KIH
[Purist]
12054
If I may...
It's been a long time since I posted last time. After I left here, I have been away from internet forums (and I do NOT use or see any type of SNS). I am back here today only because this is about our dearest friend, Casey. Thought I should share with you what Casey was really going through in his last days/ weeks/ months.
Perhaps I was the closest one to Casey in this community, in terms of physical location (and as a friend, I hope). And apparently I am the last person he contacted before he passed, for which I have been beating myself up since I heard the news. I guess I heard the news almost 10 days later from Art because I do not use FB - after his funeral, to which I sent my farewell message, to his friend (closest one for the past 40 years and live nearby, and took care of all the arrangement for him, having found him dead beside his bed in his apartment in Tokyo). She explained to me that she did not know who to contact in Japan (let alone how difficult to locate his sister in the US was), so she checked Casey's FB account and contacted those who communicated with him there in the past, thus she reached the members here, I heard. She went through the messages she received after the funeral and found my name and called me. We talked a long time about all things.
Now, back to about Casey and me. I was once a moderator here - perhaps very few of you may now remember me - before and after I moved back to Tokyo from New York - hope you have read some of my posts, including GS and VFA story, about visits to the ateliers of Kikuno-san as well as Mr. Philippe Dufour. It was wonderful time to be here for me back then, until I decided it was time to move on and leave this community. Casey had been in Tokyo for many decades already, so naturally I met him whenever I visited Tokyo. He was a gentle, sometimes sarcastic and teasing character. At first sight, I fell in love with his IWC Perpetual Sincere Edition (25 pcs for silver and black each). He said, "I will never sell this". And from time to time, we, including other Tokyo watch nuts, including Kikuno-san (first AHCI member from Japan), had GTG in Tokyo. We had a good laugh and good time.
Then came Covid. He left Tokyo and moved to Karuizawa, a kind of "resort town", just one hour by the bullet train, north of Tokyo, where he and his friends had the second house. So, we could not meet during these 3 years or so. Then in 2023, he came back. I met him, he seemed a bit weak. He said he was diagnosed with early Parkinson's, but doctor told him that it would take years to get much worse. His friend I mentioned above later told me that Casey had had three heart surgeries during Covid in Karuizawa. She thought he should have stayed with them (her and her husband) but she had to take care of her aging mother and Casey did not want to be a burden for his friends, so he told her that he would return to Tokyo because he thought he could live okay on his own.
It was Summer of 2023 when he sent me an email saying that he wanted to meet up with me and he was thinking of selling some of his watches and the list of them. The IWC Perpetual was on the list. Are you serious, I asked. He said "yes". I thought he reallly needed some cash. I asked "how much?" He said some number and I agreed, no question asked. The photo is that watch, which I had serviced at IWC boutique, in front of the photo she sent to me after the funeral - of his cool portrait and his ashes.... He said when he parted with it, "I was wearing this literally 24/7 for many years".
Then again a few months later, he emailed me asking for help to sell other watches. We met again at the station most convenient for him to see the watches. He seemed weaker and already had some Perkinson's symptoms. I thought it was too early, but he said he was still okay. I brought some of them to used watch shops and sold at the highest offer, and then we met again on Jan. 20, this year to hand him the cash, which he was happy with. He seemed even weaker then with sometimes violent Perkinson's symptoms - a bit puzzling. Clearly he was not okay. I told him to let me know when he needed anything, e.g. grocery shopping and such (yes, I should have forced him to tell me where exactly his apartment was!). He said he still could manage those things. We then went to have light supper. He seemed to be happy that he sold the big items in his watch collection and to have some company to eat with. That, looking back, was the last supper with him.
About a month passed. I was worried about him almost everyday. But sometimes he did not respond emails. Then all of a sudden, while I was working from home, 14:47JST, Feb. 23, 2024, his email came in asking for help to do grocery shopping for him as his mobility got quite limited. Immediately I emailed back, "sure, what do you need, where should I bring them to?". No response..... I had a very bad feeling and I emailed again and then called his cell. No answer and I left a message. I did not know what to do as I did not know exactly where he lived - we always met at his closest station, about 40 minutes from my place. I should have asked him his address. I should be more quick to respond. I should have been more proactively helpful, useful. I was none of the above. I was useless. I was slow. I could not help him. I still cannot help crying when I talk about him and his last moment to my closest people, my sister, my girlfriend, etc.... When she - his friend in Karuizawa - found my number and called me after the funeral, we both cried over the phone. She cried knowing how his last days were and what he was going through, I cried blaming myself. She asked me "are you the 'Ken'? Casey was always talking happily about you arranging GTGs, and recently helping him sell the watch?" Yes, but I do not deserve it. I am still beating myself up for being useless. I am the guy who could not help him. I promised her that I will help her go through his watches and anything she needs help with.
