Speedy Tuesday with Bulang & Sons

Last weekend Gerard and yours truly went on a trip to the most southern part of the Netherlands for a get-together at Bulang & Sons. Speedy Tuesday was the main theme. Due to the nature of the event, the location was undisclosed with the request not to post anything on social media for the obvious safety reasons. So, in the early afternoon, we arrived with other watch collectors from various countries. Awaiting us was a smorgasbord of horological delights…

Community-driven Speedmaster Event

Those who have been at one of our Speedy Tuesday events have already know what they entail. Speedy Tuesday is mainly about the community of Speedmaster enthusiasts and therefore shouldn’t only be limited to what we organize. Of course, we do our best to bring something special but, in the end, it’s about the Speedmaster model and how it can bring people together. No matter how big or small your collection is, you are welcome.

We were pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation from Bulang & Sons for this gathering. Bernhard is very passionate about watches and his hobby turned into his work. For those who don’t know him, make sure to check out his website.

We weren’t the only ones that had to travel quite some distance as he invited people from several countries. Someone had even flown in to join for this relaxing afternoon. Like previous events organized by Bulang & Sons, we knew it would be a fun afternoon and there would be some treats to look at. As mentioned, the size of your collection really doesn’t matter. It’s all about the passion for watches. Some only brought a few watches to this event; there was also one massive suitcase filled with 36 watches.

A warm welcome

As it was quite a trip down to Bulang & Sons. We arrived a bit later than planned and most of the guests were already there. We received a warm welcome from our fellow Fratelli. After shaking hands with friends and making new acquaintances we took some time to have a look around. While the Speedmaster was the main theme, it was nice to see a wide variety of brands. Additionally, there was a healthy mix of modern and vintage watches with some rare birds amongst them. And being in the province of Limburg, there was some “Limburgse Vlaai” — a specialty pie of Limburg — to accompany the coffee. Something for which this region is very well known.

Not only about watches

The amount of watches isn’t what makes or breaks an event. It is the quality of the collections and conversations that lead to a successful GTG. That said, it sure was nice to see many open cases full of fine timepieces. While strolling around the tables laid out by Bulang & Sons you automatically end up talking to most of the guests. Funny thing is that it is not only about watches. When talking to people, the subject easily changes to family, and other hobbies and interests. That is one of the main reasons why events of this nature are always a pleasure. But of course, watches are what brings us together.

From a massive suitcase with a load of watches, of course, the Speedy Tuesday editions next to the Japanese Racing ref. 3570.40 and the Speedmaster Mark II ref. 145.014 with Racing Dial. What is interesting to see is how many watches are worn on aftermarket straps and bracelets. While most of them are made from leather, there were a few in steel. Speaking of which, I was wearing my vintage Speedmaster on the Forstner bracelet and in the image below is a Seamaster on a very nice quality mesh bracelet. The owner mentioned he loved the look on the new Bond watch and wanted it for his watch also. And he kindly brought it along to Bulang & Sons for us all to see.

Rise of gold

We notice how the popularity of gold watches is definitely rising. Someone even brought this rare collection: From left to right we see the Apollo XI from 1969 ref. BA145.022. In the middle is 1 of 50 Apollo-Soyuz 25th-anniversary Speedmasters with ref. 3195.59 and on the right the Speedmaster Professional Jubilee 27 CHRO C12 which is limited to 999 pieces. Clockwise from the bottom right, a very rare white gold Speedmaster with reference BC345.0802 of which only 20 pieces have been made. In the middle an Apollo 11 30th Anniversary ref. 3689.30, and finally the Apollo XI 25th Anniversary with ref. 3192.30.

And as mentioned it was not only about Speedmasters. Many other brands like Rolex, Tudor, Longines, Audemars Piguet, and so on were also present at Bulang & Sons. Yet the main theme was the Speedmaster. It binds us together. In this mix of watches, we spotted the Speedmaster CK 2915. Back then they probably never imagined that some 60 years later, groups of people would come together to talk about watches.

Towards the end of the afternoon, Bulang & Sons served a fantastic Italian buffet. It was an appreciated addition to an already-excellent day. Fine food. Fine watches. And Fine company. Who could ask for more? We would like to thank all involved in organizing and making this event possible and so special. And thanks to everyone present for showing us such a great time. We’re looking forward to future events. And don’t forget: You can always organize your own Speedmaster GTG if you’d like to. All that social media is nice but nothing beats looking at watches in the metal. Get in touch if you’d like some help or advice on how to do so.