That the PuristS is a community is beyond dispute. The many GTGs, scheduled meetings, PM conversations, watch trades, and sharing of information are all visible and familiar. Regular participants have all seen evidence of and expressions of gratitude for the friendships that have been launched through our shared interests.

Today, however, I had an experience that goes deeper than this and that I want to share with fellow AP PuristS as an example of the generosity of spirit that this site represents. That generosity of spirit should develop from the site is natural, as it is the generosity of Thomas Mao with his expertise, time, and funding that created the PuristS in the first place and has sustained it to the point that generous contributions from others, particular moderators, patrons, and regular contributors have allowed the PuristS and PuristPro to grow and flourish.

Today's experience has roots in correspondence that began exactly a year ago with MichaelC, a fellow AP afficianado and frequent poster on this forum. Over the year that passed, this became a friendship in which we've shared more than AP news and the excitement of our latest acquisitions. We've discussed things we were considering purchasing and have, I think, influenced each other's decisions. We've discussed the role of this hobby in our lives, approaches to collecting, and even the issues that collecting sometimes poses for family life.

A few days ago, Michael gave me a hint that he was sending something my way. I imagined it might be a CD of AP photos, as I'd sent him such a CD in the past. But the package that arrived was larger than a CD and contained a box much more promising than a CD:



Within the box was another box, cool enough in itself that had it been empty I would have been delighted:



It was not empty, but instead contained the very thing that I had most wanted from my recent travels in Spain and France, but which had not been for sale when I saw it:





It is the AP Royal Oak Fountain Pen, made for AP by Swiss pen master Caran d'Ache:



The details of fit and finish, poorly capture by my photos, are exquisite in the metal:











I think this is the most beautiful pen I've ever seen, and it is the crown jewel of my pen collection, made up mostly of Cartier, Tiffany, Dupont, and Porsche Design writing instruments.





And now the proof that this represents the true spirit of the PuristS: This pen, which Michael gave me as a gift, is the prize he won at the recent AP-sponsored golf tournament in Florida.

Friendship doesn't get better than this.

Thank you, Michael, for this wonderful gift.

And thank you, ThomasM and fellow PuristS, for making this wonderful place.

Park

the kindness of Michael in his actions. This is one FANTASTIC community that we are all lucky enough to be part of. Hear, Hear to the PuristS.

Park, enjoy your new AP pen. That is one cool gift.

JerryW

Very eloquently stated Park. This post really exemplifies the true spirit and generosity of the PuristS community. Thanks to fellow forum members such as yourself, MichaelC, and many others, along with ThomasM for creating, building and supporting this fantastic forum.

Thanks for sharing this sentimental moment with all of us. Enjoy your new gift!

Regards,
ED-209

such a beautiful gift and from a fantastic guy, Michael's an old forum buddy from over the years and he's always been a fantastic guy and I couldn't think of a better person to get such a wonderful gift, you've always been there for me and given me great advice.

Enjoy the special addition to your pen collection

S

very nice pen and very nice gesture

this forum is THE place to be

olivier

Yes this forum is a very special place with many wonderful PuristS from around the world. Thanks for sharing the story Park! Enjoy your new AP pen!

-MW

That's really one of the most meaningful posts I've ever read on this forum.

What a wonderful gesture by Michael.

But it also speaks to the kind of person you are too, Park.

You've offered a lot of interesting and informative posts throughout the years.

I'm sure I speak on behalf of many others when I say that it's people like you that make this forum as great as it is.

Thank you.

I echo your sentiments about friendship, both ours and the other ones I have forged with the wonderful people worldwide I have come to know on thePurists. This is an amzing community. From day 1 of my time here it is the one site that suits me best, the one I best fit into, the one I enjoy the most. I'm just thankful that is seems to be for others as well.

Enjoy the pen my friend.

random acts of kindness.



Cheers,

TM

"A Purist does not believe in gilt by association. Respect, AND disdain, have to be earned..."

Congratulations are in order!!

Jonathan

He helped get me a free replacement Montoya strap after seeing pics of my strap falling apart.

Great guy indeed, and enjoy your wonderful pen Park!

Cheers,
Anthony

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Watches: Rolex DSSD, Rolex SD, Rolex 1675 GMT Pepsi, Rolex SS DJ, Breitling Gen II Navitimer, Audemars skeleton, Ball NT and Ball Conductor GMT, Bell&Ross Hydromax, and Tissot T-Touch