A Conversation on a Plane

[javert34]

I have seen similar threads in the past, but thought I would share a recent experience. After a very long week of travel for work last week, I was on my last leg on a connecting flight back home. Tired from the week and a long day of travel I boarded my flight and took my seat in the very back of the airplane intent on putting on my noise-cancelling headphones and staring into space before falling asleep.

As I watched the normal ritual of people jockeying for a seat and attempting to place luggage the size of a sofa in the overhead bins, a young man and his girlfriend wandered to the back of the plane taking as seat near me. Just as I was about hit the go button on my playlist, I noticed the young man looking at me and gesturing at me as if to gain my attention. I will admit that I was at first thinking he was going to ask to trade seats, or something similar.

I believe I am a pretty decent chap, one who genuinely enjoys talking to other people. However, given the circumstances, all I wanted was a little Van Morrison in my ears and to take a nap. That’s said, I took my headphones off and the young man again gestured, saying, “Excuse me, sir. Is that an Explorer II?” To which I said that it was. In response, with a huge smile, he then asked if it was the 16570.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, it was clear at this point that Van Morrison would have to wait as this new-found friend had my full attention. Looking to be just a bit older than my oldest son (perhaps 19 or so), he sat with smile. My oldest son has an affinity for watches, but other than that my opportunities to talk about watches are few and far between. Needless to say, I just about jumped out of my seat.

The young man then related to me that the Explorer II is the watch he wants more than any other. Mine. The watch that I wear in my wrist, that means so much to me is someone’s “grail watch?” Not a Sub? Not a Daytona or a BLRO? A black dial, 16570...and the fact that he knew the reference number? For some reason that struck a chord with me.

I pulled it off of my wrist and asked him if he would like to see it, which he readily agreed. He tried it on telling me that he had never held one but hoped one day to buy that very model. In return he handed me his watch, a lovely, blue-dialed Tissot a piece in which I could tell he took a considerable level of pride, and rightly so. As we sat there for a bit admiring each other’s watches and talking about our mutual interest in these great items, I related to him what mine means to me and that it served as a reminder of an important milestone in my life. Impressed by his knowledge, I encouraged him the plug away toward his watch-owning goal. After a time, we then swapped back, thanking each other for the conversation and for sharing our watches.

It was a brief encounter, but was especially meaningful in many ways, at least for me. It was a welcome end to a long, tiresome week, one in which I was ready to get home to my family. This interaction was a reminder that we must appreciate everything we have. I never take for granted what I have, but in this case I get the great fortune to own and enjoy something this young man has set for himself as goal one day to own. In that moment and in the days since, I feel an even greater sense of appreciation not only for this wonderful hobby/obsession we share, but also for everything I have. This is what this is what this pursuit/hobby/passion is all about.

As we arrived at the airport in my hometown I learned that he was continuing on his journey. As I turned for the baggage claim we wished each other well and with a huge smile, he thanked me again. I don’t know where that gentleman will find himself this holiday season, but I sincerely hope our interaction impacted him even a fraction as much as it did me.

Young man, thank you for giving me that experience. Wear that lovely, blue Tissot well and in good health in all that you do. In the meantime, all the best in your journey this holiday season and in what lay ahead.

Merry Christmas