On 17 June 2016 twenty-two IWC collectors from all around the globe gathered in Amsterdam for the 5th annual BBAMSGTG (Bill Barker Amsterdam GTG). Sadly, two of the chairs at our table were vacant for this GTG. Both Kevin D’s and Giovanni A’s spirit were with us and each was in our thoughts throughout the weekend. Each will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and pure enjoyment for the people on Collectors’ Forum and for his dedication to the IWC brand with its history and tradition. Giovanni’s wife, Natascha, joined us for Friday night’s dinner. That was really important not only for us, but also for her to meet a few of his watch collecting buddies.
I have to thank Mark L., 8541, for organizing the weekend activities and getting all of us together once again. I must also thank the Amsterdam IWC Boutique staff and NL IWC Sales Management for hosting us at the Boutique and for bringing some really fantastic new IWC’s to share with us at the dinner. More on this later. Lastly, I want to thank Tonny Berteloot, our esteemed Moderator, and IWC Schaffhausen for supporting the Forum and for making these GTGs a reality. No other brand I know does this for their collectors. In fact, there was a journalist attending the GTG to write an article about the GTG and IWC’s role in encouraging such events. He mentioned that he writes about a lot of watch manufactures and that no other brand does this.
As you know, I tend to focus my photography on people and not so much on wrist shots or close up dial shots. I leave that to others, some who have posted already. I am dividing this post into four parts:
• A Meeting in Voldelpark, Part 1
• The Amsterdam Boutique Experience, Part 2
• A Canal Boat Ride, Part 3
• The Main Event, the Dinner, Part 4
A Meeting in Vodelpark, Part 1
Friday morning started out with a threat of rain, but Mark using his influence with the rain gods arranged a beautiful sun-filled day. We met at noon at the Vodelpark3 restaurant for lunch.
The first to wander in was Marian K.
Jarrod and Ralph joined Marian
Then along came Andrew
And then our host and master of ceremonies, Mark
Since the outdoor venue was still wet from the morning’s rain, we settled into the indoor restaurant.
Keon Simon
Arne M.
As you know, we gathered to remember Giovanni. Several of us were lucky enough to acquire a few watches from Giovanni’s collection. We are privileged to share his watches. We don’t own them; we share them with him. Here are the reveals of the watches that are now our lasting memories.
Jarrod was the lucky recipient of the CFI, #22. This is a very special IWC and the first of the Collectors’ Forum watches. Only 100 were offered in a limited edition in 2005. It is truly a magnificent Ingenieur with its gray dial.
You know the story already from Jarrod’s earlier post. The CFI #22 matches his #22 CFP / CF3. Jarrod is now on a mission to acquire one of the very rare CFDV to fill in his trifecta.
The missing link in the CF Collection.
Andrew Thomas is now the proud recipient of Giovanni’s Ali BP.
I am proud to share Giovanni’s CFP/ CF3. His name will forever be engraved on the backside. I will, out of full respect, never remove his name. I am proud to own the CFP, which I failed to order when offered originally. CFP #15 is on my wrist as I type this report.
Ralph Edmondson is the proud recipient of Giovanni’s Aquatimer Automatic 2000, ref 3580. What a beauty.
Lastly, Fritz T. picked up Giovanni’s F.A. Jones. The backside of this IWC is a wonderful as the dial side.
Before we departed for the Boutique Jarrod and Ralph had an arm wrestling contest over their F1 rivalry…Rosberg #6 vs. Hamilton #44.
As we walked out, we had the obligatory group shot in front of the Vondelpark3 restaurant. This is a group that will only get bigger as the day progresses.
Click on these links for Parts 2, 3 and 4:
