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2 December 2005, 12:36 AM

One year ago today, I met with one of our forum members who is well known to all of us. He is a most famous (infamous?) WIS named JJ Irani.

While en route to Australia, we were forced to take a flight that went through Auckland, NZ. We decided to stay for a few days, and since I knew JJ was from that city, I emailed him to ask about what sights we should see. JJ graciously invited my wife and I to meet him and his wife, and our plans were set. JJ and his lovely wife Zemina picked us up at our hotel, and we went to a nice Indian restaurant called Bolliwood.

It was a first WIS dinner for both of us, and here is the selection that was at the table during the dinner:

The collection is my JLC Master Moon at the top of the picture, below and left is my wife's Cartier (yes, it's quartz - shame on me but I can't convince her to get anything mechanical

), next is the one watch that JJ will never sell and will take to his grave.....err, well maybe not.

Last is Zemina's YM.

The food was great as was the wine and beer, and of course the company....

My Tandoori chicken was fantastic......

Lots of food to go around.....

Here is the standard WIS shot, taken by our lovley Canadian waitress....who thought we were slightly nuts......."You mean you met because of watches?!"

Zemina on the left, then yours truly, then some Kiwi tosser, and my wife, Jacqui.....

One of the people who knew I was meeting JJ asked that I get a picture of the Kiwi in his natural habitat, not striking a pose or with that trademark smile......I was happy to help....

Some candid shots of our lovely ladies.......

A candid shot off JJ looking like he needs that beer pretty badly.......or someone just suggested that he might sell his TT sub one day for another Rolex.....I have other explanation for that look in his eyes......

I've titled this one "JJ Irani - Master of his Domain"

After a lovely dinner, JJ and Zemina dropped us back at our hotel. The next day, we took the public transit to MOTAT where JJ works, to view some of the history his museum has on hand.

Here the famed Kiwi in his natural surroundings......

And one of JJ and I in front of and old ambulance.

It was a fun afternoon seeing where JJ "works" - mind you I didn't see him actually do anything..........

We had a nice tea in the employee break room, where I met another Canadian who had decided to live and work in NZ, and ended up working at MOTAT - she obviously wasn't warned about the obsessive Kiwi before emigrating.......

For me, I made sure we had a brewery tour before coming to visit JJ - it lessens the impact a bit if you have tipped a few before taking on the Kiwi WIS.........

Many who know that I have met our beloved JJ ask me..."What is he really like?" Well, I can answer very honestly that what you see is what you get. JJ has a passion for Rolex, his family, and his WIS friends, and I am happy to count myself as one of them.......

JJ, cheers to you and Zemina, and I sincerely hope that we will meet again one day!

dman · 2 December 2005, 12:38 AM

Great post Al, I remember it well mate!! I plan on meeting that wacko one day as well.

2 December 2005, 12:46 AM

Indeed, Al, thanks for posting a great thread. I was one who asked Al what JJ is really like.

BTW, whats with the mirror image of you two guys in that one pic.

padi56 · 2 December 2005, 12:57 AM

Great pictures Al remember them well think JJ has shed a few pounds in weight since those pictures were taken,the sheep must be playing hard to get.And agree about the Kiwi tosser,but still one of the finest sports and friend, that I would like to meet.

BruceS · 2 December 2005, 01:21 AM

Great post Al! I remember this post too from a year ago. Great stuff mate and a great tribute to our beloved bald kiwi

Uncle-AJ · 2 December 2005, 01:24 AM

Excellent post, it's great when you can actually get to meet other TRF'ers in person.

2 December 2005, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Excellent post, it's great when you can actually get to meet other TRF'ers in person.

Agreed. So far I've met two guys from watch fora. Finwhiz (roldolfo) and VRINGTACA (Alex). Both good guys!

BruceS · 2 December 2005, 01:36 AM

Al, that JLC is just pure class on you. Really a stunner

BruceS · 2 December 2005, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

Agreed. So far I've met two guys from watch fora. Finwhiz (roldolfo) and VRINGTACA (Alex). Both good guys!

I got to meet a bunch of guys from TZ this summer. These guys were all really great. Hope to see them again before we move

Uncle-AJ · 2 December 2005, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

I got to meet a bunch of guys from TZ this summer. These guys were all really great. Hope to see them again before we move

If you get to the UK by February we may be able to meet up. I'm home from Jan 24th to Feb 16th. So far my only day booked is Feb 2nd for a dental checkup.

2 December 2005, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

If you get to the UK by February we may be able to meet up. I'm home from Jan 24th to Feb 16th. So far my only day booked is Feb 2nd for a dental checkup.

They have dentists in the UK now???

