Ready for a new trip?

[GerardoG]

Well my friends, this time it was exciting to have a mini GTG AND a watch related event, all in one trip; so hold on to your seats, fasten seatbelts and here we go.

First stop, VIP lounge with everything ready for an exciting time. Checklist includes my IWC Aquatimer, BlackBerry, a couple of watch magazines and my drink!!!!


....hmmmm.....Cronos magazine (spanish) has an article on the new Aquatimer.....I like mine better.


Plane is here, so I have to get ready for a 3hr+ flight.


I think this will help me kill some time.


Just after 30 minutes of flight, menus arrive....let's see.....food


...and wine....


So they will keep me busy for some time, first a small salad with a glass of white wine


...and then pasta. First time I have their pasta; I actually liked it!


....destination: CHICAGO!!!!!

I must admit that room was perfect


...and the view was not bad at all!!!!


.....so I have to set things here and take off to meet with a WIS member from the forum.....

[GerardoG]

Well, after freshening up and a short walk (Chicago is a lovely city)





I make it on time to the meeting place (Gibsons steak house, thank you 'Deserted' for the suggestion!)



My good friend Jon (Timber Loftis) was kind enough to leave early from work and meet me for an incredible dinner, drinks and a LOT of watch talk!

The participants: Jon's Panny and my IWC



and two very happy TRF members with the mandatory wrist shot (and drinks!!!!)



We heard about Watch Time's event that was going to be held in Chicago the next day, and Jon took time away from his busy schedule to make it as well as to introduce me to his fav dealer as well as be a terrific tour guide! THANK YOU Jon!

[sleddog]

Excellent Gerardo!!! Love looking at your pics and commentary on the trips!!! Always entertaining......Good to see this time was watch related as well!!!!
Rob.!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Excellent Gerardo!!! Love looking at your pics and commentary on the trips!!! Always entertaining......Good to see this time was watch related as well!!!!
Rob.!

Thank you Rob!

[GerardoG]

Next day, after a couple of great meetings in town; Jon suggested we made a quick stop to his jeweler, as he had 'interesting stuff'. The walk down Michigan Avenue is very pleasant



and we meet in 'the loop' to take a quick look to the inventory @ Jon's jeweler. They had a number of Subs, DD's, GMT's, Expys and 3 Daytonas. A YG on strap (MOP dial), a YG on bracelet with the new black/champagne dial and this baby, which I JUST had to try!!!



We both drooooooooled about this beauty, and agreed that it is a very lightweight and small watch; newer Daytonas feel better on the wrist and you do not 'need a magnifying glass to tell time' (quotes as this is Jon's comment!).

Next stop: AON Center, 80th floor.

[GerardoG]

Views from the Club were impressive, Chicago looks beautiful from every angle!





...and we make it on time to a wonderful event. This had 2 parts: first a one on one with a variety of watch manufacturers and then an impressive coverage of SIHH and Basel.

I was suprised to see over 200 people show up







and to know that all of us were watch FREAKS!

One of the most interesting displays was Antiquorum's, who had a small but exciting selection of watches; one of which was Jon's grail! You should have seen the look on his face when he tried this on!





Some other 'goodies' included Newman Daytonas (SS and YG), Tiffany Expy's (cream and black dials), Omega-Speedy's, GMT's and Bond Submariners. I just fell in love with the 'feel free to try them on' attitude of everyone!

[GerardoG]

Martin Braun's timepieces were exquisite, as they said at the event, yellow gold is back!



Lange also had beautiful timepieces; detail in all his watches is amazing!





and I just HAD to stop by IWC and try the new Aquatimer





I still like mine better!

Cartier's exhibit was amazing as well, I spoke to the staff from the France office and they said the new Santos with skeleton dial is sold out!



Piaget was also getting a lot of inquiries about the new Polo, and their display was fantastic!





you can see some watches missing as people were trying them on!




There were two nice surprises (at least to me). One of them was Montblanc's new 'all in house' manufacture; some of their watches are very nice. I liked their chronos, in which the dials turn, not the hand!



and the new developments by Bucherer: A 3 timezone watch, automatic with a new patented rotor that does NOT obstruct the movement and gives their watches a hefty 5 DAY power reserve!







