New Arrival - A very special watch. (very, very...)

This is a short story....

A while ago I was trolling watch sites looking at second hand IWC's when I came across a very special watch. I wasn't around when the first collectors forum watch was released. (I wish I was!) So I missed out on purchasing it. It is rare to find one second hand. I got quite excited when I came across one for sale. Amazingly, it was #22. My CF3 is number #22. What are the chances??? I slept on it and went back the next morning to buy it. It had sold. :-(

Fast forward to the Collectors Forum meeting in Schaffhausen in 2015 and something funny happened. Giovanni (the one and only) was staying at the same hotel. A few of us were sharing a late night Whisky when I told him the story of the CF1 and how I had missed out. He said he had bought one recently and if you snooze, you lose..... Short version of the story is that it was Giovanni who had bought the CF1 out from underneath me!!! Again, what are the chances of that happening??

Anyway, Giovanni being the great man he was, agreed to sell it to me. The only condition was I had to find him another one. How nice/cool/generous is that??

Here is a pic from the night we discovered he had my CF1. :-)

[](s375.photobucket.com/user/noiseorchard/media/image_zpswfn3vki3.jpeg.html)

Anyway, the rest is history. We all know the tragedy that followed. I wish I had acquired this watch from Giovanni direct having secured him a replacement but it wasn't to be.

The watch is now part of my IWC collection. An incredibly special part. The chances of securing #22 are/were extremely slim. To have secured it is unreal. Very sad but very very special.

Special thanks to Mark Levinsohn who was a great help with the whole process. It was appreciated Mark. Greatly.

My new CF1. It is amazingly perfect.

[](s375.photobucket.com/user/noiseorchard/media/image_zps0gvew3da.jpeg.html)
[](s375.photobucket.com/user/noiseorchard/media/image_zpsqydccpx2.jpeg.html)
[](s375.photobucket.com/user/noiseorchard/media/image_zpsj06n5ino.jpeg.html)

That CFI couldn't go to a more committed and appreciative collector than Jarrod. It's a magnificent example. The 3227 should be in everyone's collection. The CFI is the best but I may be biased.

A big "congratulations," Jarrod! You have a beautiful and special watch that belonged to a very special man. Wear it in good health.

Totally agree, Raplh.

Jarrod, big big BIG congratulations!

Congrats Jarrod,
A truly special watch and amazing story. I remember chatting with you last October when you very excitedly told me this story while you were still in Schaffhausen.

A tragic event and a very good conclusion. Well done my friend.

Jarrod, what an incredible story, with the incredible journey for CFI #22. I know Giovanni is looking down and thinking it looks great on your wrist.

Nelson

Wow Jarrod, life is full of surprises but his story is truly very special! Wear it in good health my friend!

Best regards,

Bob

Jarrod, yes - it's a very special watch! ....and in more ways that one.

• It's special because of what it represents - This Forum.

-It's special as I was involved in the initial transaction on September 26th 2014 when the watch was acquired.

• It's special because I was right there at the table and witnessed the conversation where Gio said it was destined to be yours.

• It's special because the next day after that dinner Giovanni asked me to "help Jarrod find a CF1" - and we discussed together how to approach a seller we had identified.

-It's special for the fact that this was the one watch from Giovanni collection which I knew immediately and without reservation to where it needed to go.

Giovanni never got to wear it much - as from the time when he realised it was "your number" and that you wanted it he wished to keep it pristine condition for you, so he kept it in the safe most the time.

Today, I know that he would be happy to know it's on your wrist and he smiles down on you.

Wear it in good health my friend- and glad I could assist in the journey.

I have a smile on my face as I read your story and as I heard it at the BBAMSGTG. Your CFI #22 is remarkable, not only for its pristine condition, but because it has such heritage and connection to your CF3...both happy and sad simultaneously.

In a couple of days I will have my Giovanni reveal as I share photos of the outstanding BBAMSGTG with the Forum Collectors.

Congrats and a remarkable acquisition.

Great and incredible story, congratulations!
Especially the CF1 is what the forum and all its members stand for. I have recently, on Friday evening ;), discussed it with Adrian who had his CF1 on his wrist.

Kind regards

It's an absolutely unusual and wonderful story. It once again shows what a great community the IWC forum is. I had the pleasure to try the watch at the BBAMSGTG at the weekend. It is truly a unique piece. Thanks for some lovely days and enjoy the CF1.
Jens-Kristian

what a great story..

Gio's watch coul not have found a better wrist to be on.
I'm sure he looks down with pleasure.
wear it in good health.

yours sincerely

Real life stories sometimes are much more unlikely than fictional ones, this one is a great example: how fantastic can it be? There is the combination of a happy and a sad ending, which makes the watch very special indeed: congratulations, and wearing it will maintain the good memories. Good luck with this beautiful watch!

Kind regards,
Paul

WORD

And now I have tears in my eyes, that doesn't happen often because of a reveal. Congrats Jarrod on a most meaningful aquisition.

That is a very special story. And Giovanni will be remembered through this story.

Wow! What a story. Almost impossible. And I fully agree: Gio's watch could not have found a better wrist to be on. Congrats to this very very special watch, Jarrod.
Best,
-Christian

An absolutely fantastic story. Congratulations Jarrod, I look forward to seeing it in person!