5,026 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 9, 2006
Six years and 4,500 posts ago I joined the IWC Collectors’ Forum. I joined after acquiring my first luxury watch, my RG 5001 in August 2006. What an auspicious beginning for an exciting and rewarding relationship.
My first post was on August 11, 2006 answering a question about AR Coatings, an area where I have some knowledge. I was a real newbie on all things IWC and I just lurked around the forum for a few weeks before jumping in. I could not and would not comment on the often-detailed threads on the history and tradition of IWC.
As I sit to write this post, my thoughts really turn not only to the thrill and enjoyment of owning several IWC watches, but also to the many and important relationships that have grown out of joining this community. The following are some thoughts and pictures of some very important people in my life that I meet here on the Forum and as we attended various IWC sponsored events from 2007 forward. I will be forever grateful for the generosity of IWC in sponsoring these events and GTG and to MF for brining me in when I only owed one IWC.
My first exposure to Schaffhausen was in early April 2007. I had a business / ski trip to Switzerland. I took the opportunity to stop in Schaffhausen for a factory tour. My tour guide was Günther Grötchen, a very knowledgeable retired IWC executive. Here is Günther leading the introduction to the factory tour.
The HQ was under construction at the time and it was before the new Museum was in place. At that time, the museum was housed in a very tight space in the attic in the main building. But the tour was worth it to me. It set me off on a now six-year adventure.
Shortly after this visit in early April 2007, I was invited as a complete newbie to attend SIHH 2007 in mid April 2007, the year of the KK DaVinci. I had the great pleasure to meet Herr Klaus in the lobby of our hotel the first hour I was there. He was sitting at a computer in the lobby checking email. Now knowing anything or anyone, I asked him what watch he was wearing, since everyone in the hotel was from IWC. He pulled off his KK PT DaVinici, #01/50, and handed it to me. I learned later I was in the company of a legend. Little did I know. The other Collectors soon latched onto me taking me to dinner and introducing me around. The first Collectors’ Forum person to introduce himself to me was Tonny Berteloot. What memories.
SIHH 2007 Memories
Herr Klaus giving us a talk on the design and creation of the DaVinci line, including his special KK Edition. It was his 50th Anniversary at IWC.
A slightly younger Georges Kern also spoke to the Collectors’ Group.
The herd jumping on the new models.
You will recognize some of the faces: Andrew Thomas in the left foreground and Ralph Edmonson, toward the back.
My souvenir from SIHH, an autographed picture of Herr Klaus and his KK Edition IWC.
At SIHH, I tried on for the first time a PPC. It became a fascination for me. In December of 2007, it was mine. I bought it the day of my daughter’s wedding, wearing it that evening. The picture is taken at SIHH; it’s not my PPC.
In the fall of 2007 I was invited back to CH once again, this time for a Collectors’ Forum Gathering in Schaffhausen to celebrate the Grand Opening of the New IWC Museum.
The Collectors were treated to several sightseeing venues and extra-curricular activities.
Lunch at the Rhein Falls
Crossbow shooting. MF did just fine.
A visit to some local sites in Schaffhausen, the Klostermuseum St. Georgen: What’s everyone look at?
The newly appointed Bishop of St. Georgen, Tonny Berteloot:
Beautiful view from inside out to the Rhein:
We visited a nearby village, Stein am Rhein, and drank from the ancient cup in the City Hall. It assures you that you will return to Stein am Rhein.
MF, Dick L. and David Hamilton,
Walking around Stein am Rhein.
You will recognize Ardoise, front left, MF, Nelson, Tonny, and Adrian.
In Schaffhausen we greeted Dick L., whichwatch, Andrew Thomas , Tonny,
I had the honor to attend two other SIHH events in 2010 and 2011. I won’t post more pictures of these events as you can do an archive search for my reports. I will say it again; I am honored to have been invited to so many Collectors’ Gatherings and to three SIHH.