Uncle-AJ · 2 December 2005, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

They have dentists in the UK now???

Bite me.

(I haven't a clue what that means, just keep hearing it on American TV programmes.)

2 December 2005, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Bite me.

(I haven't a clue what that means, just keep hearing it on American TV programmes.)

Counsellor, may I present exhibit A: oh behave!

BruceS · 2 December 2005, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

If you get to the UK by February we may be able to meet up. I'm home from Jan 24th to Feb 16th. So far my only day booked is Feb 2nd for a dental checkup.

Noted Adrian!! That would be great

padi56 · 2 December 2005, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

Noted Adrian!! That would be great

And think Ed may be in the UK around that time,and if I am not in hospital having my op, would love to meet up with you guys
too.

JJ Irani · 2 December 2005, 03:30 AM

Thanks a million, Al, for a stupendous and very nostalgic post. I haven't forgotten, my friend. You and Jacqui were such good company and the only sad part of it all was that you weren't able to stay longer.

BTW, guys, I was a massive 94 Kgs (207 lbs) in those pics last year at this time. Then I went on the Weight Watchers diet this March and today I'm down to 86 kgs (190 lbs).

Thanks, Al, once again......truly appreciated. Zemina and I return the sentiments to you two wonderful Canadians!!

JJ Irani · 2 December 2005, 04:43 AM

Dear Al,

This is Zemina. I just finished reading all of the above and would like to thank you for your kind sentiments.

Do convey my love to Jacqui too.

With best wishes,

Zemina

dman · 2 December 2005, 05:17 AM

Oh boy, JJ has let Zemina into the inner sanctuary.

BruceS · 2 December 2005, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Oh boy, JJ has let Zemina into the inner sanctuary.

Everyone be really good now. She thinks JJ is on a church site

dman · 2 December 2005, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

Everyone be really good now. She thinks JJ is on a church site

Posting many pics of she-devils.

mailman · 2 December 2005, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

They have dentists in the UK now???

mailman · 2 December 2005, 09:07 AM

Hey Al and JJ. Great posts and pics. Looks like everyone had a great time. I hope to meet the Kojak Homer Simpson wanna be someday too.

Rockrolex · 2 December 2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

If you get to the UK by February we may be able to meet up. I'm home from Jan 24th to Feb 16th. So far my only day booked is Feb 2nd for a dental checkup.

We arrive in London on Feb 16th. Will you be there on the 16th or are you departing that day? I do hope you'll be there and we can get together with Peter and Shane and anyone else who is nearby.

dina · 2 December 2005, 12:16 PM

Nice pics

Uncle-AJ · 2 December 2005, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

We arrive in London on Feb 16th. Will you be there on the 16th or are you departing that day? I do hope you'll be there and we can get together with Peter and Shane and anyone else who is nearby.

Sorry Ed, I'll be in transit. Why is it everybody leaves or arrives the day I'm travelling?

2 December 2005, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Sorry Ed, I'll be in transit. Why is it everybody leaves or arrives the day I'm travelling?

The only reason I can think of is that they know your schedules......

2 December 2005, 10:51 PM

Well JJ and Zemina, we certainly enjoyed the short time we spent with you while in NZ. I certainly wish I was there now, as we are getting hammered with snow at the moment.......

Jacqui send her regards as well, by the way.......

Rockrolex · 2 December 2005, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Sorry Ed, I'll be in transit. Why is it everybody leaves or arrives the day I'm travelling?

That's a bummer, Adrian.

We'll just have to knock back a few pints in your honor.

Uncle-AJ · 3 December 2005, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

That's a bummer, Adrian.

We'll just have to knock back a few pints in your honor.

Gee, thanks.

