XI Meeting Club Panerai part 2: the museum tour

Hi all,

I continue my report from last weekend at the XI Meeting Club Panerai in Tuscany.

On friday morning we drove to Montecatini to visit Francesco Ferretti and his new shop.



We found a parking for Ralf's rental car near this building (which his is not Ferretti's shop by the way... )



Fantastic weather also on friday, we passed by this park...



...and were welcomed by Francesco's son and a kind lady.





The first part of the shop is designed in the typical Panerai style - very nice!



Some pieces of Ferretti's private collection were on display.



Ralf and Jens infront of displays in the center of the shop...



...where this pyramid covers some great SE pieces: 341, 300 and 203 plus 191...



.. and also a mirror in which I spotted Ron!



The museum in the first floor was protected by this frogmen.



Our group together with Francesco infront of one of the displays, which carry a huge number of Panerai DNA.
Sadly photos were not allowed, but it was surely worth the trip to see many products of the old Panerai company.
It's nice that now he has lot space to show these things, as his former shop was much smaller.
Well put together, Francesco!





Before we left Montecatini, some quick photos of the entrance displays. Nice SLC!





We returned to the hotel around noon and went to the "Pinolo" bar near the promenade for a light lunch. Waiting for the caprese plates: Clif, Jens, "zzzZZZzzzz" Ron, Eric and Ralf ("the small Ralf").



Our batteries were charged and soon after I was "shotgun" and drove with Ralf ("the big Ralf") to La Spezia.
We passed by the white marble factories near Carrara, in the background the famous white mountains... stunning!



Mate Ralf infront of the naval museum "Arsenale" in La Spezia.



Yours truly. It's a special place for me, history all the way - good to be back again.



We checked some names and dates for our research - youbet





In the garden of the museum we went to the monument for the italian submariners.

We returned to the hotel in the evening and had dinner with the entire group.
Unfortunately I did not took my camera to the dinner but maybe others took some photos there.

The "museum day" ended in good company, some of us performed long and strong with "some" wine (lot booze warning - LOL)

Stay tuned for part 3 with the activities of last saturday.
Volker

representin' the DNA of Panerai