Gary G
3734
Thank you so much, Sidney!
First of all, I'm blushing at the praise for my photos -- I really appreciate the positive words, and they will encourage me to keep trying other angles and lighting conditions with this and other pieces.
Thanks also for the kind words on my collection. I don't have every indie piece that I might desire (who does?) but I'm getting close to having the major bases covered, as you say. There is one "grail" that is still missing but I won't mention because I am working over the next months to fill the gap. I also have a second piece coming fairly soon from one of the leading independents, so that won't increase the coverage of makers but should be a cracking watch. And then, of course, if we all send positive energy to Volker, I'll have the Vyskocil VA to add, and that really will cap things off, at least for a while!
I agree with you that it is easy from photos to take this watch as too big, too clunky -- in real life, it is, as you say, thin, elegant, and beautifully made. I think that Vianney's case and dial work is pretty much without equal, and that's saying something.
I will definitely enjoy this one! Again, many thanks for your note.
Best,
Gary
Snaring that Antiqua
Well, it's been no secret that I've had my eye out for a RG VH Antiqua for some time now -- and thanks to referrals from some of our leading forum members, I have now fulfilled my wish! A quick trip to Singapore over the weekend (for Horo's fun summary, s...
Thanks, Salman!
Appreciate your note -- it was good to have the opportunity to correspond with you recently on other matters. Best, Gary
You have snared a legend...
Congratulatoins Gary! The Antiqua is such a rupture and at the same time such a satisfying whole. It is one of those things that just forces one to smile. Good it is. Don
Good indeed!
Many thanks for your note, Don. To meet Vianney is to appreciate his free spirit -- it's great to have this embodiment of his imagination. Best, Gary
I love this watch Gary !
When we see it on pictures... we find it ugly or strange... and when we put it on the wrist... we find it fantastic. It is a watch which has to be worn to be fully appreciated. Thanks a lot for the pictures. Fx
Me too!
I agree that this is a piece that looks great when worn -- although I also like it off the wrist. I think that time has already been kind to this design, which was considered by many almost bizzare at first but now is firmly established as a classic. Than...
Congrats Gary!
You say it so well that time has been kind to this design. I remember when I first saw this years ago, I could not believe that someone would buy it. Now I would love to have one. This watch is an icon, and has had a tremendous influence on watchmaking. Y...
I will look forward to showing it to you!
This one definitely ticks a big box on my list of desires -- I could probably stop right now and be happy, but there's just one more (isn't there always?) that is calling to me... Thanks so much for the kind words -- I will look forward to seeing you in a...
Bravo Gary...
...that should quench the fire - for a few days at least! ;-) Cheers, pplater.
Exactly...
This, of course, is the problem! My friend Larry Seiden says that "the greatest watch in the world is the one that is incoming," and there's a lot of truth to that. I'm hoping that this will cool me off for a while -- although there's at least one more in...
when you think that the Antiqua was launched in 1998 and that
it is still as avant guard as it was 11 years ago you realize the genius behind the design great catch Gary!
Great point, Alex
To me this watch remains fresh, yet looks classic. Not dated in any way. It's really pleasing to look down and see this one, and to be able to appreciate its nuances! Best, Gary
Congratulations !!!
I am celebrating your acquisition with a glass of champagne and a piece of cheese brought all the way to Hamburg from Sainte-Croix by no less than Vianney himself - as well as wearing a you-know-what on the wrist! Could the next one be a Classic Janvier? ...
Many thanks, Amery!
Sounds like a great celebration -- and I appreciate that you have unleashed it in my honor (and, of course, Vianney's)! A Janvier would be a real dream -- fortunate is the man who can enjoy that piece on a regular basis All the best, Gary
A tremendous piece
and a true modern icon (at least for me...). Great catch, another stellar addition to your wonderful collection. Best Andreas
Thanks, Andreas
I agree with you -- sometimes folks throw around the word "iconic" a bit too freely, but in this case I believe that it is freely deserved. Thanks very much for your note! Best, Gary
congarts Gary
beautiful and quality shots... if one is not already in love with this unique beauty then im sure your pics are sufficient to get him fall in love ... wear it in good health . Thanks for sharing. Faisal
I'm flattered, Faisal
Thanks very much for your kind words on my photos -- I am still working to take additional shots, and will experiment with different light conditions until I get some more worth posting. Best regards, Gary
Thanks, Davo!
