028: THE BLAZER BOY POPS UP: WIND VINTAGE x BARRYVILLE GENERAL IN THE HAMPTONS
I started The Blazer Boy last summer (!) to share my rambling thought process, justify endless market research, and maybe build a little community of my own. Fabulously, that came full circle last weekend with the first-ever TBB event: a Wind Vintage pop-up at Barryville General in Southampton.
After seeing Eric Wind and Charlie Dunne (the other heartbeat of Wind Vintage) at the Robb Report pop-up during Basel in Miami last December, I was set on getting them up here to New York. I’d spent time at Barryville General when it opened last year—the most beautiful spot and the best location in town—got to talking with owners Eric Komoroff and Sean Naughton, and we made it happen.
Wind Vintage brought their signature travel case full of vintage gems. We plied people with Rosaluna Mezcal and Wolves Whiskey (a new house favorite, must try), our friends came by, longtime Wind clients and fans, Barryville people, serious collectors and watch enthusiasts from near and far, plus that gorgeous street traffic from a perfect Hamptons summer day. The watch rolls came out, there was swapping, tip exchanging and much advice passed around. As you might imagine, this Boy was pretty happy.
SMASH HIT OF THE DAY:
The Rolex Ovettone Oyster Perpetual 6075, no contest. Possibly the nicest watch I’ve seen in person, and Eric W said he hadn’t handled one in 15 years. The balance of the dial, the case shape, the condition. It’s pieces like this, and seeing everyone react to it, that makes an in-person experience so special. Funny enough, it had just sold while the guys were en route to Southampton so it was literally not for sale, which just made everyone want it even more.
THE UNDER-35 CROWD:
Why did everyone zero in on the Patek Philippe 5711/1A-010, especially given its high value? Thoughts welcome.
One of the reasons I’m so drawn to the watch community is the sheer enthusiasm and love of horology that spans across age groups. Everyone wanted to share what they know, and hear what everyone else had to say, (no dicks, please!). Spending hours with a bunch of people that know what they’re saying, or want to, you really pick up a lot of tidbits about what makes buyers (and sellers) tick. You want to tell me every last detail you know about Heuer history? Pressure testing? Niche 1950s divers? I’m all ears. Plus, we got to do it surrounded by Barryville’s SS collection, next door to their grocery general store, and the best coffee in town. There’s a MonoStereo jacket that I NEED to end up with, but in the meantime was thrilled to take home My New Favorite Shirt—this snug black BG specialty tee.
MY PICKS OF THE DAY:
Rolex Day-Date United States Merchant Marine Reference 18038 Unpolished
Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master Ref 16750 Transitional Dial. This was a breakthrough moment for me. I never “got” the GMT from images, but in person? Stunning. I know, I know: seeing is believing, don’t judge from a photo, you have to feel it on wrist, in person. I’m happy to see all that’s true. The GMT is stunning, and, now, something I would seriously consider adding to a collection. (This also features a transitional dial which means it is matte black rather glossy, and without the white gold metal surrounds.)
WIND PICKS: Charlie, man of taste, wants a gold Day-Date 1803 or 18038. This thrilled me because I want an 18238, but felt self-conscious about it. I thought it was too…obvious, maybe? But it’s a popular classic for a reason and what’s so wrong with that. He’ll know the right one when he sees it, because, as per Charlie, finding the one takes patience. A general rule for watch purchasing: DON’T RUSH. Hearing this from one of the leading dealers in the country was the sauce on my sundae, although it didn’t stop me from eyeing the very special Day-Date they had on the table. Not only does the dial feature a rare Merchant Marines stamp but the bracelet is an incredible woven gold. They don’t make bracelets like this anymore.
A big take away was listening to people talk about how to grow a collection. Not just the one watch they want, or the three they have, but how to cohesively build to fit their personality, or a time period, or genre. There’s a mindset around collection building, similar to how I like to build my wardrobe. It’s about making something that feels uniquely yours, reflecting your personality, style, likes, needs. As much as you can think about this on your own or read about it in the blogosphere, it hits different in real life conversation from people who know.
If you missed it, don’t worry: The Blazer Boy will be back. I loved being out in the wild. STAY TUNED.