Monday, May 5, 2008

Tales from the Emerald City

When one travels extensively for work and holidays, often you forget what would make your own home city so attractive to visitors. Although born in Bern Switzerland, Sydney Australia has been my home for the last 25 years.

With views like these no wonder Sydney earns the title of ‘The Emerald City’.



It is here in the office with my Big Bang that today’s tale begins. In the morning, I was busy at work and eagerly awaiting a phone call from Emil Klingelfuss and Loic Biver. This was not totally unexpected as we have been corresponding for a few months, but this chance meeting, given the current activities at Hublot, was a very nice surprise.



It is only when you make the effort for a photo that you truly appreciate office views such as this.




After meeting both Loic and Emil at the local McDonalds (those golden arches are hard to miss LOL) near Circular Quay. We proceeded around the harbour promenade to ARIA Restaurant for a taste of some great Australian cuisine courtesy of celebrated chief, Matt Moran. The gods have been kind in terms of weather also. Loic was particularly impressed with the Harbour Bridge and Opera house.

We talked about a number of things; Australian watch collectors’ habits, the importance of aftermarket service and the acquisition of Hublot by LVMH. Emil and Loic made mention that the LVMH outcome was the second best option for Hublot as JCB wanted to buy the company outright but the success made it too expensive. My sense is that the commitment, passion and drive still stands.

Naturally, I had the opportunity to play with a few watches (will post on forums some photos).

Here is my SS BB next to a Matt Bang, RG BB and my favourite the Ice Bang.



Now lets get down to business with this nice food and great wine.



Nothing like watches, great food and wine.



This was a great first Hublot tale from Sydney and I look forward to a lot more stories and activities in the near future. I suspect that after their introductory visit to Australia Loic and Emil will be back sooner than we would suspect.

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