This is the story of Casey and me, and his last moments, my remorse, my regret, my apologies to him, and most of all, my sincere gratitude to his friendship. Please rest in peace, Casey. This watch you sold me will stay with me for a long time.
And I hope you all to have a healthy long life with good and fun hobby and friends, virtual or real. Some of you, see you again soon - I mean no offense to this platform, but I'd rather communicate via DMs or emails. Having got older, I am no longer a watch nut.
Ken
Inherited.
| view and vote on the images
Let's honor Casey this weekend by sharing three of our best watch photos . . .
. . . ever. Casey was our Photography Forum moderator for many years until his passing in February. I had relatively few interactions with him but he was a valued colleague, always willing to help judge this theme of Personal Best at least three, maybe fo...
Hello dear Art! A great way to honor Casey with this theme for this edition of WS. A big loss for our Community with his passing away indeeed.
We expect viewing some awesome pictures from our participants during the weekend. Thank you for taking the hosting and judging this weekend my dear friend. Will return later with my choices. Best cordial regards, Abel
I'm sure Casey would've admired your compositions . . .
. . . and chromatic sensibilities, Yacomino. Thanks for participating! Art
Always refreshing to look at Casey's interpretation of scenes, locations, subjects through his lens.
His annual top 10 had been a fixture that I would not miss. A gentleman, generous with encouraging comments and tips. I am joining with pics all taken in Japan, in remembrance of Casey.. ...
Usually don't tip my hand early . . .
. . . but that shot of Snoopy with Mt Fuji in the background - simply 'wow'. Impressed, Art
Wow dear S F!! That Snoopy shot against Mount Fuji background…
… really left me speechless!! Great shot my dear friend!! Hagwe! Abel
Wow !! .. Lovely Threesome !
The last 2 for me, please and that No.3 Snoopy watch & Fuji-San picture truly is sublime, and also something I am sure, that makes you smile, in fact always, when you look at it !! - Chapeau !! HAGWE & Best PS: the Snoopy Fuji-San shot, almost needles...
Much appreciate it dear hs!
It was fortunate for me to see Fuji-san in all its glory during my recent trip. Your entries this week, esp the XX and 6542 are dream for any vintage collector!
That Snoopy with the double Mount Fuji 🗻
Is truly mind boggling 👌🏻👏🏻🙌🏻 The others are fantastic shots as well 👍🏻
Hello dear Art !! Here my entry to the Theme in memory of Casey.
Three of my favorite shots; Pre Vendome Mare Nostrum Panerai chronograph Froggy falling in love with Kermit: Water drops on Panerai Pam 425 Have a nice weekend my dear Art and again Big Congrats on your 35 K post milestone!! Cheers! Abel ...
Hello, my dear friend Abel !!.. Superb pics you share, whereby..
.. my fav is the last, almost artisan shot with the water drops on the PAM 425 ! - Bravo !! - Furthermore I had to smile with the green Kermin frog & the crown; great watch as well ! 😊👌 And last but not least the cool set-up of a pretty rare watch, of...
Hello my dear friend HS! Always nice to read your too kind comments on my posts which I appreciate so much.
I´m glad you like the Panerai with water drops shot which was a lucky shot after many trials. Kermit in love is a fun shot with a toy from my little grandchild. Lol! I was wearing my Kermit when I viewd my little child playing with it and I ask him to len...
Thanks a lot dear friend Yacomino! Appreciate your kind comments. Yes, some times I try to add a little fun to those shots so to share the feeling that we don´t take it too seriously...
... our watch related hobby and that is part of the enjoyment of them. Have a beautfiful weekend my dear friend. Abel
With all the stress and strife of today's world, the greatest hope for the future . . .
. . . resides in the friendships made possible by the existence of the internet. In all of history, the two of us would never have met and become as close as we have in the last ten years. ;-) ...
Absolutely agree dear Art! Internet is a great means of communication…
… and I look forward to a new meeting in a not far occasion. These two watches you show here will be together again I hope!! Thank you so much for your friendship dear Art! Enjoy a great weekend!! Abel ...
