So long and thanks for all the fish!
On a serious note, MF introduced me (as he did for many others) to IWC back 2002 and for that, along with his friendship over the years, I will forever be grateful. I've been away for a long while (life happens) but this made me return!
I wish you the best of everything Michael and I'm sure you won't be a stranger!
I've only been a member here for a short while, but I have found the information, help and advice here to be invaluable.
Whether one has an expensive collection or an old, beaten up heirloom, the attitude is the same. And the knowledge imparted here has been priceless.
So I add my very grateful thanks to Michael Friedberg.
Thank you Michael! You'll be sorely missed...
I think that launching this forum back in the very early 2000's, required two critical factors.
First, a really very sharp vision into the future for using the virtual dimension of the internet to bring together connoisseurs of a watch brand, which will in a way subsequently spread the word of the brand and of course could lead to an increase in the number of fans (and..customers??...). Honestly, I personally really think that the forum has really established itself over the years as a very important tool in that respect.
However, that success probably could not be realized without the second factor.
Huge knowledge and reflections of the roots and past of IWC, with an immense emphasis on its horological mastery. Dials and design are great, but are not enough to be considered as great watch making.
Seems that Mr. Friedberg combined the two components so that he managed to create indeed a great and unique platform.
Having said that, I personally still wish for few acknowledgement words on behalf of the brand...
Anyway, I join all the others Michael, wishing you all the very best, needless to say, that I'd like very much to see you further on the forum, and maybe once during a visit in CH.
yitzhak
Dear Michael,
A big thanks from an old friend too. Have not been around much lately, but to me you will always be a big part of the IWC forum and what made IWC fun. Enjoyed quite a few great times on the forum and at IWC and SIHH. Enjoyed all your articles and vast knowledge of the brand. Thanks for everything! You will not be forgotten, we even named a street after you remember?
Best!
Nicky
+1
Cheers Chris
Dear Michael,
Thanks for all your efforts towards the IWC Forum - Hope your interest in watches will remain.
After Alexander Linz and Michael Friedberg it is now the third forum Moderator for me. Tonny - have a good Start as sole moderator.
Greetings from Germany
Martin
Thanks A LOT Michael,
The Forum has been a compelling platform for me, supporting my growing interest for vintage and contemporary IWC's.
Best wishes!
/Anders
A big heartfelt Thank You for introducing IWC to me way back when! As far as Moderators go, well, all I can say is you should be the first inductee to the Hall of Fame for a true pioneer!
Larry
Although not having posted a lot of comments since joining years ago, I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting this forum, and learning much from it.
Thanks Michael.
Thank you Michael! My journey thru IWC wouldn't be the same without you by my side!
Better late than never, sorry for being late to this party.
Michael. what can I say?!!!!!!!!!!! I fondly remember our very first meeting for breakfast in Fort Lauderdale just before your family cruise.
Every encounter with you has been extremely enjoyable and memorable.
I want to thank you for many things but mostly for embracing me into the IWC Community!!!!!!!!!!!
I am still looking forward to our Florida meetings, LOL!!!!!!
Just a few pics down memory lane....................
:-)
Thank you Michael and wish you all the best!!
Thank you Michael
for everything you've done for the Forum,
us collectors and IWC.
Thank you Michael for all you have done for the Forum and IWC.
Along with Kurt Klaus you have been the first and most genuine Ambassadors for IWC.
You will be missed here.
Leo
Dear Michael - I had the pleasure to thank you in public for your role as forum moderator in two short speeches at the last two collectors meeting - for what you have done for me personally as well as the whole community.
Coming Io the forum was like my "horlogerie coming out" and you made me feel very comfortable to be interested in IWC watches and assured me I was not alone with this weird passion. It was a special moment to feel normal and be welcomed into this special forum community.
Many many years of special moments - thank you for your entrepreneurial spirit and balancing so well the multi dimensional complexities of your unique role.
I really hope that you will continue to be an important member of the forum community here in a new role as a collector with unique pocket watch knowledge and of course as a friend of IWC.
Thank you for everything.
Dear Michael,
Thank you for all you have done for the Forum over the years. Tonny certainly has a tough act to follow in your foot steps.
The opportunity for me to attend SIHH twice, once at the gala dinner were both special special memories. Thanks to you and will never be forgotten.
Kindest regards
I've been away from the forum for a bit so I am only just learning today the you have stepped away as moderator. You truly are a pioneer among WIS's and set the example for all moderators of watch forums. You are a true gentleman and friend and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Warmest regards,
Dan