TimeOut

it is like our home here...



Cheers

I have always been an enthusiast of mechanical watches, but never really knew more than what I saw with the brands that I grew accustomed to while reading magazines until I bought one of my first "real watch", a Bell & Ross BR01-97. Searching the web with a search engine looking for more information regarding that watch and the movement brought me to PuristS, and although there wasn't a whole lot of information regarding BR at that time, I started looking through some of the posts and discussion items and realized that everyone here seemed to come from different backgrounds with different interests and viewpoints, and I guess that point that it didn't matter if the watch cost a buck or a million bucks, that everyone was here because they loved watches, and that made me feel comfortable enough to start coming back regularly.



Richard

I think I met him at a Paneristi gathering at the boutique in Beverly HIlls one day years ago and he or someone there mentioned PuristS.  I kept my distance for some time, however, knowing there was not much purity in me!  Then Scott Dufrane called me about an internship in my group at the office, and of course we talked about the site again, and I finally started poking around.  That's when I realized what a wonderful place it is, and how much I enjoy all of you.

Best,

Jed

blog, then I got to know Thomas and ended up being th 1st poster on TP which at the time was just an AP forum

The first poster?  You've been around much longer than I have!  

I first stumbled upon this site 10 years ago when it was more than just an AP forum but still very much a small community.  I was looking to buy my very first mechanical watch and TP was the most informative site (I wound up buying a Breguet and it's been a slippery slope since).  I was so impressed with the watch knowledge of the various posters, but even more taken by the civility of the site.  This was a site that was dominated by men and yet, I felt absolutely at HoMe here.  In fact, I felt so at ease I started a personal correspondence with Thomas and now count him among my good friends!  Thanks to TP, I've also managed to meet many friends here - AV, Bernard & Dolly, Greg etc. . . .

Thanks for the memories! And here's to many more!

Funny, how the Purists is now more about the friendships to me than it is the watches. Thanks Eloise.

Greg

No message body

maybe the post was on that.

Of the original ThePuristS.com AP forum.

And Alex, there's another reason, isn't there, why the date of your first posting (and of the very first post ever as a community forum on ThePuristS.com) will never be forgotten!?!



Cheers, and great to see you in this thread, alex.

No message body

I was looking for info on how watches work (personal hang up) and found WatchRap (or was it pre-Watchrap - can't remember).  There was lots of good discussion around the techie side of things then, and I also hung out a bit in Belles Lettres.

Watches themselves don't interest me too much, and I've since moved on to other things (precision clocks being one of them).

I guess my one regret is that WatchRap is closed, and all the good discussion that happened, and the amazing amount of useful info, is no longer accessible.  The same goes for the Jaquet Droz forum.  I was recently looking for info on something, and then realised it would have been a WatchRap discussion with Suitbert etc.  Sigh...

nick

and I am the National Librarian.

For those with genuine interest and a good reason, and if I know you to be an established Purist with a DEMONSTRATED history of being  supportive of the site and community (no empty lip service, please) I am happy to grant one day (or short "passes") to the "stacks."

Cheers,

TM

Hi Thomas,

That's a very nice offer. PPlater and I were discussing this recently during the flurry of posts on TO about hand guns. Do you remember the balanced and very interesting WR2.0 post on gun control? That was a powerful thread providing insight into both sides of the issues, both at an individual and national level. No 'soapboxing', just considered points. PuristS at its best.

Andrew

Found WatchRap looking for information on watches - Cannot recall which one. Started reading the wealth of technical information. Lurked around for years.

Then decided to post...

This is a great ideal Andrew!

In all honesty, when I first started to dabble in online horological forums, the PuristS wasn't the first one I dabbled in.

I don't remember, but I think I signed up for a PuristSPro account, but I didn't utilize it for the first few weeks/months.

I was quite active in another forum, but I found more detailed, historical, and technical information here on PuristSPro and eventually I regarded PuristSPro as my home forum.

At the time I was more active with the "other" forum, I met one of the moderators of the PuristSPro organization. The knowledge possessed by this moderator and his appreciation for fine watchmaking was completely parallel to my own (naturally he was appreciating fine horology at a much higher level, but we had a few ideas in common). He even utilized a fountain pen (one of my first passions) unknown by most except for the most highly appreciative fountain pen collectors. This gentleman didn't tell me about his position with PuristSPro and I didn't find out until the second time I met him. I won't identify this moderator in fear of embarrassing him.

Coincidentally, I soon met a few more of the moderators and I found them to be extremely appreciative of wristwatches and very interesting individuals with many experiences.

For the past year or so, my involvement with horological online forums has been almost exclusively done with PuristSPro.

I get a lot from this website, I hope to give something back to it. Thank you The PuristSPro Team for creating a wonderful website! This message has been edited by patrick_y on 2010-02-14 10:36:12

I had just bought my first mechanical watch. Went to buy one but walked out with another that I fell in love with. Came back home and thought if anybody else had the same bug. Thanks to google, it hooked me up with PuristS. Since then I have been religious about browsing at least a few times a week. I dont get an opportunity to contribute as often - it is particularly intimidating with all those wonderful posts! But I sure enjoy being involved with a group of people that love what I love too. Go PuristS!!
J,

It was the short time in my life when I was actually selling, or at least trying to sell, watches. One of my co-workers saw me browsing TZ and suggested thePurists....

