London Annual Purist GTG: Community & Horology

Amanico's post captures the essence of the annual London Purist GTG, emphasizing the unique magic of these gatherings. He highlights the importance of breaking virtual barriers, fostering friendships, and sharing horological knowledge in person. This article delves into the camaraderie and discoveries that make these community events so special, showcasing the watches and experiences shared.

As every good thing has an end, our London Annual Purist GTG ended, yesterday...Sadly.

We may wonder why a GTG is always a magical moment.

1/ It is first of all an unique occasion to " break " the virtuality of our world, to put names on faces, to meet " in the flesh " people who you're used to read, to spend a moment with old friends, and to make some new friends.

2/ It is also a kind of escape with our common life,and a very pleasant escape.

3/ All is in the share, not the show off.

We have nothing to prove, and all to discover and learn from each other.

4/ An opportunity to meet watchmakers, to learn from them, while discussing, viewing their pieces, exchanging our mutual points of view.

5/ Good food, great drinks, nice relaxing time in a superb place.

As you know, this year, like past year, we decided to organize our GTG in London, and thanks to Vernon and Mocopoletta, it was a SUPERB event.

I even think that Vernon and Mo work with God, because the Sun was attending, too!



Our Hotel was located just near County Hall, in front of Big Ben.



And just beside the " Big Wheel ".



Damn, London is so Beautiful under the sun!





And for the Sceptics who would suspect my pics are photoshopped, here's the proof, the absolute proof that the Sun was here, in London, to welcome us:





So, after a short lunch and a shorter walk in London with Emilio, Patrice, Oliver and Marv, we came back to the Hotel, where our National Graham was waiting for us.

It was time for a coffee, ( well, to be honest, not only a coffee, maybe 2.... ), and then came Mocopoletta, and FX.

Watches, things of Life, you can imagine the topics!

Watches, too, as Graham brought with him some nice Omegas, Oliver his gorgeous FF on a SS Bracelet, Emilio his beloved Bunde FF, Marv his Polaris 65, and Patrice the pair of Polarises.

I told you that the interest of a GTG was to learn more about watches, too, and it was the opportunity for me to fall in love with this nice Sea Master Vintage from 1964.









This Seamaster is really gorgeous!

Superb case and lugs, a magnificient patina, a lot of character....Graham, I don't thank you, my friend, as my wish list has one more pice, now!



It was also the opportunity to see an old love, the FF Bunde, obviously living a wonderful Life in Spain:





After a few more cups of coffee and glasses of water.... It was time to go to a nice Restaurant, chosen for the occasion by Mo...

Momo's!

But heren the decence and my moderator status didn't allow me to take pics...

It was just a crazy Dinner, in a mad ambience!

Mo, say Hello to Helena for me!



After a short night, and many other glasses of delicious mineral water with a strange taste, another guest arrived...in his Limousine....



Our Bimbaeno!

Just in time for a quick breakfast.

Time flies...The Cabs arrived, and we jumped in them to go to our Meeting Point ," William and Son " just near Old Bond Street.

Crossing London is a real pleasure:



Here, our Host:



At this moment of my report, let me thank all the William and Son Team for their great, perfect and warl hopistality, as it makes a lot if you want to get a successful GTG!

Willliam and son is an AD for several prestigious brands as AP, JLC, De Bethune, FPJ, and many others.

It is Heaven for every watch lover, and you will understand why very soon.

Andy, Bill, Vernon, GWIS, and Our RM Moderator, Andrew 219 joined us here....

And then again, the charm opered, with the magic combination of watches, nice people, and perfect hosts.

Some pics?

Here they are:

FX Aka Kaiser Sauzée:



Emilio, Vernon, Graham and Andy:



The Franco American Frienship: Bill and Patrice.



PPRO is an international website, obviously : Bill ( U.S ), Emilio ( Spain ), and Oliver ( Germany ).



Bimbaeno, our Filip, very classy and elgant, as always, who loves Pink... Pink Shirt, Pink Pull Over, Pink Limousine.



People everywhere, staring at ...No... better... Admiring watches!



Then, we had a very nice lunch just near our host's shop, all together.

As to tease you a bit, just the time for me to prepare the Part II, two pics:

Only one, sadly, to show you that there weren't only new watches, but some very nice Vintage, too, and among them, a nice treasure, a Vintage Reverso:



Working for a prestigious brand can present some advantages:



Stay tuned for Part II....and check the AHCI forum, as you will discover what kind of surprise ( a giant one, by the way ), we had during this GTG...And, here, I'm not only speaking about watches, but about MEN!

But, once again, if you allow me, a GTG is an unique moment, where and when very nice people join for the pleasure of the share and for the friendship, which makes these events, and particularly this one, a beautiful opportunity to live together.

And once again, a big huge thanks to Vernon, Mocopoletta, and our host for making it possible and ...wonderful!

Very Best,

Nicolas