RedBar Louisville Meetup
Yesterday’s RedBar chapter meetup wasn’t just big—it was record-breaking! We welcomed 22 watch aficionados, making it the most well-attended event since our chapter’s inception. Enthusiasts even made the trek from Nashville & Cincinnati to join us, underscoring the magnetic draw of our community. Hosted in a member’s chic Seltzer Bar nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Louisville, we were treated to an exclusive loft space that became our horological haven for the afternoon. As the photo below captures, this hidden gem of a location provided the perfect blend of privacy and style for our group’s lively exchanges. And the seltzer bar? With an array of tantalizing flavors from Dreamsicle to Mango-Colada, it was the cherry on top of a truly remarkable gathering
Moving on to the stars of the show—the watches! We had one member who truly wowed us, arriving with a trove of robust tool watches, each meticulously housed within the unyielding fortress of a Pelican Case.
Then a few Weiss Watch Company pieces.
A friend from Nashville graced us with a selection of his Rolex timepieces, including a radiant yellow Oyster Perpetual that was absolutely striking. And of course, my affinity for the Daytona is no secret—the 116500 'Panda' was a breathtaking sight to behold!
This Baltic truly stole the show! The complete box set, accompanied by race timers, added such a refined touch. It's a timepiece that doesn't just tell time; it tells a story. The comfort with which it sits on the wrist is remarkable, and its bracelet's resemblance to the iconic Omega 321 only heightens its allure. The owner shared that it flew off the shelves in a mere ninety seconds—astonishing, yet unsurprising, given its exceptional value. The retail price point makes its swift sell-out all the more understandable.
And another buddy brought his Batgirl and a JLC Reverso!
Admittedly, I'm at a loss to identify everything on this table.
Our fearless leader Daryl brought a lovely Charles Simon box with two of his most recent purchases…(The Zenith Pilot & Rolex Air King) both acquired in the last week!
Here is me with the host and owner of the Seltzer Bar and we are both rocking our 126720VTNR GMT-Master II’s on Jubilee! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
I contributed to the showcase with a Bosphorus Leather watch case, presenting an eclectic mix from my collection. Among the treasures were my Traska Venturer GMT, the serene GS Lake Suwa, the exquisite White Birch Hi-Beat, the precision-crafted GO Senator Chronometer, the visually striking GO PanoMaticInverse, along with several Rolex pieces and the distinguished Tudor BB54.
And let's not forget Nic's Bel Canto—always a delight to interact with. This watch is a veritable masterpiece, offering exceptional value for its craftsmanship.
Another attendee showcased an impressive trio: the deep blue allure of the Fifty Fathoms Atlantic Ocean Scuba, the robust Tudor BB Chrono, and a G-Shock that can only be described as God Tier!
This table was reserved for the heavyweights: an exquisite array of Laurent Ferrier creations, the timeless elegance of Patek Philippe, the intricate artistry of Daniel Roth, the classic sophistication of Breguet, and the adventurous spirit of LaVenture, among other distinguished pieces.
I'm fairly certain that the collection showcased below belongs to Daryl. His lineup includes the 3861 METAS-certified Speedmaster, the latest Seamaster 300, another Omega gem, an IWC Mark XX, and a blue dial Weiss Watch, each piece a testament to his discerning taste.
Two of our members sported Rolex Air Kings, showcasing both the latest reference and a model from the previous generation, perfectly illustrating the evolution of this iconic timepiece.
As you can see below! 👇🏼
The two Destro Sprites found their place on our left wrists. Interestingly, the fellow enthusiast with the GMT-Master II Destro, despite being left-handed, opts to wear his watch on the left wrist too, finding the position prevents the crown from digging into the back of his hand. We concurred that it ranks among the most comfortable watches to wear.
Some Patek’s
Laventure 👇🏼
And a Laurent Ferrier.
Apologies for the less-than-ideal quality of the final few photographs.
