Cookies
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A great conversation starter (no need pics)
All by myself today, I headed to the city of Sydney, for some coffee and cycling apparel.
I dressed in athleisure wear. A lacoste white polo T, white drawstring linen trousers (from Uniqlo), and an all-white Nike AF1. Watch was an Airking. Sunglasses were Oakley (inspired by Tom Cruise). I prefer wearing the classics like Brioni and Tom Ford and Pierre Corthay shoes, but times are changing and I don’t wanna end up like a crusty dinosaur.
For some strange reason, it was observed (via a journalist) that golfers have been converting to cycling. I have a hunch he is quite correct. Golfers like Rolex - it is a well observed phenomenon proven by spending time at Singapore Island Country Club, and some golf clubs in Sydney too.
At the local Rapha shop, there were many people wearing submariners. Some unknown pieces also showed up. Mostly Middle-class men, wearing Rolex. As usual, they look at me and vice-versa. Some exchanged smiles and hellos, others were stiff as a rock. There were nods, a silent moment when they know I acknowledge their piece.
And then the sales associate, stared at my Airking, and asked: “is that the Airking you are wearing? I love it. It is so beautiful.” I took the Airking off, and let him examine it. I could see, he really liked it. He even know the price history of that piece.
And we started talking about coffee. He recommended a cafe just 2 blocks down the street. It must be good. Cyclists love their coffee (mostly).
As I entered the cafe, I caught a glimmer of an well-worn Rolex submariner on a well-dressed gentleman making the coffee. His beard was immaculately trimmed, sleeves neatly rolled up. He looked well trained, with a beach-ready physique.
He did latte-art, and I complimented him on the nice latte art. I sensed he is the owner of the cafe (at the end of George Street in Sydney).
Ah, here comes the magic. When I sat down, another well-dressed man wearing a Breitling Navitimer came to chat with me. I could sense he is brother of the owner of the cafe. He shared with me his happiness of acquiring the 41mm datejust in green, with a jubilee bracelet. I was very happy for him, as the happiness is a nice energy to share among watch lovers.
Not long after, his brother (who was making the coffee) came down, and we chatted about watches for 30 minutes. We shared stories about watches and cigars and buying Rolexes. We talked about Daytonas, and surprising stories of how our friends chanced upon grails.
We shared rumours on how to get the next piece. We shared pictures of our collections. Wow it was a fun and deep conversation. I will be back at that cafe.
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A great conversation starter (no need pics)
All by myself today, I headed to the city of Sydney, for some coffee and cycling apparel. I dressed in athleisure wear. A lacoste white polo T, white drawstring linen trousers (from Uniqlo), and an all-white Nike AF1. Watch was an Airking. Sunglasses were...
Nice story. I could see the entire conversation and your dress without any photo help. Nice narration.
Thanks for sharing. Regards
Thanks I tried my best
Creative juices flowing today. Sometimes words, like a book, more narrative than a picture, in this instagram age. What watch did you wear today?
I’d categorize this as a discreet Purist watch. If I see this on somebody in the wild, I won’t hesitate to strike a conversation..
Could pass for some sort of secret handshake
It is almost like a masonic handshake
Surprising it is. I did venture to other brands like Omega, which sometimes get lukewarm responses (like today) or enthusiastic replies. Oh yes I saw a ubiquitous JB seamaster 300 professional today which looked so good on the man wearing it. I think it i...
It was nice reading your story about your day, it sounds like a lovely day that will be remembered!
That’s what life it’s about, experiences, nothing else! Happy you learned that not all Rolex owners are a****s; and look the same as you pointed out on an earlier post;-))) Rolex is king,and everyone is welcome in the kingdom! As for being a “Crusty dinos...
I was wrong
I’m sorry, I made a broad statement that the Rolex owners are the same, in the post earlier this year. They are not the same stereotype. All walks of life, we have pure explorers, business owners, Dalai Lama, Robert Redford and more. They are the icons of...
And about the crusty dinosaur
I still wanna wear a bow tie. It’s extinct now, yet, I like it so much. I have a small collection of bow ties (the ones that have to be self tied). Given the choice, I’d wear a suit when going to the city. But the people around me frown upon that concept....
That’s the spirit! I salute you!💪🏻
“Be who you are, everyone else is taken”. If you aim for cyclists body you will definitely have it as well as the watches named above should be in your collection soon! Never give up!😉
I told them your story today
100% serious. The cautionary tale of a house break-in, and Sothebys who sold your watch even when you reported it stolen, with the papers. Their jaws dropped.
Antiquorum it is
And the unique Chopard. I don’t know how your story came into the picture but it did. Were you thinking of me today? Hmmm? Resonance perhaps…
Nice story Cookies! I wish and would love to have a nice cofee shop near my home where I could find some guys to share the watch passion feeling and a good watch/Rolex related talk.
Keep enjoying that place and the good company! Thank you for sharing! Abel
Slowly it can be found
They just mysteriously appear, like elusive snow leopards. That being said, I shared a story, of me stumbling across the one of the rarest bird in Australia. It is the Night Parrot. One day I was just walking my dogs, and shone the torch into a field. The...
Great tale! Pleasant experiences.
Thanks for reminding us that the love of watches is stronger than negativity.
Great story.
I too have been fortunate to strike up a conversation or two with like minded individuals, where “hey, hope you don’t mind me saying it but that’s a cool watch” (or something to that effect) transmuted into a conversation about food, spirits, work, cars, ...
Cheers to a great 2023
May you have a great year ahead and may we all meet great people at cafes.
Hi Cookie’s
Firstly happy new year! I enjoyed reading your post it sounds like an enjoyable day you had. Whilst I’m awful at golf, I do like watches and cycling and Rapha, but most of all I enjoy a good chat and irrespective of all the material items, for me the chat...