Just retrieved my Flightmaster from the bank safe Friday . . .
. . . and will start wearing it later today after a long absence from my wrist. Hope you're enjoying yours often, Abel! Warmest, Art
Wow Abel …
That last photo of your Panerai is a great action shot. Best regards Captain
Thank you so much dear Captain!! I´m happy to know you like it. It took several trials to get it but I was lucky to catch those big drops on the glass of my Pam 425.
I wish you are enjoying a pleasant weekend my dear Captain! Best cordial regards, Abel
Hello Abel,
Great shots indeed. I particularly like the Mare Nostrum and obviously the water shot of your PAM 425. Kurt. 🍻
Thank you so much dear friend KM! I´m glad you like them. These shots are among my own favorites and it is always a pleasure to share them here.
I wish you are enjoying a nice and relaxed weekend! Best cordial regards, Abel
Usually it's a dog that will stop to admire one of my mechanical watches . . .
. . . because they're intrigued by the ticking sound. A frog paying homage to Kermit is in another league altogether. 🐸
AMVOXII
The three I think of, not only as highly personally appealing, but can imagine Casey seeing artistic integrity and aesthetic value in them as well.... I will always remember him very fondly. Filip ...
:)) yes,
I see it as the most aesthetically appealing as well! The obvious reason I posted the other shot first is the historical tie with the car dash instruments ....
The Amvox is always a good choice…
And I have to say the second shot is my favorite 👌🏻👍🏻
Hi Art,
didn't know Casey,but read his posts here over the years and enjoyed them very much. Here's three shots that might have some merit Have a great weekend going through the submissions! ...
You knew . . .
. . . this was coming. ;-) Outstanding composition with your Bulova Static, Henry. Impressed, Art ...
Casey was all that and more . . .
. . . and we were fortunate to have him with us for as many years as he was able to share. 😌
I’m struggling with the “Pigs Trotter”…
Reminds me of Lyon, good memories. Love the tower.
That's gotta be the most frequently posted pic ever . . .
. . . on WPS and goes way back, at least ten years!
The stack and the pig's leg are infamous
It motivated me to buy this whole leg... ...
Hmmhh.. Let me see what to chip in to play..
😉 Although I didn‘t have the pleasure to have known Casey, I appreciated some of his comments and contributions to the Photography Forum - but no pics in that aspect, Sorry to say.. Either way I‘ll tip my beret to this gentleman !.. Here, as requested jus...
Oh yes ! - What a series of hilarious Paris days and exciting watch tasting !..
I will always remember our stroll from the Jardin du Luxembourg into Rue Madame and this „treasure package“ we discovered there.. - But I also remember our mutual phone-calls, where you so kindly confirmed and advised me, ( even during congress sessions !...
Two I knew and one I didn’t 👌🏻👍🏻
The Type XX and Rolex are signature shots of yours, while the Breguet I might be seeing for the first time - albeit that makes it no less special 👌🏻
Thx so much for your kind looking & nice comments !
Have a great remainder of the WE and a good upcoming next week ! - Best, dear KMII to you & yours !! 😊😊
Thanks so much - and likewise to you 🙏🏻
I just hope there are no floods in the way home 🤞🏻
Ohh my dear friend HS!! You always make me drool when viewing these watches: Specially your vintage Type XX.
And of course your 6542 and viewing its superb condition. And I must confess that your Breguet Triple Calender would make me a very happy man!! Nice shots to honor Casey and to share those wonderful timepieces. Keep enjoying and loving them so much my dea...
Thx so much for your kind & nice words !..
Have a good start into the new week and all the Best to you & yours, dear friend !! 😊😊
Hello Art,
Being relatively new here as far as I remember, I have not had any direct interaction with Casey. However I would still like to participate with three favourites of mine, 2 recent 1 slightly older. Sincerely, Kurt. ...
You are very kind, thank you.
I am particularly fond of the water distortion photo. Very clear water that day.
Let me see what I can contribute…
While my photography skills are not to be ever mentioned in the same sentence as Casey’s, here still some of the shots I have liked over the past years… In addition to the three, a small memento. While I have not known Casey very well we have on occasion ...
Thank you - been a while since I last interacted with him…
But he was such a kind gentleman 👍🏻🙌🏻
My last communication with Casey was on this forum when I asked him to judge . . .
