Keeping it fresh... more like keeping me fresh...

Late nights and little sleep is the hardest thing! Actually at both shows, I don't go to see the watches... I go to meet up with friends, watchmakers, journalists and industry people to catch up and find out what is happening! It's all about the p people. Often while sat down chatting, I will see people from the brands walking past who say come and see this or that, or who will bring them over to show you.

I used to make dozens of appointments at Basel and with all the SIHH brands, but now maybe make 1 or 2 and the rest just do on the fly. I still get to see everything but in my own pace, if you make too many appointments you only ever run late as the brands overrun and end up running around all day. It is actually enjoyable doing it his way, you can have long lunches with friends talking watches, meet new people for a chat, a coffee whenever you want it or glass of wine after 11am.

Cheers

Andrew

What PuristS Said When Asked If They Preferred BaselWorld or SIHH

By: pingtsai : May 30th, 2016-12:05

When it comes to fine mechanical wristwatches, everyone looks to Basel and Geneva to see what the genius watchmakers of the world have been busy working on all year and in some cases for the past several years. These watch shows are an authority in techni...

Very interesting topic, Ping. In the meantime some interesting brands joined the SIHH.

By: amanico : May 28th, 2016-00:12

Girard Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin, two brands which are very dear to my heart. It would be interesting to read the brands thoughts on that topic. Best, Nicolas

I read about that.

By: pingtsai : May 28th, 2016-23:06

That would be a very interesting perspective indeed. Hmm...looks like I will have to do another follow-up on the topic.

Great read...

By: andrewluff : May 28th, 2016-01:45

And can agree with a lot of comments. I do around 4 days at both shows each year for quite a few years... its hard to choose between the 2 of them as they are so different. They compete but also have totally unique atmospheres... Like the difference of go...

Thank you for your comments Andrew!

By: pingtsai : May 28th, 2016-23:09

I should have gotten your perspective for this article! 4 days each is a lot I know but there is so much to cover I'm sure. I just remember that after a while, it started to get repetitive and tiring going from one to the next and all over again the next ...

"I wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member!" - Groucho Marx. Of course, he was referring to discrimication agaist Jews but the same feeling applies. I used to go mainly to SIHH but it was very much a clique and discriminatory place. "Snobby" w...

Wow...all the back story is fascinating!

By: pingtsai : May 28th, 2016-23:19

Thank you for sharing that Melvyn. I guess it's business, politics and a constantly evolving arena. So where should one go to get the most fulfilling and true "Purist" sense of spirit? A hall? a corner, a watchmaker? a table? Love to read more of your tho...

Great post!

By: Geo : May 28th, 2016-08:04

I have only been and quite often to the SIHH and find everything over there very professional and relaxing. Especially when you need to work or eat in between appointments. But i can't compare it to Basel World where I hope to go, for the first time, in 2...

Let's meet there, next year! [nt]

By: amanico : May 28th, 2016-08:07

That is awesome Geo!

By: pingtsai : May 28th, 2016-23:21

What a fortunate opportunity to a chance to compare the two. Looking forward to reading about it here.

I like both...

By: KIH : May 29th, 2016-00:46

... if I can have decent hotels for both What I see - BaselWorld is certainly bigger and more brands including AHCI, so that's good. But SIHH gives people certain "elite satisfaction" because it is mostly "invitation only". That may be the difference of t...

Horological Meandering