2 December 2005, 12:36 AM	#1
---- Guest Posts: n/a	This day in history..... One year ago today, I met with one of our forum members who is well known to all of us. He is a most famous (infamous?) WIS named JJ Irani. While en route to Australia, we were forced to take a flight that went through Auckland, NZ. We decided to stay for a few days, and since I knew JJ was from that city, I emailed him to ask about what sights we should see. JJ graciously invited my wife and I to meet him and his wife, and our plans were set. JJ and his lovely wife Zemina picked us up at our hotel, and we went to a nice Indian restaurant called Bolliwood. It was a first WIS dinner for both of us, and here is the selection that was at the table during the dinner: The collection is my JLC Master Moon at the top of the picture, below and left is my wife's Cartier (yes, it's quartz - shame on me but I can't convince her to get anything mechanical ), next is the one watch that JJ will never sell and will take to his grave.....err, well maybe not. Last is Zemina's YM. The food was great as was the wine and beer, and of course the company.... My Tandoori chicken was fantastic...... Lots of food to go around..... Here is the standard WIS shot, taken by our lovley Canadian waitress....who thought we were slightly nuts......."You mean you met because of watches?!" Zemina on the left, then yours truly, then some Kiwi tosser, and my wife, Jacqui..... One of the people who knew I was meeting JJ asked that I get a picture of the Kiwi in his natural habitat, not striking a pose or with that trademark smile......I was happy to help.... Some candid shots of our lovely ladies....... A candid shot off JJ looking like he needs that beer pretty badly.......or someone just suggested that he might sell his TT sub one day for another Rolex.....I have other explanation for that look in his eyes...... I've titled this one "JJ Irani - Master of his Domain" After a lovely dinner, JJ and Zemina dropped us back at our hotel. The next day, we took the public transit to MOTAT where JJ works, to view some of the history his museum has on hand. Here the famed Kiwi in his natural surroundings...... And one of JJ and I in front of and old ambulance. It was a fun afternoon seeing where JJ "works" - mind you I didn't see him actually do anything.......... We had a nice tea in the employee break room, where I met another Canadian who had decided to live and work in NZ, and ended up working at MOTAT - she obviously wasn't warned about the obsessive Kiwi before emigrating....... For me, I made sure we had a brewery tour before coming to visit JJ - it lessens the impact a bit if you have tipped a few before taking on the Kiwi WIS......... Many who know that I have met our beloved JJ ask me..."What is he really like?" Well, I can answer very honestly that what you see is what you get. JJ has a passion for Rolex, his family, and his WIS friends, and I am happy to count myself as one of them....... JJ, cheers to you and Zemina, and I sincerely hope that we will meet again one day!

2 December 2005, 12:38 AM	#2
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	Great post Al, I remember it well mate!! I plan on meeting that wacko one day as well. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

2 December 2005, 12:57 AM	#4
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,224	Great pictures Al remember them well think JJ has shed a few pounds in weight since those pictures were taken,the sheep must be playing hard to get.And agree about the Kiwi tosser,but still one of the finest sports and friend, that I would like to meet. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

2 December 2005, 01:24 AM	#6
Uncle-AJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Real Name: Adrian Location: Bolton, UK. Watch: Daytona 116520 Posts: 6,844	Excellent post, it's great when you can actually get to meet other TRF'ers in person. __________________ A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.........Segal's Law Member #10

2 December 2005, 03:30 AM	#16
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,317	Thanks a million, Al, for a stupendous and very nostalgic post. I haven't forgotten, my friend. You and Jacqui were such good company and the only sad part of it all was that you weren't able to stay longer. BTW, guys, I was a massive 94 Kgs (207 lbs) in those pics last year at this time. Then I went on the Weight Watchers diet this March and today I'm down to 86 kgs (190 lbs). Thanks, Al, once again......truly appreciated. Zemina and I return the sentiments to you two wonderful Canadians!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

2 December 2005, 12:46 AM	#3
Atomic Guest Posts: n/a	Indeed, Al, thanks for posting a great thread. I was one who asked Al what JJ is really like. BTW, whats with the mirror image of you two guys in that one pic.

2 December 2005, 01:21 AM	#5
BruceS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Sir Daft Location: Cornwall, UK Watch: Too many Posts: 2,464	Great post Al! I remember this post too from a year ago. Great stuff mate and a great tribute to our beloved bald kiwi

2 December 2005, 01:36 AM	#8
BruceS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Sir Daft Location: Cornwall, UK Watch: Too many Posts: 2,464	Al, that JLC is just pure class on you. Really a stunner

2 December 2005, 04:43 AM	#17
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,317	Dear Al, This is Zemina. I just finished reading all of the above and would like to thank you for your kind sentiments. Do convey my love to Jacqui too. With best wishes, Zemina __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

2 December 2005, 05:17 AM	#18
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	Oh boy, JJ has let Zemina into the inner sanctuary. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

2 December 2005, 09:07 AM	#22
mailman TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: BLNR Posts: 35,559	Hey Al and JJ. Great posts and pics. Looks like everyone had a great time. I hope to meet the Kojak Homer Simpson wanna be someday too. __________________ JJ

2 December 2005, 12:16 PM	#24
dina "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Dina Location: utica Posts: 1,392	Nice pics

2 December 2005, 10:51 PM	#27
---- Guest Posts: n/a	Well JJ and Zemina, we certainly enjoyed the short time we spent with you while in NZ. I certainly wish I was there now, as we are getting hammered with snow at the moment....... Jacqui send her regards as well, by the way....... Last edited by ----; 2 December 2005 at 10:51 PM..

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