Horological Meandering

Last night a few of us braved the EXTREME heat of a Philadelphia summer (not to mention a thunderstorm) to get together and talk watches.  It was a small and friendly gathering that included some lovely watches, a drink or two, and dinner. 

Look at this gorgeous Lange.

And this beautiful Patek.

 

I really like this IWC chrono – I just love that dial.

I think for our small group we had a nice representation of some fine pieces.  IWC was especially well represented.  It was a great opportunity for me to explore the IWC world a bit more than I have before.  I also go to try on a buddy’s new Master Control on SS bracelet – what a beautiful watch and a revelation to me!

 

But wait, what are these guys doing?

Aside from the pleasure of meeting some wonderful gentlemen for the first time, I had the thrill of bumping wrists with another JLC Extreme World Chronograph.  Yes, PeaceFrog and I finally managed to meet and admire each other’s EXTREMELY fine taste in watches. 

I know we are a little crazy and goofy, but honestly, it was soooooo cool seeing the EWC on PF’s wrist and getting the two EWCs together.   Seeing it fit so well on PF’s wrist reminded me why I love this watch so much.  I think PF’s passion for this watch may be even more EXTREME than mine!!!

Who's EWC is that?

My thanks to wrb75 for supplying the photos here, for his delightful company and for sharing some great information. I am hoping that PeaceFrog will post some additional photos  -- I think he may have some good ones to post here and perhaps on Wristscan Friday…

Thanks guys for a fun evening.

respo

It's always nice, when you get the opportunity to gtg to talk about one of our favourite subjects!!

some great pieces there!

 

 Thanks for posting .

 

 Faisal

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For  two or three of us it was our first such GTG, so it was a special experience to begin with, made even better by our companions. 

I spotted an EWC in the wild earlier this month while traveling and then to meet up with PeaceFrog at last has made July a very special month for me.

Thanks for looking,

respo

These GTGs are really important in our virtual world, and best, they are mandatory!

Very cool gathering of nice guys with great watches.

Hope to meet you all one day, in the flesh!

Maybe for IGOTT 2?

Best!

Nicolas

It is always exciting to meet others who understand how we feel about these watches and to build upon the virtual friendships we develop. 

Interestingly, one attendee last night saw a watch he liked on one of our wrists (not mine) last night at the GTG and went straight to his AD this morning and bought one for himself today for his birthday.  That is pretty cool!

Best,

respo

There is always some contagious effect, eeeh?

And you, did you catch any new virus?

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

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answers the audience...

It was so hot,



that I decided to take the train downtown rather than risk being stuck in rush hour traffic, very convenient because both the hotel where the GTG was held and the restaurant afterwards were within a few blocks of the train station. Besides, there is some beautiful scenery that always makes me look out the window the entire trip.





And upon arrival, met several gentlemen who brought with them some very nice watches. Everyone doted on the Patek and the Lange, both looked great on the owners' wrists and on the table!



An IWC Aquatimer on bracelet with a quick change system that felt as secure and easy to use as the one on the Extreme World Chronographs that were present. An appropriate choice, this IWC, because the skies began to open up with torrential rain on our way from the GTG to dinner! I think you can still see the drops all over my EWC wrist shot below!









The lens cover on my camera didn't open fully for some reason, but I included these shots because they have a voyeuristic quality, not unlike the quizzical looks of hotel guests who wondered why we were passing watches around the table!



A vintage Longines that was in the gentleman's family for nearly a century if I remember correctly, being a wedding present from his grandfather to grandmother.





I would take advantage of any chance to see watches like these up close, thanks to all who brought out their treasured pieces and to Respo for setting up this gathering!
This message has been edited by PeaceFrog on 2010-07-20 15:18:42 This message has been edited by PeaceFrog on 2010-07-20 15:32:58

That first photo is GREAT!  Gee the EWC CAN do everything, even fry up an egg.

Thanks for posting the additional photos.  Next time I am just going to let you and Bill do your thing -- I have nothing to contribute with my photography skills -- and I will just ogle the watches.  Glad you got a shot of Stu's vintage Longines - definitely a special piece.

Yes it was pretty funny seeing the other patrons of the hotel and the restaurant watching our group with confused looks on their faces.

Hope to see you again soon.

respo

Did any of the staff or other patrons ask you about the watches?

At our GTG in Melbourne our waiter wondered if we were watchmakers. He then took off his Rolex that had been handed down from his father and placed it on the table for us to look at. Very cool.

Andrew

We did not have that kind of fortune.  Our neighbors just gazed at us quizzically. 

respo

with a little more notice?

It would have been good to have you there, but the GTG was organized as a more of spur of the moment gathering  - an emergency respite from teh summer heat, if you will.

Agreed, however, it is better to have more advance notice of these events.

respo

NT

Thanks for the report and photos.

Regards,

Richard.

Hi Respo,

Great to read your post and see the pictures. It's a special feeling having that first GTG, and a little strange because we already know one another from postings and conversations on the forums. From my recent experience the on-line familiarity quickly leads to enthusiastic conversation about many topics and even firmer friendships.

Hopefully this will be the first of many GTG's for your local PuristS chapter.

Regards

Andrew

The other reports I have read here were inspirational.  I admire the friendships I can see growing among a number of the PuristS.

respo

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thanks for sharing--what a gathering--richemont would be proud....

I'll have to get to Philly to meet this group.

Thank you for the report!

I would be delighted to meet you here in Philly and perhaps we could get this group together again for such a special visit. 

HAGWE.

respo

My closest friend lives just south of there, so on one of my visits, I would love to meet up.  I'll certainly let you know.  Thank you!

It was a great evening and hopefully will be repeated soon. Next time we will look for a venue with better lighting. Even in post processing, I couldn't get the WB right and show the true beauty of the watches on display. Thanks respo for the invite. See you all in September at the WatchTime event.

Bill

...in part because I thought it would have decent lighting. But My plan was foiled at least in part. If the bar had been open, rather than having been shut down for renovations the night before, I think it would have been better for photographs.  Do you think they might have mentioned the closing to me when I called??? But you did a very good job in spite of the conditions.  Thanks again.

Yes, see you in September.

Have a good weekend,

respo