London GTG with Michael H

It’s been a couple months since there was a London GTG, so it was great to hear from Michael that he was coming in for a visit from Singapore. I haven't seen Michael since we first met at a SIHH three years ago.

The timing worked out well as Ralph had just come back from (yet another) holiday adventure so arrangements were made to meet up at our usual venue of choice.

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As you can see it was a trifecta order of fine British Fish & Chips.

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Michael testing out the Zegg & Cerlati BPP

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Of course the usual table shot was taken – which ended up as a BP one.

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After lunch it was meandering through the various arcades of Mayfair and watch stores to then get to the London Boutique.

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And straight to trying on some goodies.

Very graciously and knowledgably assisted by Alberto.

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Michael particularly enjoyed the limited edition Hand Wound BFI Portuguese.

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(thanks to rave and his new leica for some of the photos above)

Well that was it.

Great company, conversation, food, and watches. Thank you to IWC for accommodating us…

Until the next GTG…

Regards,
Thang

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p.s. anyone else agree the BFI looks perfect on Michael!?

As always, these impromptu GTG's are a serious benefit of being part of the IWC Forum. We really do share a passion and make lasting friendships around the globe.

My next European GTG will be 17 June in Amsterdam. Hope to see a bunch of you crazy guys / gals there.

The next local GTG is 19 March in NYC at the Boutique. I am looking forward to the event.

I love seeing the GTGs.

This London one brings back many fond memories.

2 reflections:
1. Yes, that BFI looks superb on Michael!
2. Next time, I need to plan for a traditional fish and chips with mushy peas meal with the gang!

Thanks for sharing Thang.

Great to see another GTG here gents, it's been too long since the last one!

And yes, that BFI Portugieser looks absolutely stunning on Michael's wrist - I say go for it!

It was really great to catch up with Thang and Ralph last week and to finally have a chance to see the London boutique. Thang made nothing short of a valiant effort to impart the virtues of the BFI onto me, limited edition, auspicious xx/59 number, etc, etc. Well apparently it worked wonders for the boutique, but not my bank account.

After his first round of enabling and a series of WhatsApp messages overnight I realized what a mistake I had made not leaving with that bad boy on my wrist, but alas I was heading south in the morning and wouldn't have a chance to get to the boutique again before I leave......then Thank kicked into action again and within hours my credit card had been dinged and the watch was on its way to me in the South of England. So not only are these two master enablers but apparently master facilitators also.

A big thank you also to Alberto from the boutique who was extremely gracious during our visit and went above and beyond to get the watch to me. Here are some photos (courtesy of Ralph) and one showing the passage of a few days.

Enjoy. I certainly am.

Michael,

So pleased you pulled the trigger... and whoa, what a souvenir from your trip!

• a beautifully metallic radiant dial that Ralph and I are convinced hasn't been seen since the 60s/70s

• wonderfully subtle dark blued hands and numerals / markers like the classic 5001-07 / 5007-07

• curved dark blue santoni strap

• an individually numbered small limited edition

What's not to love? Dang, if I didn't have 'unfinished business' on the Big Pilot front I'd be getting one.

Wear it good long health Michael.

Best,
Thang

For a vintage lover like me, this watch just oozes appeal!

A magnificent watch, from dial to classic case lines. Congratulations to all- both the new owner as well as the magnificent enabling team who notch up another X on the score card.

Michael, it was a pleasure meeting up with you again. Congratulations on a beautiful watch. As always, the photos don't always capture the beauty of the watch. This one is a real stunner.

Thx for sharing - Great to see another local gathering, great watches and even better - Happy faces!

Let's continue to share these events here.

Best
/Anders

Having had it for a couple of days now it has a vintage appeal for sure

Congratulations Michael - that is one spectacular watch that has been very high on my wish list. I am curious how you enjoy the hand wound aspect of the watch. I have gotten quite used to automatics and haven't worn a manual wind watch in some time.

Congratulations Michael, very happy to see that you made the purchase. That is a stunning watch - the silver sunray dial with the blue hands and that small red 60 on the subdial to spice it up make this a truly magnificient watch.

Thank you. I am still very, very happy to be the recipient of the enabling in this instance.

@Ben, I will get back to you on your question in 8 days from now.

One thing I didn't realise with the 8-day is that the crown physically stops versus the big pilot with the clutch. Manual versus auto I suppose.

Now that is the perfect London trip...a GTG with Ralph and Thang, and a beautiful new IWC to take home as a souvenir!

Whoah!!!

Michael - congratulations!

Absolutely beautiful piece and a superb memento of your visit to London.

Kudos to the enabling team of Thang and Ralph as well!

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing them with us.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us. It's always a pleasure to see these reports, much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Clemens

Glad to see you guys enabling in fine style. And also a pleasure to see Michael H resurface. lol

Great story gentlemen and Michael, congrats on the FANTASTIC watch! Very very handsome.

Best,

Bob