And that wraps up our horological journey! We've taken a grand tour through an impressive lineup of timepieces, from the sturdy tool watches securely housed in a Pelican Case to the eclectic treasures I brought along, including the GO PanoMaticInverse and the GS Lake Suwa. We marveled at Nic's Bel Canto, admired the Panda Daytona, and delved into the world of high horology with Laurent Ferrier's, Patek Philippe's, and other prestigious brands. Not to mention, we saw the evolution of the Rolex Air King and felt the comfort of the Destro Sprites on our left wrists. Each watch, from the iconic to the innovative, shared a story, contributing to a memorable gathering of watch enthusiasts. This event wasn't just about showcasing watches; it was a celebration of craftsmanship, history, and the shared passion that binds us. Until next time, watch aficionados! #redbar #redbarcrew
Welcome! I’m @TheHoroSexual, a passionate collector and connoisseur of distinctive horology. My journey began with a Rolex Yacht Master 37, which ignited a lifelong appreciation for Rolex’s design lan...
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My godsh, you're a tall handsome man
I recognized that shirt and the GMT.
Looks like a real great time, Paul! Some really amazing watches in the bunch. 👍
My godsh, you're a tall handsome man
I recognized that shirt and the GMT.
Aww. Thank you for the compliment! 😅🥰☺️
🙈😜😆🤪🤣😂
Nice 👍
Looks like a real great time, Paul! Some really amazing watches in the bunch. 👍
It was an absolute blast, Josh. The three hours just whizzed past before we knew it—a true testament to the great company and enthralling conversations. It's a shame one of our top collectors couldn't join due to family commitments; he was all set to bring out the heavy artillery of horology—Lange’s, Patek’s, Paul Newman Daytona’s, among others. The chance to capture and share his extraordinary collection would've been a highlight, but alas, we'll eagerly anticipate the next meetup for that privilege!
Looked like a great time.
Ah, my old stomping grounds. How I miss Louisville.
Looked like a great time.
Absolutely, it's a true pleasure to engage with fellow enthusiasts and explore exquisite timepieces that might otherwise be beyond reach. One member in particular, stands out in our circle with his remarkable collection of haute horlogerie—the Daniel Roth masterpiece is his. His array of Breguets, Langes, and Pateks is enviable, and yet he handles them with such a casual air, nonchalantly stowing them in his pocket without the need for a watch case. I admire his carefree confidence; it's something I couldn't emulate with my pieces, the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic and Traskas being the rare exceptions. His laid-back approach to such treasures is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Ah, my old stomping grounds. How I miss Louisville.
I highly recommend you come to one of our meetups! Your presence would be greatly valued, and don't worry about bringing anything extravagant. We're enthusiasts of watches in all their forms and complexities. Could you let me know how far you are from Louisville? We'd be excited to welcome you into our fold.
Wow! Impressive!
Wow! Impressive!
Thanks for commenting! Huge shoutout to my friend Daryl for capturing the moments! I was so thoroughly engaged in the experience that the thought of taking photos completely escaped me.
I highly recommend you come to one of our meetups! Your presence would be greatly valued, and don't worry about bringing anything extravagant. We're enthusiasts of watches in all their forms and complexities. Could you let me know how far you are from Louisville? We'd be excited to welcome you into our fold.
I'm only about 3 to 4 hours away but It always seems like there's just one more thing to prevent me from coming back. One day perhaps.
It was an absolute blast, Josh. The three hours just whizzed past before we knew it—a true testament to the great company and enthralling conversations. It's a shame one of our top collectors couldn't join due to family commitments; he was all set to bring out the heavy artillery of horology—Lange’s, Patek’s, Paul Newman Daytona’s, among others. The chance to capture and share his extraordinary collection would've been a highlight, but alas, we'll eagerly anticipate the next meetup for that privilege!
I bet! That’s too bad that one collector couldn’t make it but there’s always next time. How often do you guys typically meet up? I’ve thought about joining Redbar. I have to check if there’s any local chapters.
Whoa! Looks amazing. And those briefcases of awesomeness...🤩
Louisville is some strange corner of the world where Rolexes are buyable at dealers, and dealers don't hate people - quite a few of them there 😯
Lovely to see you all in person, thanks for the write up and pics Paul!