FP Journe also presented beautiful watches with magnificent complications



...and Vacheron displayed their 'made to order' watch! You can select case material, dial color/material, features, strap/bracelet, complications....you name it. You make it YOUR watch, it is made as per YOUR request (options available at their website). I tried the titanium version; a beauty and soooo lightweight!



yellow gold was also present

[GerardoG]

Next, Watch Time's presentation covered a vast array of brands, unfortunately neither Rolex not Panerai were included, but we had the opportunity to learn about the new trends, fashions and designs from this year's Swiss events; congratulations Watch Time!





...and after a nice talk with other watch aficionados (one of which allowed us to try on $150k us timepieces!) it was time to call it a night; so it was back to the hotel.....with goodies!





(and with flash....)




...as you can imagine, my suitcase weighs a LOT and I had plenty of material to review on my flight back this afternoon.

Now, sitting @ Chicago's VIP room, waiting for my plane, all I can do is smile and thank Jon for his time and hospitality, Amy @ Watch Time for putting up with us and all of you for reading.

Cheers and see you on the next trip!

[sleddog]

Gerardo,I should have waited to post!!!! Looks like you had an amazing time(I'm so jealous)......That goodies collection is great!!!!!
By the way,I like your current IWC better as well!!!!
Rob.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Gerardo,I should have waited to post!!!! Looks like you had an amazing time(I'm so jealous)......That goodies collection is great!!!!!
By the way,I like your current IWC better as well!!!!
Rob.

Thanks! Me too!!!

[sleddog]

Oh,was that an invite only show or available to the public???

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Oh,was that an invite only show or available to the public???

Open. They tour 5-6 cities every year; worth every penny of it.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Open. They tour 5-6 cities every year; worth every penny of it.

I bet no Canadian cities.......Oh well,I'm left out again..!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

I bet no Canadian cities.......Oh well,I'm left out again..!

Unfortunately not; I think it has to do with the sponsors; they have to bring in watches and I think customs for other countries can be tricky; but the selection of US cities could work for you. This year it was San Francisco, LA, Chicago, NY, Dallas and Philly.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Open. They tour 5-6 cities every year; worth every penny of it.

Indeed. I only found out about it at the last minute (at Gibson's the night before), yet a quick flurry of emails from Gerardo and I was in. The price was $89 to get into the event, which included viewing tons of incredible watches, and free drinks and dinner, and entry into the WatchTime review, which was heavily focused on movement innovations in the industry and special limited edition watches -- it was awesome.

One thing I don't think Gerardo's review highlights in bold enough letters is that the Mont Blanc chrono watches have spinning dials (like the original chrono mechanism they had on display) instead of moving hands -- very cool.

Gerardo and I had wonderful steaks at Gibson's. Mine was just incredible. Also, Gerardo was a pleasure to hang out with, a very cool guy, with a great family story and all that stuff.

I did take the opportunity to show Gerardo around our new Millennium Park including the "Cloud Gate" sculpture known locally as "The Bean." I did profess to be a great tour guide to this city, and I continue to hold myself out as such. Gerardo took some pics of this, but I guess they didn't "make the cut" for his review. Regardless, any WIS visiting the Windy City, I welcome you to contact me, and if I can possibly make time to show you some of the wonders of one of the best cities around, I'll do so.

Cheers!!!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

Gerardo and I had wonderful steaks at Gibson's. Mine was just incredible. Also, Gerardo was a pleasure to hang out with, a very cool guy, with a great family story and all that stuff.

I did take the opportunity to show Gerardo around our new Millennium Park including the "Cloud Gate" sculpture known locally as "The Bean." I did profess to be a great tour guide to this city, and I continue to hold myself out as such. Gerardo took some pics of this, but I guess they didn't "make the cut" for his review. Regardless, any WIS visiting the Windy City, I welcome you to contact me, and if I can possibly make time to show you some of the wonders of one of the best cities around, I'll do so.

Cheers!!!

Thank you Jon; pleasure meeting you as well!

Reason I did not include the 'Bean' is that it would need explaining....would you mind pitching in? The Cloud Gate is an impressive sculpture (?) shaped like a bean or kidney; when you look at it from the distance you could not tell many things about it; but once you are close and specially 'under' it; the reflections are A M A Z I N G! You have to be there, it is very hard to find words to describe it!

