Intersect Atlanta - An Attendee's Take

I appologize in advance for the lack of pictures as I took none. At the time, I had no intention of writing any more than, I went, I saw, I bought. But as you see, once I got going, the prose flowed followed by editing for a few days. Hopefully you like the results. It was a great event, looking forward to the next one and many big thanks to all who helped put it together.

When first announced I cheered as it is about time The ATL got a show like Intersect Atlanta and it delivered. I was an early RSVP'er but was sort of at a loss when I explored the location via Goggle maps. Huh? OK, so it's an industrial area and space is probably cheep. Turns out the location, Moto Escape, is a storage facility/self work space for "big boy toys", i.e., MG's, Triumps, Porche's, even an original Volkswagon Bug. A wonderful location to have it in. Watches and cars. Heaven. I mentioned RSVP'ing earlier, which I assumed was just a way of gauging interest, but in reality they had a check-in at the door even though it was free. I did receive an email a few days before the event stating sorry but RSVP's were closed, capacity had been reached. Just a word to the wise when/if future events happen.

In all, sixteen companies were represented, some offered sales, some not as was the case at Christopher Ward, our first stop. They had most, if not all, their line on display including the Trident model that currently interests me. Low and behold, the strap fits! I also got to see the Moonphase and the watch itself is drop dead gourgeous, to die for. I also had a chance to handle the Bel Canto and it is quite impressive. I took the opportunity to congratulated their rep (sorry, I didn't get his name, they were very busy) on their well deserved "Petite Aiguille" GPHG prize for the Bell Canto and he seemed pleasingly surprised that I knew of the awards. For you Dune fans out there, the Dune edition watches are quite actractive and perfect for a desert planet, or a desert anyplace for that mater.

Then there are the mountains, the Rocky Mountains to be specific, Ft. Collins north of Denver and home to Vortic Watch Company and new comer, Colorado Watch Company. We all hopefully know Vertic and one will grace my wrist one of these days. I love side projects and much like my favorite Colorado whiskey, Colorado Watch Company is a side project of the founders. I admit that I have been in love with Colorado since my first visit there years ago so maybe my opinion is influenced by that love but the new GCT is a watch that I wish I had known about earlier and been able to back. A prototype was on display and it is perfect the way it is. I had a real nice conversation with R.T. Custer about it as well as Vortic. Super guy and I love what they are doing to bring back complete watch making to the USA. I mentioned seeing Vortic watches on "The Price Is Right" game show and we had a good little chuckle about the contestants having no idea at all what a Vortic Watch is all about much less how much they cost. R.T. explained the appearance was all due to a placement consultant's efforts and seems like smart marketing, it got my attention after all. These guys are really on the ball businesswise and while a Vortic is definately future addition to my collection however filling that void was not to be the case this weekend.

What did I wind up buying? You know a watch addict is not going to leave a watch show empty handed. Since CW was out (no on site sales), that distinction went to Tsao Baltimore Watch Co., another encounter in my expanding micro brand experience. I have wanted a meteorite dial watch since, well, it seems the begining of time. Like almost all natural materials, no two samples of meteorite are indentical and I have never found a watch with a meteorite dial that said meteorite to me...until now. Alan Tsoa is a really nice guy, pleasant to talk with and had three, make that four*, of his Balt-Pilot Recon watches featuring meteorite dials. (*My wife snagged one also, albeit her's is blue plated.) The one pictured below really spoke to me so it is now mine. It came in a nice three compartment watch roll which I believe might be show only. Hopefully I'll do a review of the watch in the coming weeks.

But not everything goes as planned. The Fortitude Pro in Crimson by Astor+Banks is truly lovely, a prefect shade of red. But as the expression goes, if the bracelet don't fit, you must omit. And such was the dissapointing case for me. Gorgeous watches across their line so if you are not as thick of wrist as me, you may want to consider this brand. Lorier seems a nice watch however they did not fit and lacked that certain pizzazz. Dryden evoked a similar reaction, perhaps due to size, but they seem well built and may be right up your alley design wise. The same can be said for the Endevor II by Raven. Nice watch, made my heart go bump, thought about it, but when I turned around, the yellow was being sold my favorite color was gone. It must not have been meant to be.

Bespoke was interesting, too small for me but they have some really different takes on dials. However The prize for dials goes to Arcanaut. Their Fordite dials are a thing of wonder and beauty and several, including some not yet in watches, were on display. All their cases are the same shape and feature a rectangular stepped pyramid shaped crown which is rather unique. Of course it all comes at a price. In that vein, but not as expensive, anOrdain offers very elegant watches across a wide color range and are quite nice.

Similarly, Formex watches are a solid selection. If I had been looking for a kick ass dive watch, I would have enquired about sales at the show as the Reef 4 is impressive as are their other offerings. Online they are fully customizable, so they could have been following CW's lead and only displaying their wares, but now I know they are priced fairly and of good quality.

Fears did not jump out, somehow I missed Jack Mason (walked by, glanced over, some people were crowded around, then didn't make it back) and both MIIKC and Tornek-Rayville had really small presences. SoLab? Not sure so either they didn't make it or somehow we missed them. A shame as I did see them at WUWF Chicago and they make quite artistic watches, in contemporary graphic art kind of way. Another one I did not see was the Nodus Trailtrekker. Not sure what happened with the later and I would have inquired at their both but when you are with other people, occassionally things do not work out.

My one regret about the show is that it was only one day. You always think about what you could of done but didn't and wish you could go back. Great event!