I received a kind invitation to attend the AHCI 30th Anniversary dinner in Basel from Marc Jenni a couple of months prior to Basel. I happily responded in the positive, knowing that this was an event not to be missed. Given my support for the AHCI watchmakers and their chosen path, I eagerly anticipated this evening.
Arriving at the old restaurant right off the Marktplatz in the center of old town, I walked into a huge private dining room upstairs with four rows of tables feeding well over 100 people. Many familiar faces of the more dedicated watch press were in attendance together with the members of the AHCI. I think I was one of the very few retailers to attend. This tiny narrow field is definitely not for most people involved in the selling part of the watch business, as it takes real passion and an understanding with a true appreciation of what it takes to be an Independent Watchmaker. As a pioneer in this field in the USA, it was a great acknowledgement to be invited.
During the feast, a picture presentation of the members ran on a big screen, as a few members couldn't be present, it was a fun way to include them in the festivities. Seeing John McGonigle on the screen amused me very much, as he and his brother rank up there as some of my best friends in the business. Two of the most humble and brilliant watchmakers.
Towards the end of the meal, several members made brief speeches. Svend Andersen, one of the co-founders spoke first, then his cohort Vincent Calabrese said a few words. Following up, was the poster boy for the AHCI and what it can do to help a young watchmaker starting out, Peter Speake-Marin. Peter was encouraged by the great Philippe Dufour to join back in 2001, when he was introduced by his friend Kees Englebarts. He subsequently was sponsored by Antoine Presuzio and Philippe Dufour, exhibiting with the AHCI in 2002 for the first time. My journey into the Independent Watchmaking world really started with Peter in 2003, I've written extensively about it previously...
http://www.independentintime.com/time-with-tim/2013/3/30/musings-on-independent-watchmaking-and-the-beginning-journey.html
These are some of the pieces I've had the pleasure of handling over the years.
I contacted him in October 2003 via email, and then in December had a 30minute telephone call with Daniela his business partner at the time. Culminating in an agreement to meet the following year in Basel 2004. That was the beginning of an eye opening path for me horologically!
Peter Speake-Marin talks after dinner.
The last haggard runners, waiting to speak with my friend Vianney Halter. Ludovico on the right in deep discussion.
So, to have Peter stand up and talk about how much the AHCI has meant to him and what it offers the new Independent Watchmaker was quite rousing and brought many emotions up for me. Journeying oftentimes in quite a personal way with many of these watchmakers is quite extra-ordinary, humbling and an honor. I feel very blessed to experience the journey on a first hand basis, and am now hoping my good friend and brilliant young American watchmaker from Oregon, Keaton Myrick, follows Peter and his colleagues footsteps and gains entry into this brilliant group. I'm pretty confident he'd have at least two sponsors!!!
This was a treat to see again, Peter Roberts, one of the watchmakers who taught P. Speake-Marin at Hackney technical college many moons ago, designed this beauty and finally has made a small series for collectors.
I took the last day in Basel, Sunday, fairly easily, without too many fixed appointments. Arriving into the fair around 2pm, having spent the morning walking in the hills outside Basel with my family hosts, I made the rounds with my friends and completed the necessary arrangements for my future business. I departed for London early Monday morning, for my flight across the "pond" to the West Coast.