A

I was searching the web for some data on Chateau d'Yquem many years ago, possibly 10 years ago now, and came across Thomas' website, where he had an amazing forum discussing wine and food. I think it was network54.com back then. Thomas & I  had a discussion via e-mail about a case or two of d'Yquem, never actually doing a deal, but from there, I searched more and discovered the purists. Taken aback a little by the depth and breadth of knowledge specifically about wristwatches, I remained a lurker for a year or two.

I have spent time on several of the other watch enthusiast websites, actually being asked not to post on one, as I had connections to the specific brand we were discussing, although I own 3 pieces from this brand, wearing one a significant part of the last 4 years for outdoor activities!

Anyway, I digress...this place, thePuristsPro is one of civility, great knowledge and ultimately passion. I love it!

Thank you Thomas for having the idea and inspiration for the current team to continue on the legacy, we are all better off for it.

Cheers,

Tim
This message has been edited by Tim Jackson on 2010-02-14 11:32:52

I think I've related the story before, so this is probably old hat to all (*snooze*), but Jed mentored me (and continues to do so) in the world of watches and suggested I check out PPro.  I lurked for awhile before making my first post, which was over the Christmas holidays at one point.  The reason I came out of lurking, and one of the reasons I stay,  is that everyone has always been so nice and welcoming.  That feeling has extended from the virtual into the real world, as online friends became real lunch/dinner companions.  Some PuristS I have only met online, but I feel as if our friendships and camaraderie are genuine.

I have come to feel at home here because of the people.  The information exchanged is great; but it's the people (You're one of them!) that keep me here. 

Cheers,

Daos

I have heard this story before, but I never got a chance to say "thank goodness Jed suggested you check out PuristSPro."

It was a great pleasure to have finally met you in that "Firehouse" restaurant!

Each time I meet a PuristS member for the first time; whether in New York, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, or in California, it has always been a very special experience; and often a tremendously informational experience as well.

I hope to one day meet as many PuristS members as possible. Perhaps we should have a world-wide GTG someday!

It has been nice getting to know you, as well!  I, too, love meeting fellow PuristS in person.  It's great to put faces to names.  I always have a great time at GTGs!

Cheers,

Daos

PPro was easy to use, and looked like the right demographic.   I had a couple of other sites lined up to pose my question if PPro didn't help, but there was no need.  

Ginger

I first found The Purists many years ago, when recovering from a very severe Heart Attack.

I was reading Watch magazines and found an article about "Nivair" and his collection.
I went on The Purists.com , it was love at first site.

The Purists and Watch Rap was  a learing experience for me and still is.

My most splended experience was in meeting  many fine collectors and of course, Dr. Mao himself,
our leader and  a person I dare to call friend.

I then became a Patron, and will continue to do so. as any one who enjoys being here should.

was visiting for about a year then just joined in on the fun  i think browsing is how i found out 

My other half was one of your so called "crazies" and natually it's all I heard about   .  So I think one day I decided to just log in to thePurists to see what the big deal was.  I think perhaps what I had heard about competitive drama with a neighboring site and this being dubbed the more "gentlemens" site intrigued me.   What I found was certainly a community that was not only gentlemanly but highly intelligent and passionate as well.  It felt somewhat prestigious  and one could understandably question one's worthiness to participate.  Making a post was a bit unnerving at times.  I vividly recall a fellow Purist at my first gathering admitting to checking his posts over multiple times for any errors before clicking the insert tab.  So I wasn't the only one who didn't want to look like a fool.  Perhaps it's less of a concern here on PuristSPro.com because we can edit.   The last time I saw that fellow Purist he was sitting at the same table at a watch event in Geneva, explaining to a member of the press how a tourbillon works.  He must have gained some of that knowledge from somewhere. 

I ended up realizing that the people here make you feel comfortable and welcomed no matter what the knowledge level and they are always enthusiastic to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings.  I use what I learn to make me feel a little more interesting and well rounded as a person and I am actually quite proud to tell people about this site. 

to your "other half" for many things, bringing you among us being one of them.

I'm dying of curiosity to know who that Purist is/was...

Cheers,

TM

No message body

..on a Omega Seamaster AT Annual calendar which young Art and Graham helped me out on.

Joined last Summer/Autum, but have been member of other (TZ + WatchUseek) for some time as well.

I mainly use PP due to the more warm welcoming helping personal tone. On some forums do i feel like a complete idiot if I ask a question (seems like you need to be an expert to participate).

I like the posts/aricles that members do on new or vintage watches, I like the sometimes Sherlock Holmes like posts (like the Rolex 1675 topic on the hand size and time of change from young Nicolas)

And here we go, I have already joined in for some 500+ posts and are participating sometimes from the sofa while my girlfriend is watching some TV..

Has it changed my collection? YES, I have moved to collecting more vintage (from only purchasing new, mainly Rolex, Omega, Seiko, AP). Since I Joined have I purchased I believe some 15 wathces... Where I previously maybe would purchase one every year (but new)

Best regards

Hans

... i just googled some brands and came onto the Purist (Network54 ?) site .... .

This site is such an easy platform for the users and offcourse the people are mostly equally-minded ....

So, this was/is the place to stick ...

Filip

You see, all those photos were special bait to catch a special kind of Bim-fish.  I'm very happy to have you on board with us.