Ed Tonkin
426
Yes, a new addition! Here's how it came about . . .
Recently, the President and owner of Ulysse Nardin, the inimitable Rolf Schnyder, turned 75 years old. He sent me a beautiful invitation to attend his birthday party overseas, which was a three day event I believe, and it sounded fabulous. Rolf is a very dear friend of mine and I was so flattered that he included me. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. Patrik Hoffman, also a very close friend, called me and said that UN was opening a brand new (and first) boutique in Boca Raton, FL, which is also the home of UN's corporate office here in the states. He explained Rolf would be attending and that they would really like me to come. So I did!
It was a splendid couple of days (especially as the weather was lovely and I was out of the Portland rain!) and the boutique opening was wonderful. While there I met with the sure to be Hall of Fame baseball pitcher, Randy Johnson also known as "The Big Unit" (as he is a whopping 6'10" which is quite tall for a baseball pitcher.) We had a photo taken together and he towers over me! Anyway, Randy and I both wear the same watch; a Freak. He is a real UN enthusiast and a terrific guy. I also was able to spend some time with Patrik Hoffman's mother and father who I had met in switzerland while we toured the UN factory together a few years ago. Patriks' father, Wilhelm, remembered and loved the Oregon smoked salmon I brought him a few years ago and so I sent him a little care package for the holidays when I returned home. I hear he is quite happy! Especially as I told him to save it all for himself and not give any to Patrik!!!!
After the boutique opening, the next day I went to UN corporate offices to hang out with Rolf, Patrik and Ahmad (one of 2 UN sales representatives and a fantastic guy!) Well, can you imagine what it feels like to have tray after tray after tray of brand new Ulysse Nardin watches brought out in front of you, one more beautiful than the next? I was drunk with happiness! It was watch heaven! Sensory overload!
As it was the holidays, and my children were not yet in the "UN family" I picked out a watch for each of them. For my son who is 28 I chose a Maxi Marine Diver, the one with the Orange markings and black dial. For my daughter, I picked out the Ladies steel Caprice with black dial and diamond lugs. The "El Toro" I picked out for daddy . . . me! I called my UN retailer and arranged to purchase them. My kids received their watches on Christmas Eve and love them! I also love the El Toro.
When I saw photos of this watch I was not so enamored with it. But when I saw it person . . . wow! I purchased the one in platinum and I love the weight of it too. Haven't taken it off since I got it!
To top off a wonderful two days I was invited to attend the UN staff holiday party and dinner. Not a huge group but a wonderful group of folks. They had written special Christmas songs for Rolf's birthday and sang to him. It was really fun! I was invited to say a few words to them as a customer and collector. When I was finished, Rolf said "Wise words from a real collector, but more importantly from a dear friend." That was very kind of him and typifies the relationship we have. In my post which follows this one I posted a pic of my Freak. That Freak is the 28,000 version or otherwise known as the Freak 2. I wear it and love it.
My Freak I do not wear (but should) is the original Freak, also in white gold. As a special gesture, Rolf made and provided me Freak Number 1 to purchase. So I am the proud of owner of the first Freak, this groundbreaking timepiece, and it is Number 1! What a wonderful thing for them to do for me.
We are so blessed for so many things; family and friendship and good health just to name a few. I count this community among my friends and am thankful for the relationships we share over a love we have for timepieces. I have been fortunate to meet a number of you in person and have become friends; so nice.
So I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year and all good things in 2001!
All the best,
Ed Tonkin
New addition?
Yes, a new addition! Here's how it came about . . .