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Reason I did not include the 'Bean' is that it would need explaining....would you mind pitching in? The Cloud Gate is an impressive sculpture (?) shaped like a bean or kidney; when you look at it from the distance you could not tell many things about it; but once you are close and specially 'under' it; the reflections are A M A Z I N G! You have to be there, it is very hard to find words to describe it!

Surely, I'll pitch in on describing this. I'll use the artists own words (he is British, by the by):

What I wanted to do in Millennium Park is make something that would engage the Chicago skyline…so that one will see the clouds kind of floating in, with those very tall buildings reflected in the work. And then, since it is in the form of a gate, the participant, the viewer, will be able to enter into this very deep chamber that does, in a way, the same thing to one's reflection as the exterior of the piece is doing to the reflection of the city around.
-Anish Kapoor

"The Bean" or "Cloud Gate" is an impressive piece. Around it, you see the city along Grant Park reflected in all its splendor, including magnificent views of the skyline of Michigan Ave. where it meets Randolph Dr. It's the centerpiece of Millennium Park, which now forms the northwestern portion of Grant Park. Running south from there you have other nice sculptures and gardens in Millennium Park leading right up to the Chicago Art Institute, including the new bridge between Millennium Park and the Art Institute's new Modern Wing, another marvel in and of itself that you can Google for info. From there south, you have several city blocks of parkway next to the lakefront that will for all time be open for the public's enjoyment. Grant Park is a great spectacle, and I as a Chicagoan enjoy it muchly.

The history of Grant Park is open to your political interpretation. The story is that Marshall Field, founder of the Chicago Dept. stores that became owned by Macey's a few years ago, looked out his office one day and saw the shantytown building up in the green space next to his offices. He wanted to see quiet greenspace/park near him, so he and other local businesses lobbied to get the ne'er-do-wells tossed out and to make the park public space forever. Technically, the only enterprise that currently can expand into the park is the Art Institute, which was recently allowed to add its Modern Wing in park areas. But, basically, the gist of it is that this area of the city will be open for public enjoyment in perpetuity.

I love Grant Park, and in that I include the Millennium Park, and I often enjoy taking a bike ride through the area from my South Loop home. More links follow for your perusal:

http://images.google.com/images?clie...ed=0CFMQsAQwBA
http://www.millenniumpark.org/artand...loud_gate.html
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/i...4449057ea9.cfm
http://jasonpettus.vox.com/library/p...ore-drive.html

BTW... Gerardo I like your IWC better than the new one.

Post Script: Gerardo likes whiskey, so he's my kind of peeps. /hic

[dpj17]

Awesome pics and great event Gerardo! I am quite upset that I couldn't make it downtown for this as work got in the way. I am DEFINITELY in for the next one!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by dpj17

Awesome pics and great event Gerardo! I am quite upset that I couldn't make it downtown for this as work got in the way. I am DEFINITELY in for the next one!

I am sorry that you were not able to make it. I have to be honest: we had a great time! I am sure we will get together again soon.

[deserted]

I wish i could have made it......darn court calls, I will make sure my schedule will stay light until the end of this year....

[Tombstone]

Thanks for the photos looks like it was a blast.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Tombstone

Thanks for the photos looks like it was a blast.

It was a blast! Thank you

[GerardoG]

Thanks Gus!

[kcmo]

FANTASTIC photos and review Gerardo!!!! Thanks for sharing this with all of us! Sounds like you guys had the best time!!!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by kcmo

FANTASTIC photos and review Gerardo!!!! Thanks for sharing this with all of us! Sounds like you guys had the best time!!!

Thank you Karis. We did! BTW, what a beautiful Daytona you have! (....think I have already commented this....)

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Thank you Karis. We did! BTW, what a beautiful Daytona you have! (....think I have already commented this....)

You did but I'll take another compliment!!! Thanks G!!!

[GerardoG]

Wow, thank you Jon!

[GerardoG]

Jon: Check out Montblanc's website

http://www.montblanc.com/products/mo...s_rieussec.php

With all respect; Rolex should look at this website and do something about theirs!

[JBat]

Gerardo, your trip looks like a watch junkies heaven! And I love your IWC. What a great looking watch. Thanks for sharing.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by JBat

Gerardo, your trip looks like a watch junkies heaven! And I love your IWC. What a great looking watch. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you. It was great, and my Aquatimer had to be there.