I feel almost as if I've been going too fast with acquisitions recently and need to take a deep breath and absorb it all -- but this piece was too good to pass up... Best, Gary
It is a classic beauty......
and a very very enduring piece to the eyes and our souls Congrats to you, you are a lucky guy. Lovesss*CL
Generous
It is only through the generosity of good PuristS friends that I had the opportunity to acquire this fantastic piece! Thanks, CL. All the best, Gary
I was waiting for this!
When the GTG post went up announcing your new acquisition, I knew Gary's amazing photos of the Antiqua would come! And boy did it come in style! As usual, your photos are publication quality! Vianney should borrow them to use in their press kit! Being for...
Thank you so much, Sidney!
First of all, I'm blushing at the praise for my photos -- I really appreciate the positive words, and they will encourage me to keep trying other angles and lighting conditions with this and other pieces. Thanks also for the kind words on my collection. I...
Volker!
Ah yes, indeed, how can I forget him! I will pray for you and all other in the queue that Volker's magic will be fulfilled sooner! That would be very exciting for the horological world! I'll eagerly wait for the appropriate time for you to reveal what tha...
More news as soon as possible!
Thanks again, Sidney. I am itching to tell more about future plans, but it's best for now if I keep things under wraps (in one case I am sworn to secrecy, and in the other the potential transaction is not assured and will be some time in the making if it ...
Appreciate it, Seth
I'll continue to work on more photos -- this watch is easy to photograph, but difficult to photograph really well... Best, Gary
Not much more to add to the other comments....
a hearty congratulations on obtaining one of the classics of independent watchmaking. Looks great on your wrist..... Darren
Thanks, Darren
It really is pretty on the wrist -- I think that I received more compliments on this watch in one day than in the rest of my collecting career combined! Best, Gary
Congratulations Gary. A classic beauty
Must admit to a passing interest only from photos, but when I had the opportunity to view and try it on recently, it was magic. Thanks to Pplater for getting Vianney 's roadshow to Australia and AndrewD for organising GTG with Bertrand and watches. Here i...
Glad you saw it in person, Dreamer
To see this piece is to (at minimum) to appreciate it, and perhaps to love it. Holding it and looking at it, it becomes obvious that 900 hours were spent in its creation -- and there's a real elegance (as you say, magic) when it's on the wrist. I am very ...
Welcome back home, Captain Nemo. :))))
What a crazy horological monster you got! Huge congratulations, my friend. All the best. Nicolas.
Ahoy, Vlad!
Appreciate your note -- this is one Jules Verne monster I don't mind having in the house! Best, Gary
This may sound mushy...but the Antiqua is one of those few watches that one feels for
And of the collectors I know, Gary, you are the perfect one to own this horological wonder and beauty. And I must say it's all my pleasure to meet you and exchange notes with you. Cheers matey, Horo
Wow -- thanks, Horo!
It has been a delight corresponding with you here and reading your posts -- and having the opportunity to meet you was the capper. As you said in another post, the four hours flew by -- a great time for me, and I will very much look forward to seeing you ...
Big congrats!
Love it! I had the opportunity to try it on at the Basel fair, back in 1999 or 2000, and it was something not easy to forget. A magnificent work of art, to me. Now, I'm jealous Enjoy it. Vte
Thanks, Vte!
Great to hear from someone who saw the watch "at the beginning" -- must have been a shock of sorts! Best, Gary
Hard to mistake it for anything else, that's for sure!
And it's really cool to own the piece that started the whole art watch movement. Thanks very much for your post. Best, Gary