Another very important part of being a part of the Collectors’ Forum are the now frequent GTG of like-minded IWC collectors. I don’t know how many were in NYC, but I remember visiting several times with both RAVE and Andrew Thomas and some other IWC Collectors, who are now not so active on the Forum. NYC is not the only venue for these events. I have gone to GTGs in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf as well. A few of us had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of the NYC Flagship Boutique with guests from all over the world.
Here are some pictures from many of these events.
NYC Flagship Opening GTG.
Group includes Terry Russell, Dick L. Oliver Siegle, Nad, Alan Ross, Nelson H., Kevin Devine, MF, and Mark Levinsohn.
Our heavy metal
Collector’s Meeting 2009 in Schaffhausen
It was a bit cold for this trip.
MF had just acquired his IWC Tourbillon and we helped celebrate;
Andrew Thomas and me in NYC. It was a Mexican meal for a Scott who lives in CH.
GTG NYC 2010 with RAVE, Evan Nanos, Kevin and me.
GTG with Andrew Thomas in 2012. Kevin, Alan and Noreen, the Flagship Manager.
Lastly, just this weekend we had a GTG with Bendy, a fellow Collector from down-under.
Before I close with some shots of the IWC’s I’ve collected over the last six years, I have to recount how important the people side of the Forum is to me. I have meet many wonderful people who all share the same passion. I count many among my friends. I want to especially recognize just a few and forgive me, if I leave off your name. I am getting old remember. Life has been much brighter and more interesting knowing Alan Ross, Kevin Devine, Mark Levinsohn, Ralph Edmondson, Jim Pearson, Andrew Thomas, Dick Liebson, Argiris Develegas, Dimitri Psaromialos, Richard Shridan, Roberto Muraglia, Bob Bunnik,Giovanni Ambrogio, and many others some of whom are no longer active forum members. But, I have kept in contact with many of them. It goes without saying that I really treasure having Michael Friedberg as my friend and our esteemed moderator. All of this would not have happened without you, Michael.
In closing, here are some gratuitous shots of the IWC’s in my collection over the last six years.
AT 2000
AT 2000 together with the iconic BP 5002
The 5002 itself
Ingenieur, 3227
Cal 89
Der Doppel Chronograph, 3711
Golf Club
Laureus Spitfire Chronograph
My favorite, the PPC
Porsche Design
VC Portofino
Portugieser 5001, the one that started it all.
St. Exupéry, Power Reserve, now departed.
Thanks for taking the time to wade through this. I am amazed I hit 4,500 posts. This equates to 750 posts per year or 14 per week. It really doesn’t take much to hit this mark now that I look at it.
It’s a pleasure to call all of you friends and to share in the passion with each of you. Thanks to IWC and MF for making it all possible.
Bill - congratulations on the milestone and the wonderful report. I'd be absolutely thrilled if my first six years on the forum are half as eventful and friend-filled as yours. Looking forward to your next 4500 posts.
66 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 19, 2011
Congratulations on your 4,500. A really interesting post, with fabulous photos of your IWCs - an enviable collection. Thanks for taking the time to share these.
Here's to the next 4,500 ( and a few more watches)!
4,731 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 18, 2006
Thank you so much for your wonderful story, great reports about GTG's and amazing watch photo's. It's an honor to have met you a several times, each one was a pleasure. Hopefully we will meet again Bill!
1,809 Discussions and CommentsMember since Jan. 4, 2003White House, NJ,
United States
Bill, a big congratulations on 4500 posts it is certainly indicative of you passion for IWC. It has been a great pleasure to get to know you and have you educate me about IWCs and it great history. I have enjoyed all our GTGs both big and small and I especially look forward to your pictures and reports. You always capture the moment. Once again congratulations, I look forward the next 4500 posts and I'm proud to call you my friend.
2,246 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 2, 2001
A very nice look back over the years, Bill. Congratulations on 4500 posts.
