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

[Vivgman22]

Awesome post..... great to see young people still have an affinity towards watches that WW love.....

[Rock]

Well said, javert. Thanks for your enjoyable story.
I couldn't help but smile to myself at an alternate ending where he said
"Well, enjoy your Tissot" and put his hand with your Explorer on it, back into his pocket.

[Fire bloke]

Originally Posted by Rock

Well said, javert. Thanks for your enjoyable story.
I couldn't help but smile to myself at an alternate ending where he said
"Well, enjoy your Tissot" and put his hand with your Explorer on it, back into his pocket.

I was thinking the same where the op says
It's Christmas you can keep mine ;-)

Great story by the way

[Kyle3130]

Great story! Thanks for sharing. Those moments are what make this hobby of ours that much more special. Glad the torch of WISdom has been passed onto at least one person from the Apple Watch generation.

[schoolboy]

Heck yeah. That’s what it’s about.

I’m glad you bumped into him.

[r0wr]

Amazing story, thank you for sharing!


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[james1787]

Great story, thank you for sharing!!

[herts9]

This embodies everything that is great about this hobby. Loud reading that.

[T.Stanley]

Thank you for sharing your story. Happy Holidays.

[kieselguhr]

Thank you for sharing! It sounds like such a positive experience and one that rarely happens unless you are at a gathering of watch enthusiasts.

[sensui]

Positive vibes for the holiday. Thanks for sharing. Not everyone takes the time during this time of year to interact outside their circle.

[VegasMilgauss]

Always nice to talk to proper watch guys irl

[Oldfellow]

Lovely story, I really enjoy chance meetings such as that with genuine people.

[Rori]

Enjoyed reading this story with a big smile on my face throughout.
Your watch didn’t only make an impact on the young man on the plane but also it impacted me as this is the first time I notice, to my amazement that the reference of your Explorer is exactly my date of birth, May 16th 1970!!!
Now Im doomed “you know what I mean ;-)”

[Rolex85]

awesome story! thank you for sharing that! this is what the passion is truly about!

[gpf]

Anyone who is IN to the hobby will enjoy your post. Thank you !

[httr91]

Great story

[Widows Son]

Fantastic story!!!! So nice to have someone who shares his hobby. Now I'm awaiting to hear from someone who states," I'd never let someone touch my watch, he could have run off with it, and jumped out the window with it." Have a great holiday, you've got the right spirit.

[mountainjogger]

Your post is what this hobby is all about. A love of people and watches. Thanks for sharing.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Your post is what this hobby is all about. A love of people and watches. Thanks for sharing.

This.

Nice way to travel.

[javert34]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Your post is what this hobby is all about. A love of people and watches. Thanks for sharing.

My thoughts exactly.

[Art 1]

Very enjoyable read.

[1William]

Good story. Thanks for sharing.

[Hendrikus]

Lovely read. Thank you for posting.

[Bladeshot]

Great read! Thanks for sharing. I’ve run into the occasional fan and it’s always a pleasure to find a common interest and discuss my passion for the hobby with another.

[1SG MTB]

Great story. Awesome that it impacted you positively, but you definitely contributed to his already evident passion for watches, as well. I travel a lot and spend far too much time on planes and I would welcome this kind of encounter.

[getting started]

Enjoyed reading your post with a smile...wonderful!

[pickettt]

I’m glad he ran into you, and not the typical “Rolex Guy.”

[boothus]

Great story, it’s a shame how rare these sorts of friendly encounters are these days. Like you, most of the time when a stranger tries to get my attention, I almost expect it to be about something mildly irritating like being asked for a cigarette or subscribing to another credit card.
Whenever I do have these sorts of rare encounters, they always stay with me for a long time.