MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18869
"Watches 101"
Last week, I had the pleasure of taking a Caribbean cruise with my Family aboard a Carnival ship. I had not been on a cruise ship in almost 15 years, and forgot how enjoyable it can be. I imagine we have a lot of members here who enjoy cruising. For those who do not, or have not been, you will find that there is an abundance of activities to suit all age groups and desires while on the ship. It is interesting actually, in the past when talking about cruises with other friends who had not yet tried one, a common reaction is "I don't want to be stuck on a boat with little to do". The truth is, you could not possibly attend every event if you wanted to, as so much is offered. And modern cruise ships offer some amazing activities you might not expect to find at sea, such as ice rinks, water slides, bumper cars, wine and cigar bars, rope courses, zip lines, etc. Theaters, lounges, restaurants, and casinos are standard fare.
Getting on topic for the HoMe Forum, my wife quickly spotted a "Watches 101" seminar to be held on our first full day at sea. Naturally, I was inclined to attend 
There was a decent turnout in the lounge to attend the show. The gentleman who gave the presentation was from England and overall did a reasonable job, with a few exceptions.
The initial points covered the differences between quartz and mechanical movements. Believe it or not, there were some oohs and aahs when Phil explained how mechanical movements work. Certainly, some folks in the room assumed all watches ran on batteries. There were a few factual mistakes I caught in the presentation, the most offensive being that automatic winding was invented in the 1960s.
After going through additional basics such as strap types and case metals, Phil spoke a little about "complications". This subject was actually limited to a single complication, the chronograph, dubbed as just a "stop watch" throughout the remarks.
At one point, he showed a slide of a skeletal watch, and described it as a piece "for the man who just wants to show off what he has". Of course, I could not disagree more on this point, but a few "mm hmms" from the crowd seemed to support the notion.
The conversation moved into how to purchase a watch, whether on board the ship or at one of the ports of call. The highlighted brands included Tag Heuer, Breitling, Movado, Raymond Weil, Philip Stein, and Ernst Benz.
I was surprised to see a slide dedicated to Hublot and caught a quick photo.
Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin were all shown on a single slide and covered in 15 seconds.
One point to credit Phil on, he actually passed a few of his watches around the room for everyone to handle. I could not help but think he should have opted for a ceramic bezeled Hublot, as his titanium Classic Fusion was in a rather distressed condition.
Throughout the presentation, I noticed he had on a Panerai. When I introduced myself after the show, he gave me a good look at his recently acquired PAM372, a watch I am quite familiar with.
And he really enjoyed seeing my AP15202 up close.
Being on our forums almost every day since the start of thePuristS, you embrace we have a lot of passion and knowledge here in our Community. Attending a "Watches 101" seminar on a cruise ship makes you understand that the general masses really have no idea about this incredible hobby we indulge.
One point to credit Phil on, he actually passed a few of his watches around the room for everyone to handle. I could not help but think he should have opted for a ceramic bezeled Hublot, as his titanium Classic Fusion was in a rather distressed condition.
Throughout the presentation, I noticed he had on a Panerai. When I introduced myself after the show, he gave me a good look at his recently acquired PAM372, a watch I am quite familiar with.
And he really enjoyed seeing my AP15202 up close.
Being on our forums almost every day since the start of thePuristS, you embrace we have a lot of passion and knowledge here in our Community. Attending a "Watches 101" seminar on a cruise ship makes you understand that the general masses really have no idea about this incredible hobby we indulge.
After the show, I found my family and our friends from Colorado who joined us on the trip. It was a great opportunity to answer their questions and discuss my interest in watches. They handled the AP and were very interested to learn about it.
Be sure and share your interests in watches with friends and acquaintances. You never know when you might discover a new Purist
More posts:
"Watches 101"
Last week, I had the pleasure of taking a Caribbean cruise with my Family aboard a Carnival ship. I had not been on a cruise ship in almost 15 years, and forgot how enjoyable it can be. I imagine we have a lot of members here who enjoy cruising. For those...
Sure made me realize it.
I have helped a few friends before but this time it was really special. And the woman asked most of the questions. I guess I will apologize to the husband when he finds out how expensive her new found interest can be ;-)
I-GOT-IT! IGOTT 2016!
I've got it! IGOTT 2016 should be on a cruise ship! Ziplining, rock climbing, skeet/trap shooting, etc. Lots to do! And presentations on a cruise ship! Do they have a go kart session?
Good one Nico!
I've done one cruise once. A very inexpensive one from Miami to the Bahamas. It was a corporate "training" seminar. I think it'd be a good idea to do a cruise. Lots of drunk passengers at night though, night turns into Mardi Gras.
New Orleans, COOL, Just a 30 hour drive for me
Wife does not fly and heck, 9 month old car only has 2500 miles. I feel the need, to speed to N O. She also will NOT get on a Cruise Ship!!!!!
Pros and Cons
Pros: 1. Forced integration environment. You're stuck on a boat. Get to know your PuristSPro friends or else! 2. Lots of activities. 3. Can be reasonably priced. A vendor invited me to a corporate training cruise to the Bahamas for 3 nights, very inexpens...
I enjoyed reading this a lot Michael
Great post and I am sure you had a great time with your family. Next time you should do that talk lol! Agree - let\'s share our hobby with more people. I had friends who refused to buy a watch and then started buying more and more after they started knowi...
Thanks Robin.
If the next IGOTT is indeed held on a cruise ship we can arrange for multiple speakers every day! Thanks for reading the post.
Thanks, Michael, interesting read.
I was just thinking about the very topic - with the rise of topical and niche presentations onboard cruise ships, I was wondering when watch appreciation and collecting would make it onto the subject list. Not surprised how the presentation you attended w...
Our cruise last fall had lectures on clocks and watches too
Old clocks Fascinating talk on Grand Seikos Lovely watch shop We got lots of personal attention from the manager who was bored most of the time. Maybe it was the destination, or the cruise line - but our experience in Japan on Princess Cruises was pretty ...
Seriously...with all these cruise ship talks...
...PuristS should give them ...maybe you'll get a free fare in exchange :) Always interesting to read about mass perspectives on watches.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
I must admit, 7 days at sea... I was glad to engage my passion for horology w/ this seminar, visiting stores, and talking with folks. Part of why we are all PuristS. No matter where we are, who we are with, or what the circumstances are, we can always enj...