I am flattered to have been mentioned in your report, and I consider myself lucky to have met you and been able to become friends. How many people do I know about who I can say they helped fund the Lange Memorial Bathroom? :-)
1,870 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 28, 2002
Well done Bill, great post. I still can remember the hotel lobby when we first met, we were waiting on a bus to take us to the SIHH I believe. Here is a pic from the collectors meeting in Schaffhausen, you together with Rave.
2,996 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 2, 2011Hong Kong,
Hong Kong
thanks for sharing your memories and the great pics Bill. Looking forward to catching u soon.
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch. all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
My first post was on August 11, 2006 answering a question about AR Coatings, an area where I have some knowledge. I was a real newbie on all things IWC and I just lurked around the forum for a few weeks before jumping in. I could not and would not comment on the often-detailed threads on the history and tradition of IWC.
As I sit to write this post, my thoughts really turn not only to the thrill and enjoyment of owning several IWC watches, but also to the many and important relationships that have grown out of joining this community. The following are some thoughts and pictures of some very important people in my life that I meet here on the Forum and as we attended various IWC sponsored events from 2007 forward. I will be forever grateful for the generosity of IWC in sponsoring these events and GTG and to MF for brining me in when I only owed one IWC.
My first exposure to Schaffhausen was in early April 2007. I had a business / ski trip to Switzerland. I took the opportunity to stop in Schaffhausen for a factory tour. My tour guide was Günther Grötchen, a very knowledgeable retired IWC executive. Here is Günther leading the introduction to the factory tour.
The HQ was under construction at the time and it was before the new Museum was in place. At that time, the museum was housed in a very tight space in the attic in the main building. But the tour was worth it to me. It set me off on a now six-year adventure.
Shortly after this visit in early April 2007, I was invited as a complete newbie to attend SIHH 2007 in mid April 2007, the year of the KK DaVinci. I had the great pleasure to meet Herr Klaus in the lobby of our hotel the first hour I was there. He was sitting at a computer in the lobby checking email. Now knowing anything or anyone, I asked him what watch he was wearing, since everyone in the hotel was from IWC. He pulled off his KK PT DaVinici, #01/50, and handed it to me. I learned later I was in the company of a legend. Little did I know. The other Collectors soon latched onto me taking me to dinner and introducing me around. The first Collectors’ Forum person to introduce himself to me was Tonny Berteloot. What memories.
SIHH 2007 Memories
Herr Klaus giving us a talk on the design and creation of the DaVinci line, including his special KK Edition. It was his 50th Anniversary at IWC.
A slightly younger Georges Kern also spoke to the Collectors’ Group.
The herd jumping on the new models.
You will recognize some of the faces: Andrew Thomas in the left foreground and Ralph Edmonson, toward the back.
My souvenir from SIHH, an autographed picture of Herr Klaus and his KK Edition IWC.
At SIHH, I tried on for the first time a PPC. It became a fascination for me. In December of 2007, it was mine. I bought it the day of my daughter’s wedding, wearing it that evening. The picture is taken at SIHH; it’s not my PPC.
In the fall of 2007 I was invited back to CH once again, this time for a Collectors’ Forum Gathering in Schaffhausen to celebrate the Grand Opening of the New IWC Museum.
The Collectors were treated to several sightseeing venues and extra-curricular activities.
Lunch at the Rhein Falls
Crossbow shooting. MF did just fine.
A visit to some local sites in Schaffhausen, the Klostermuseum St. Georgen: What’s everyone look at?
The newly appointed Bishop of St. Georgen, Tonny Berteloot:
Beautiful view from inside out to the Rhein:
We visited a nearby village, Stein am Rhein, and drank from the ancient cup in the City Hall. It assures you that you will return to Stein am Rhein.
MF, Dick L. and David Hamilton,
Walking around Stein am Rhein.
You will recognize Ardoise, front left, MF, Nelson, Tonny, and Adrian.
In Schaffhausen we greeted Dick L., whichwatch, Andrew Thomas , Tonny,
I had the honor to attend two other SIHH events in 2010 and 2011. I won’t post more pictures of these events as you can do an archive search for my reports. I will say it again; I am honored to have been invited to so many Collectors’ Gatherings and to three SIHH.