The Rolex watches you observed in the pictures have been acquired from a variety of sources, not exclusively through Authorized Dealers (ADs). For instance, the watchbox containing the Panda Daytona was purchased on the secondary market. Moreover, we maintain relationships with multiple Rolex ADs across different locations, including Cincinnati, Nashville, Indianapolis, Chicago, as well as New York City and Connecticut. While at times we may secure certain allocations more successfully, obtaining these watches can be just as challenging here as it is in more populous urban centers. This brings up an interesting consideration: whether it's preferable to be a prominent figure in a less competitive environment or to navigate the challenges of standing out in a more saturated market.
Great write up Paul. Looks like a great event. I envy you guys having these regular meetups.
Thank you! Do you guys have any watch groups in Sweden?
Such a cool group of people and cool watches too! Nice one
I’m deeply grateful for my circle of watch enthusiasts; their camaraderie has truly enriched the experience of this hobby. Without such a community to engage in regular dialogue and share insights with, the pursuit of watch collecting could feel quite isolating. Their presence has made all the difference.
It’s just called the Watch Collector Case in Saffiano Navy Blue. I got a good deal during the holiday sale and saved 35% off retail price. https://www.bosphorusleather.com/products/watch-collector-case-combination-lock-saffiano-navy-blue-for-10-or-15-watches
Thank you Paul! I have looked at their rolls before, but clearly wasn’t paying attention to their cases, shame on me. Will have to keep an eye out on future sales.
I have a couple Analog Shift/Wolf boxes, which I like, but are not meant travel. I also love the idea of a Bernadine Milano, but they cost as much as a really nice watch.
Wow, what a plethora of sartorial wrist candy! Question: what's a Seltzer Bar?
It’s essentially a bar that specializes in drinks crafted with carbonated seltzer water. They’re equipped with soda guns that dispense a variety of flavors, to which they simply add the desired liquor to create a refreshing cocktail.
Congratulations! It's great to see watch fam Meetups around the world. I'd love to visit that part of the States, I've never been.
We're fortunate to have the Bourbon Trail here, which highlights the region's array of distilleries. I'm currently on the lookout for a distillery that would be the perfect venue for our watch group gathering, with the hope of extending an invitation to the entire forum to join us.
Dang! I missed this! How do I find out about the next gathering?
Do you use Instagram? We have a group chat there for coordinating meetups, and I’d be happy to add you so you can stay updated on future events.
Thank you! Do you guys have any watch groups in Sweden?
I’m sure there are, but not where I live. We had a WC meetup this autumn though.
Do you use Instagram? We have a group chat there for coordinating meetups, and I’d be happy to add you so you can stay updated on future events.
Awesome! Insta @dcrow17
Hey! I see Skip from Davis Jewelers! Love getting to see him whenever I'm in Louisville. I've had the pleasure of buying a couple of watches from him. He's a proper watch nerd!
Great write up, Paul. It must have felt like being a kid in a sweety shop l.
I particularly liked the Heavyweight's Table.. a treasure chest of watches 🤓
Hey! I see Skip from Davis Jewelers! Love getting to see him whenever I'm in Louisville. I've had the pleasure of buying a couple of watches from him. He's a proper watch nerd!
Isn't Skip great? His depth of knowledge is only matched by his warmth. It's rare to find someone who transitions from a sales associate to a genuine friend, but with Skip, it's like talking watches with an old buddy. Louisville's watch scene wouldn't be the same without him!
Great write up, Paul. It must have felt like being a kid in a sweety shop l.
I particularly liked the Heavyweight's Table.. a treasure chest of watches 🤓
Thank you, John! It was absolutely like being a kid in a candy store—every turn brought a new delight. The Heavyweight's Table was indeed a treasure trove that left me in awe. Sharing it with fellow enthusiasts like you makes it all the more special!
Wow . I wish Long Island NY had something similar.
Wow . I wish Long Island NY had something similar.
Redbar literally started in the city. I would not be surprised if there were a couple chapters in the surrounding vicinity. Reach out to RedBar NYC and ask them.