Before I start, I want to tell everyone why my name is Socko. Some of you know the story already, so please indulge me. I showed up at a little mini GTG with David (aka Beef / Karkas), and I brought a few watches along with me. Didn't have a case to hold my machines, so I threw each of them into nothing less than an old sock. Well, the pictures were posted and my buddy ReTTo saw them and started calling me Mr. Socko. It was pretty funny, and I got a laugh out of it. But since I'm not such a formal guy, I just go by Socko....
So anyway....
The storm
The aftermath
Luckily I found a desert island:
I'll make a wish with my multi-purpose hurricane lamp to get me out of this place...
....and back to civilization.
My two watches
The first nice watch I ever owned was given to me by father. It was not a gift per se, but he waited until I graduated from college before giving it to me. The watch belonged to my great grandfather. I remember going into his dental office as a very young boy and taking toys out of a treasure chest that he stocked with toys for his patients. Every time he took vacations in the islands, he would come back with a new watch. Just so happened that he was fond of Patek Philippe. Lucky me.
The watch I inherited is Ref. 2432, rose gold, 31mm case with sub seconds at six o'clock. A beautiful and elegant watch with inverted teardrop lugs, it's really hard to wear this now after wearing a Panerai. My brother and father each have a vintage Patek as well. You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation. So true.
The other watch that I would bring with me is my PAM 40. Special edition, 200 pieces, titanium case, black face, fat tritium numbers, pre-A dial. Enough said.
I had to sneak in a few other watches so I would know what time it was across the world. No more GMT watches for me, for now.
This first one is special because it is from Peter Speake-Marin. It's my first piece from an independent watchmaker. I always like to support the mom and pop shops. Well, the PSM fits that bill nicely.
The next two speak for themselves:
My two songs
This was a tough one for me. I like so many different types of music, from Live to DMB to Clapton to Steely Dan. I went with two songs that really speak to me for the lyrics.
First--"You're Beautiful" by James Blunt. It's about a man wanting to be with a certain woman, yet he realizes that it will never happen. Maybe that's why I'm still a bachelor!
Second--"Shed a Little Light" by James Taylor. Listen to the lyrics at the beginning of the song. Life would be better if we could all appreciate these words. I hope you understand and share this song with someone else.
National Lampoon's Animal House--a classic in it's own right. All-star cast. Silly? You bet. Worth watching over and over? Absolutely. If you need a good laugh, this movie will do it. And come on, who can't relate to SOMETHING in this movie?
These guys have nothing on a bunch of Paneristis at a GTG:
One book
"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. A powerful story of two young boys growing up together in Kabul in the midst of war. It's about family, friendship, betrayal and salvation. It is an absolute must read.
One memory
August 18, 2007. Carlsbad, California. Over 150 Paneristis from across the globe converge to support a wonderful man and friend, Hammer, as he enters Project Walk. It was a tremendous gathering, full of camaraderie, laughs, jokes and tears. I was able to meet some of the best people in the Paneristi community that night. The watches brought us together, but the friendships are what keep us here.
One person
This is a tough one. So many influential people in my life, from my mother and father to my grandmother. But one person who has always been there for me is my ex-girlfriend Jenna. As crazy as she made me at times, which is why she is my ex, she is a great person with a heart of gold. She supported and understood my silly watch addiction and was actually interested in hearing all the stories about you guys. The song above by James Blunt always reminds me of her.
One photograph:
Yes, it is a picture of me. But this picture is symbolic of so much more. First and foremost, the shirt I am wearing came from a good friend DU who I have yet to meet in person, a great guy who shares the same passions as me. We are brothers from different mothers. EWit, thanks for your friendship. S4L.
The words on the shirt are more than words. They represent the fight of a lifetime for one of our very own. I have learned that no matter how bad things might be for me, somewhere out there someone has it tougher. I can inspire others by offering hope and strength. Never give up. Never give in. Fight for what you believe in, and then fight some more. You are in control of your own Biff.
The picture was taken inside the Firenze Boutique. It was the first Boutique I visited (followed by the Portofino Boutique on the same trip). It was a happy time for me because I was with my entire family on vacation, and I was able to get my first Panerai from a Boutique. The entire trip was such a wonderful experience that I will never forget.
My one meal
I'll start off with a bottle of Fat Tire Ale and some sushi, perhaps white tuna or really fresh salmon with very thinly sliced lemon (with the rind). Follow this with crabcakes made from back fin crab covered in succotash with jalapeno tomato chutney. Moving to the main course, a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet to compliment a medium rare ribeye steak, tomato and mozzarella salad with balsamic vinegar, grilled asparagus, and a loaded baked potato with butter, sour cream, chives and bacon. For desert, fresh creme brulee and an espresso. Tuck me in by 9pm and I'll sleep like a champ.
Well, that's all folks.....thanks for reading.
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Previous weeks
1 Paddy
2 MuRph
3 Covac
4 Ride
5 Lars
6 Issing San
7 Patrick Belgium
8 Mark Cap
9 Diego
10 Gary
11 Arif
12 Polleke
13 Davie Lee
14 Mike2zero
15 David S
16 Nad (aka Nadzilla)
17 Chris Agostino
18 ConorB