. . . the same theme last year. He'd judged 'Personal Best' at least two, possibly three, times before, and had previously spent a good deal of time posting decisions. The last time, though, his calls seemed perfunctory. Now that I know he was seriously i...
Beautiful shots dear friend KM! I always admire your fine taste to find those stunning straps combos. Interesting to know you own that Seiko 003 which certainly is a link with Casey.
I´m sure this blue straps Seiko has an special place in your collection! Enjoy a pleasant and relaxed weekend my dear friend! Abel
It does indeed
Thanks so much Abel! Took me almost seven years to find that one and Casey helped on the journey. Wishing you a great weekend as well 👍🏻
That GS with the strap
...great combo with backdrop. Will have to re visit my GS soon
So glad you like it 🙏🏻
Find that watch shots only got worse after the iPhone 10 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe it’s just me 😉
Thanks so much - really like how this one turned out 😁
Captain’s has a much higher artistic merit, though 👌🏻
Casey would've enjoyed spending an afternoon . . .
. . . in your back yard, Greg! Thanks for sharing. Art
So many beautiful photos from participants i can’t add much more but will try to contribute
Sunset in Hawaii Morning after the rain Another sunset but in California ...
Thank you for joining us …
It’s all about the spirit of sharing our photos in this tribute to Casey. I particularly like the last shot of your JLC at sunset.
Many of my personal favorite wrist shots were taken in Sunset Beach, California . . .
. . . with a setting sun as the background. Cool shots, Loujo - thanks for honoring Casey with your submissions. Art
The spirit remains…
We will all miss Casey, he was a gentleman and one of our own. I personally enjoyed discussing cameras with him and he always freely shared his knowledge and experiences. This is my personal selection of photos and I hope he would have enjoyed them… Doxa ...
Great shots dear Captain! A fitting homage to Casey. I specially love your Doxa shot though it would be difficult to choose just one among the three you share here.
Enjoy your weekend so much my dear friend!! Abel
Thank you Abel…
I had difficulty choosing for this special occasion. Best regards Captain
I almost lost the Doxa taking the shot 🤦♂️
The next wave was massive ! The Ed White photo was difficult to get just right.
If I may...
It's been a long time since I posted last time. After I left here, I have been away from internet forums (and I do NOT use or see any type of SNS). I am back here today only because this is about our dearest friend, Casey. Thought I should share with you ...
Ken, dear friend,
I absolutely remember many of our online interactions, both public and private. Quite obviously, no objective blame is yours to shoulder - his health deteriorated unpredictably rapidly, and that is tragically a part of life. Time, sooner or later, gets to...
Good to hear from you....
Hope all is well. Thank you, Filip. Still on the west coast? I was there for Milken, but didn't have time to do anything else. Maybe next time....
Yes!
I am still living in Santa Monica, right next to the beach. Please do let me know in case you end up visiting again foreseeably! Take good care, and feel better! Sincerely, Filip
Oh Ken…
So moving to read the story and thanks for having posted this here! I fully agree that there was little more you could have done - sometimes health deteriorates in unpredictable ways and it’s also very hard for the person suffering to predict what they ma...
Thank you, KMII
One day, I will see you somewhere in Europe! I am leaving for LN and Rome next week on business..... Miss you, man!
Everyone should count themselves lucky to have a friend . . .
. . . as good as you, Ken. I'm sure Casey was thankful. Hope all's well with you, and that you've finally made peace with your memories of Casey. Art
I think I am making progress
Thank you, Art for letting me know of this Wrist Scan theme.
Thank you Ken
For all you did for Casey, for this forum, and for my wife and myself on our Japan visit (can it be nearly 10 years ago?) I'm sorry that the twists and turns of life and business raised barriers between some of us at this site, but nothing ever changed ou...
Oh, Mike...
You made me cry again! Thank you for posting these photos. Yes, it's been 10 years (about?) since you were here with your lovely wife (how is she? Please give my best to her). Time flies. Yes, I am not getting any younger, either. Both of my knees have be...
Good shots JML 🍻…
The last black and white photo is very cool. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Best regards Captain
Late but still my Three for Casey
The first one is in honor of both Casey and Ken. Fedex left that annoying "We Missed You" note on my door, regarding Ken's shipment from Japan. Rather than wait, I drove across town and caught the driver just as he returned to the depot. Rather than wait,...
Your last shot....
is truly a one in a million chance . We are all the beneficiaries of it! Cheers Mike, Filip