As previously reported by our resident photographer par excellence and NYC Ambassador Bill Barker, earlier this week I had business in NYC which provided me the opportunity to meet up with Bill and to visit the IWC Boutique, both of which are pleasures I have not had the chance to enjoy for a few years now. My preferred airport when flying to New York is Newark. I guess maybe you can take the boy out of Jersey but you can’t take the Jersey out of the boy. But in this case, scheduling suggested a better alternative was (ugh!) La Guardia. Taxi is by far the most civilized way to travel from LGA to Midtown, but I hate NYC cabs and decided to opt for the “full New York” experience. That meant what was described as a clean and fast dedicated special LGA bus to a nearby subway followed by a quick and comfortable ride into the city. Now, I am not inexperienced with New York. I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in nearby New Jersey. So I knew what I was getting into. Sort of. Here I am enjoying that quick and comfortable
ride.
There’s not much more “full New York” than riding face-to-armpit with a couple hundred of your new closest friends. Hint to out-of-towners…… if someone asks you “Mets or Yankees?” change the subject. Or pretend you just received a tongue transplant and cannot speak.
Bill previously posted pictures of our lunch together. Bill mentioned in his post that I had eaten a “healthy, good for you” salad. While the meat dishes on the menu looked delicious, by the time I ascended from the subway the last thing I wanted to smell was any part of an animal!
It was great catching up with Bill. We have known each other for well over a decade but haven’t seen each other for several years, though we’re now both so old neither of us could remember exactly how long it has been. Given that I often can’t remember what I had for breakfast that day, our lack of precise memory wasn’t a surprise. Knowing that we had diametrically opposed political views, we quickly put that part of the conversation to rest and got on with the socializing. It was sure great to see you again, Bill!
The Boutique staff were their always hospitable selves, but a special treat was we were joined by Edouard d’Arboumont, the head of IWC North America. Our hour-long chat flew by too quickly. It was a pleasure to meet Eduoard and to hear first hand his passion for both IWC and its Collector group. Bill and I certainly appreciated his taking the time to meet with us.
Photo by Bill Barker
Then it was time to check out the new metal. Pallwebers had not yet arrived, but what I really wanted to see were the new pilots, especially the titanium pieces. My old 3536 Aquatimer has long been a favorite, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve told watch friends that “nobody does
titanium like IWC" [color=#333333]I figured it just might be time for the trusty 3536 to gain a titanium stablemate.[/color]
tI
So out they came. Bill was wearing his BP DFB and I had on my CF3. Both quickly made way for the new goods.
First out were the titanium Big Pilots, both the standard 46mm and its big brother 48mm. I have always been a sucker for a subdial at 6 and this one grabbed my attention right away. Beautiful!!! But 48mm? I have owned a number of BP’s and have somewhat reluctantly gotten used to 46mm, but 48? Pushing it a step beyond for me. And after seeing it with the subdial at the 6, the “regular” 46mm just didn’t do it for me.
Photo by Bill Barker
Then out came a pair that were more in my preferred size range – the Mark XVIII Heritage and the Tribute to Mark XI. I thought that the Tribute to Mark XI and the BP Heritage 48 had been sold out, but here they were staring me in the face (or was that in the wallet?), as available for purchase as were their lovely sisters. All I had to do was pull out a credit card. But for which?
I always struggled to adapt as watch sizes climbed past 42mm and kept going. Even though I have owned (and still own) quite a few BP’s and Panerais, my preference has always been closer to 40-42mm. So my choice quickly came down to either the Mark XVIII Heritage, which was foremost in my mind when I travelled to NYC, or the Tribute to Mark XI, which I had not even expected to be available
As I stared at each on my wrist, the right choice for me became more and more clear. So here it is, my new Mark XVIII Heritage. Certainly not an expensive watch by IWC standards, and not as limited in numbers as several of the other choices laid before me. But for a great daily wear, take it anywhere and do anything piece that suits my current laid back, strictly informal, retired lifestyle while complementing my other IWC’s, it’s really just about perfect. Since I already have the CF3 and a BP LPP on the brown aviator strap, this one has been switched to a neat olive canvas IWC strap,
perfect for summer wear.
Note to IWC: Please please please offer a titanium bracelet for the Mark XVIII Heritage. And when you do, sign me up as customer #1!
I’d be remiss in not mentioning one much more serious development that was gaining widespread attention by the next day when I had completed the business portion of my trip and was preparing to leave town. New York authorities had received credible intelligence that a rogue group of three notorious characters posing as (mostly) mild mannered watch geeks was about to arrive in New York. Warnings were being issued, posters were being hung, and likely target venues were being placed on high alert, most notable was a certain shop located at 535 Madison Avenue. One member of the gang was known to walk softly but carry a big watch, and frequently tried to escape detection by claiming “I’m just a dentist”. He was last spotted wearing a watch that looked like this one, only better.
The second member is said to be the more outspoken partner, and frequently leaves all who encounter him in stitches
What? Not that kind of stitches? Oh. Good thing. Well anyway, he has been known to attempt to keep things toned down with a nice conservative
watch that few would notice - like this one.
And the third member generally prefers to remain incognito with a constantly changing array of wristwear. He rarely appears publicly anymore and most dare not speak his name, simply referring to the secretive “California Cool”.
So fair warning New Yorkers and all who may venture there. They are reportedly heading your way! Hide your women, children, and watches. If all else fails, distract them with beer, scotch, or wine. It works every time!
