Back in the family... Dick, do you recognize this one?

Anybody recognizes this one:

On this forum we often notice how a lot of us appreciate special pieces to stay within the family...

Well when I was at Tourneau on Madison Avenue here in New York yesterday the salesman told that he had found the previous owner (well... as I knew, one of the previous owners) of the Pisa I was coming to add to my collection.
When he showed me the pictures I realized immediately that this was indeed nr 14 from 50... Dick's previous Pisa of which he wrote a great article on this site (Pisa, Pisa, Portugieser).
I thus was about to buy the exact Pisa that has made this watch become my grail after the post and brilliant pictures from Dick. What are the chances!!!
As you can see from the picture above, I bought it. It has changed homes but is back in the family.

I will post pictures of the Pisa together with my 5445-01 (though not the early version) later on. This means that I am just the RG Jubilee and some burlap short of repeating the pictures in these other great pictures from the archives (Most Comfortable Watch)!!!

Thanks Dick for this opportunity to acquire my grail.

Merijn

Wow, Merijn, congratulations, that is quite remarkable! I do also love the blue and the font of the numerals; the Pisa is truly spectacular. Do you think it will ever come off your wrist? ;)

Hi Ben,
Indeed, the blue and the breguet font are both stunning. I must say that only an original 325 cal 98 or 982 could make this one come off... and even then, only for financial reasons ;-)
Thanks!
Merijn

Congratulations - neat story. Dick is very fickle. He changes watches like socks.

Thanks. I wonder if he is as careful with his socks... because the watch is in a pristine state! ;-)

Merijn - absolutely stunning acquisition, and it's always made more special when it's as you say "keeping it in the family".

When this watch first came up for sale I was on the middle of another significant acquisition and had to prioritize. I'm now insanely jelous of you PISA!

Which you well to wear it in good health.

Merjin,

That pisa just oozes class and rarity.

Congratulations!

Regards,
Thang

Merjin, it is great news you have re-captured such a wonderful watch to keep in the collector 'family'. I know Dick will be happy, too.

Enjoy this classy and beautiful timepiece.

Nelson

Too beautiful for words. Congratulations.

Wonderful, big congratulations!
Welcome back in the family.

Congratulations Merijn! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am indeed very happy to hear the watch is once again "back in the family", in the hands of an IWC collector. Perhaps I can fill in a bit of the history of how the watch came to be in your hands.

I believe I first purchased the watch in early 2010. I eventually sold it in late 2013 or early 2014 to another IWC collector, "Padj", who posts on this Forum from time to time. Mike loved the watch as much as I did. Mike eventually sold it onward, though I don't know exactly when or to whom.

Last week I was contacted by yet another IWC collector who had seen the watch on Tourneau's website. He was interested in learning how the watch got there, and to ensure it wasn't stolen. I contacted Mike, who contacted the fellow to whom he had sold it. Mike wasn't real happy with the story he heard and didn't want to share the details, but it was certainly "our" watch now legitimately in the hands of Tourneau.

The good news is that you were lucky enough to find the watch, and it is once again "back in the family". I know Mike will be happy, too. I can tell you that the price I saw on the Tourneau website was quite a bargain and certainly the lowest price I have seen on this watch in many years. I have to admit, when I saw the price, I even thought of buying it back myself.

I hope you enjoy the watch and will post more pictures of it soon.

Hey! I resemble that remark!

Actually, while your comment was once true, the fact is I haven't bought or sold a watch in quite some time. No wise guy, I don't mean weeks. Not even months. It has been years. I think the last watches I bought were the CF3 and the BP LPP, both in late 2014.

Oh wait, there was that Laureus Ingenieur relapse in December 2015.

OK, guilty as charged!

What Dick? No 2016 pickups and we are just about half way through the year...

I strongly suggest that you acquire something soon!

Hi Dick,
Thanks so much for the information... nice how the watch already has a whole story to it. So sorry for Mike, even without any details I can imagine some scenarios that would make me unhappy indeed.

I actually made an offer on a Stainless Steel 5441 1993 jubilee the same night (last Thursday), when minutes later I stumbled upon the Tourneau site (I was looking at the original 325 the are offering... have a look, it's stunning).
When I noticed the Pisa I was immediately sold... as I made a "low enough" offer on the jubilee I wasn't too worried, both were a steal. My jubilee offer was refused and Tourneau was kind enough to hold the watch for me until the afternoon when I could escape from the office. I obviously closed the deal, too soon according to my wife. My wife did the negotiations (as I am very bad at this when it comes to watches I really want) and indeed, I already shook the sellers hand and closed the deal before she was done negotiating... she is still convinced she could have gotten me an even better deal. My bad ;-)

I am so happy with it!

Here are some more pictures... together with the Vintage Collection and the Japan Rattrapante...

Hi Mark,
That makes me curious... what piece made you pass...
Anyway, thanks for prioritizing, it gave me this great opportunity.
Merijn

What a fantastic acquisition and I am very glad this beautiful Pisa is back in the family. Great outcome for all :o)

Merijn,

If you get a chance, can you please drop me an email?

Dick
whichwatch@roadrunner.com

I had the good fortune to see this very watch in the metal. Dick brought it with him on one of his trips to Texas. It is one of my favorite IWC watches of all time, exuding a timeless beauty and elegance. Congratulations on a very special acquisition.

Great story Merijn and so nice to see this beauty remaining within our Community!

Congrats!!!!!

Beautiful watch and indeed a nice story. Congratulations and wear it in good health!

Cheers Chris

Congratulations Merijn, one of those rare finds I'd love to add one day. Groet,

Bob