice and surprisingly knowlegeable people adorned with the aforementioned accoutrements and responsibilities to boot.  Which is to say, be careful not to burn any of the bridges you might be better served by building at this early stage of your career.

_john

. . .he that hath an ear, let him hear

Jack

Yes, I should say I've sported a sequin or two...stroking the star maker machinery… I uh, meant no disrespect. ;-)

"we have absolutely no watch factories to tour in the whole western hemisphere"

RGM in PA
Bozeman Watch Company in Montana

I guess I was limiting my concept of “factory” to huge Elgin, Waltham, Bulova type factories where the movements and everything were made in house. Do RGM and Bozeman actually make the whole watch? Or do they customize movements and call them their own watch. Not that I think any less of them for that, on the contrary, that is what I hope to do in the future, but I would call that facility an “atelier” or maybe a “shop” not a factory, or am I wrong?

nt