Another very important part of being a part of the Collectors’ Forum are the now frequent GTG of like-minded IWC collectors. I don’t know how many were in NYC, but I remember visiting several times with both RAVE and Andrew Thomas and some other IWC Collectors, who are now not so active on the Forum. NYC is not the only venue for these events. I have gone to GTGs in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf as well. A few of us had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of the NYC Flagship Boutique with guests from all over the world.
Here are some pictures from many of these events.
NYC Flagship Opening GTG.
Group includes Terry Russell, Dick L. Oliver Siegle, Nad, Alan Ross, Nelson H., Kevin Devine, MF, and Mark Levinsohn.
Our heavy metal
Collector’s Meeting 2009 in Schaffhausen
It was a bit cold for this trip.
MF had just acquired his IWC Tourbillon and we helped celebrate;
Andrew Thomas and me in NYC. It was a Mexican meal for a Scott who lives in CH.
GTG NYC 2010 with RAVE, Evan Nanos, Kevin and me.
GTG with Andrew Thomas in 2012. Kevin, Alan and Noreen, the Flagship Manager.
Lastly, just this weekend we had a GTG with Bendy, a fellow Collector from down-under.
Before I close with some shots of the IWC’s I’ve collected over the last six years, I have to recount how important the people side of the Forum is to me. I have meet many wonderful people who all share the same passion. I count many among my friends. I want to especially recognize just a few and forgive me, if I leave off your name. I am getting old remember. Life has been much brighter and more interesting knowing Alan Ross, Kevin Devine, Mark Levinsohn, Ralph Edmondson, Jim Pearson, Andrew Thomas, Dick Liebson, Argiris Develegas, Dimitri Psaromialos, Richard Shridan, Roberto Muraglia, Bob Bunnik,Giovanni Ambrogio, and many others some of whom are no longer active forum members. But, I have kept in contact with many of them. It goes without saying that I really treasure having Michael Friedberg as my friend and our esteemed moderator. All of this would not have happened without you, Michael.
In closing, here are some gratuitous shots of the IWC’s in my collection over the last six years.
AT 2000
AT 2000 together with the iconic BP 5002
The 5002 itself
Ingenieur, 3227
Cal 89
Der Doppel Chronograph, 3711
Golf Club
Laureus Spitfire Chronograph
My favorite, the PPC
Porsche Design
VC Portofino
Portugieser 5001, the one that started it all.
St. Exupéry, Power Reserve, now departed.
Thanks for taking the time to wade through this. I am amazed I hit 4,500 posts. This equates to 750 posts per year or 14 per week. It really doesn’t take much to hit this mark now that I look at it.
It’s a pleasure to call all of you friends and to share in the passion with each of you. Thanks to IWC and MF for making it all possible.
Bill
Last edited: 20 November, 2012 - 11:55
Best regards,
David
Last edited: 8 January, 2013 - 17:49
Here's to the next 4,500 ( and a few more watches)!
Jez
Last edited: 14 March, 2013 - 20:04
It's indeed been quiet a journey, and I've enjoyed every one of your posts. Do keep them coming Bill.
Good Health and Happy Posting.
Best regards
Mark
Last edited: 16 April, 2013 - 00:36
Kind regards,
Clemens
Once again congratulations, I look forward the next 4500 posts and I'm proud to call you my friend.
Regards,
Kevin
I am flattered to have been mentioned in your report, and I consider myself lucky to have met you and been able to become friends. How many people do I know about who I can say they helped fund the Lange Memorial Bathroom? :-)
I'm looking forward to your next 4500 posts!
Dick L.
whichwatch at roadrunner dot com
Here is a pic from the collectors meeting in Schaffhausen, you together with Rave.
tonny.berteloot@pandora.be
very best,
thang
iwcforummer@outlook.com
Last edited: 21 April, 2013 - 08:55
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com
time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch.
all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
Last edited: 8 December, 2012 - 16:07