As true watch lovers we aim to create a haven for fun, where participants can discover, examine, and dive deep into some of the most amazing watches around and mostly hidden in private collections. Here, you can see them in detail, touch them, try them on, and be inspired by their beauty and the stories behind them - something that social media simply cannot offer. Meeting the individuals behind the accounts, seeing their watches in person, and truly feeling their stories is something we deeply believe in. So, step out and meet fellow watch lovers; it makes the experience so much more exciting. Let's learn about and cherish the people in our community, connect with one another, and build a support system for the future.

We are immensely grateful to the members who joined us and brought their grail watches to the meeting, allowing others to discover them in such a trusting atmosphere. Never underestimate how special trust and appreciation can be. Every time I'm amazed by it, it strengthens our bond.

My son and co-founder of the VWHC, Berend (@berendloveswatches), beautifully summed it up:

“As organizers we can only arrange locations, and all practical parts involved… but the true magic for this weekend was all of you… you made it special for us and the rest of the group. I can’t stretch out enough how much I loved the fact that the group felt like a family. Many have known each other for a long time. But also a large part didn’t.. and I can’t thank you all enough for really connecting and making true friendships. So cheers on that good mood, relaxt vibe and fantastic weekend with old and many new friends! Welcome to the club!”

It was Berend, alongside some dear longtime friends, who persuaded me last year to revisit this goal and co-create this new Club/Event: the Vintage Watch Hunting Club. Thank you, guys, for doing so! And a heartfelt thanks to all the participants. I am so proud of what we have achieved together.

Many of you may know that I was one of the founders of the famous (Rolex) Passion Meetings, which I hosted from 2008 until the last one in 2015. In recent years, I felt those gatherings were a wonderful blast from the past, magical in their own era, but had gracefully concluded at their peak. Resting peacefully in this new age of social media and influencers.

Several dear friends have since created new meetups that have become some of the most renowned gatherings over the last decade, such as the Issued Meetings by @theoldwatchshop and @jedly1, the Bali Meeting by @vintage.rolex.asylum, and the Rolliefest NY by @manhattanrollie.

However, in recent years, we felt there was room, and perhaps even a need, for another international meeting in Europe - one that would be limited to about 50 people, relaxed and intimate, focused on the community and a broader range of vintage watches from Rolex, Patek, AP, Cartier, Breguet, Tudor, Longines, and more. It aims to inspire participants by uncovering new perspectives and opening doors to future interests.

I am also very pleased that the wonderful people who attended answered the call to refrain from posting on social media during the event, allowing us to focus on conversation and connection rather than speaking to a camera or the outside world.

It has truly been an incredible experience, and we remain astonished by the amazing watches we had the privilege to see, touch, and enjoy. Thank you to all the participants from across Europe, the USA, Canada, Asia, and Australia for contributing to such a magical weekend. I hope all of you feel inspired to embrace our shared passion for watches with like-minded friends, organize your own meetups, and pursue such enriching offline experiences.

The Vintage Watch Hunting Club is all about meeting, sharing, and fostering a community of true enthusiasts. Like all clubs, it is built on its people. The main event will always be very limited and private, but we will explore ways to expand our goal and build our community. Our aim is to inspire and share our love for vintage watches with new enthusiasts, educate a new generation about what makes vintage watches and their stories so special, and help them embrace vintage timepieces in a meaningful, lasting way.

… So, let’s see what the future holds!

Thank you so much,
Bernhard Bulang