*Disclaimer: this is going to be a long one - for a TLDR version and just the incoming, go on and scroll to the end.
How does one become a watch aficionado? When you start down this path, there is no telling all the watches you'll experience, wildly different people you'll meet, exotic places you'll travel to, friends for life that you'll make and all the incredible moments that you'll live because of the hobby and your love for horology.
It's been 12 years since I registered on TRF and, 10,000 posts later, I'm taken by a feeling of gratitude for everything this amazing place has allowed me to experience. I've met some incredible people both online and in person, acquired a treasure chest of knowledge, which keeps growing every time I log on, and shared the joy of countless incomings of friends and forum mates. I've also discovered, developed and matured my own taste in watches, through much trial and error, but also by listening and learning from all of you.
Finally, moderating and keeping a forum such as this up and running smoothly is a herculean task - as well as usually thankless - so I'd also like to take this moment to show my recognition to our TRF mods and to Steve - you guys are rockstars!
Over all this time, a lot has changed in the watch world. Sadly, many of the brands and models we all know and love have (momentarily, as we would like to hope) became so called assets, fungible commodities, and collectors no more than consumers. In this supply and demand driven universe, the mercantile nature of the relationships formed leave little to be appreciated in the way of creating life experiences to accompany the acquisition of a special piece.
There still are, however, brands that promote the love of horology above all else. They treat their products like art and their collectors like family. For some brands, not only is the material object exceptional in all respects, but the respect and care shown to its collectors remind you of what the relationships in this hobby *should* be all about.
This is a piece that was a long, long time in the making for me. When the model was first launched, over 10 years ago, it was something completely removed from my reality, but as chance would have it, I became ready for it just as the very last unit of the metal I wanted was available in one of the brand's few ADs.
So, after many zoom calls and with the help of some amazing friends over in the US, the deal was closed and this grail came to be. I can't think of a better one to celebrate 10k posts here and all the journey has represented so far.
Thank you for all these years, TRF. Here's to the next 10,000 posts.
