Automotive

The soirée was well-attended, with more than 500 RSVPs (compared to 100-200 for other similar events). It was also very well done, as you might expect from our location (La Jolla) and the products to be displayed (luxury automobiles, motorcycles, helicopters, boats, cigars, liquor, tailoring, spa, etc.).

After running the entrance gauntlet - four lovely ladies checking our names off the list, we headed past a brace of Lamborghini race cars, down the side of the support trailer, and into the showroom.

I found a staircase to the second floor and snapped a quick overview shot.

This Bentley had a unique glossy/matte combo paint job that gave a slight "Landau top" effect. Luckily they left off the gold stripe Vogue tires.

Fashion models in the window gave us wry smiles as we mingled around the cars and display tables. Curious onlookers outside wished that they could come in and join in the festivities.

I loved this Bentley even though I know some might find its decor a bit LOUD. As I sat in the car, I thought "if I sell every watch and car I currently own, I could probably afford this car, but I couldn't manage insurance and running costs... or this champagne."

Jumping out of the Bentley and making my way across the room I spot a familiar sight:

Fine Watches? Great!

I had a nice chat with Vahid Moradi and Brandon Skinner from CJ Charles. Brandon is Director of the Panerai boutique and an avid reader of this website. I enjoyed inspecting the new IWC Aquatimer, the Breguet Hora Mundi, the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronographe, and a few others. We tried to listen to the IWC Minute Repeater, but it was too loud in the marble-floored, rock-music-bombarded showroom.

I like the fact that only two of the numerals are invaded by sub-dials. NOTE to NICO - no date window.

 

Nice finishing on this rotor!

The Panerai cases got a quick inspection. I like the white dial but not with a blue strap.

 

Oops, here's another Panerai assortment:

 

After disclosing my connection with PuristSPro and the Seiko forum, an onlooker pulled back his sleeve and revealed his favorite "had it since high school" watch. It's important enough to him to wear to any special event.

A long-distance glance across to the bar made me think I'd spotted a gold Apple watch, but on close inspection it turned out to be a Casio Data Bank. Oops. At least it's only $65 instead of $17,000. The bartender was amused at my interest and poured me another glass of sparkling wine (Dom Perignon had run dry).

The glamorous lady with the Porsche-matching dress turned out to be Aura, wife of Brandon at the Panerai Boutique. She had volunteered to be a wrist model at the event, so we wandered around the showroom having fun taking photos of her arm and the watch.

Across the parking lot in another room I find a used Bugatti for sale. Bring $2 million and some change.

We decided to examine the more adventurous attractions. Mrs Cazalea got in a couple dozen 160-yard practice drives on the PXG indoor golf course.

Afraid I'd be hit by ricocheting golf ball, I headed over to the racecar simulator ($67,000) and did a few erratic laps around a track. I hope my Halter Classic did not suffer from the simulated G-forces.

After tasting some special Highland Park single malt, we went outside to check out the larger-scale attractions.

 

Well, I tried to go straight out, but got distracted... good grief ... so I decided to finish my whiskey first and then go out.

What we found outside were a boat, helicopter, cigar bar, and lots more interesting ways to spend money.

"Surfboard to accompany your Lamborghini, sir?"

 

We finally reached the sidewalk and got our valet started on the run around the block to fetch the electric Fiat. In the meantime, we inspected this strategically-parked car.



The End.