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Nov. 5th, 2024
from: My Other Watch Is... - - On November 5th, 2024 at 03:51
Hi Tim,
I'm Mike, and you have a great memory regarding how we obtained the UN! Before your post, I had talked myself out of posting on WPS as I try to keep a very low profile online. Don't' know if the WPS moderators have had any trouble with theft, but it occurred to me that if a bad actor wanted to, he/she might be able to identify someone talking about their collection, and I didn't want to risk that. Every day, the news is jammed full of reports of new scams to separate people from their belongings and money, and my guess is that AI will make it even easier. But when I saw your UN Marine Chronometer post, I couldn't resist, and since then it's been a blast. I'm trying not to reveal anything that could point back to our location or contact info, so I didn't use my name, but I see that many people do sign off with at least a first name. I figure there is not that much risk of using a common name like Mike.
We are still in California, splitting our time between SF Bay and a cabin in the woods in the Sierra foothills. I consult from home and am finding that I spend most of my time at the cabin, although I do go down the hill occasionally.
As far as the kind words, it's been my pleasure to share them. We really enjoyed having Jackson Square only a few miles away and were lost for good watch companions when the store closed. I certainly enjoyed learning about the independent watchmakers, as well as meeting quite a few, such as the Habrings and Martin Braun. And I have vivid memories of studying watches by the Habrings, Lang & Heyne (that Moritz!), and Peter Speak-Marin, and those fabulous Roger Dubuis Sympathies and Hommage with retrograde hands everywhere. Unfortunately, most of those were beyond our means back then, but I did manage to purchase a rose gold Martin Braun EOS 42 when you held a major event for him (still have it). Over the years since then, I've managed to pick up a few more watches (all with at least 5 hands or complications), and I doubt I'll ever stop looking.
Well, thanks again for the warm welcome and acknowledging my crazy UN Marine Chronometer post. I look forward to seeing other posts from you and participating with the entire group.
Best regards,
Mike
from: My Other Watch Is... - - On November 5th, 2024 at 22:49
Hello again,
I have been to independentintime.com several times, including last week when writing my first post. You are welcome to use content from the post as you see fit.
Thanks for your phone number and offer to get together; I would be glad to see you again too. I don't have any near term plans to come down, but let me see what happens during the holidays. For decades, my daughter Lauren and I would plan a day in the city before Christmas where we would go to the Palace hotel for holiday tea and spend the rest of the day visiting - get ready - watch stores!! She still opines regarding "our" collection, and knows quite a bit about the various brands from having visited Tourbillon, Shreve (old and new locations) and the many other stores along Geary and in the Union Square area. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a stop to it for several years, and we haven't restarted the tradition.
I'll close for now, but get in touch if we decide to come down or have other news. My cell number should you wish to call.
Best,
Mike