Thanks for the amazing message . . . just about brought a tear to my eye. But then I regained my composure and got back to work, on tonight's posting.

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. This is really an amazing, unique community that we all enjoy so much!!

It's been a crunch here at work, but I have celebrated with a new acquisition and will also have a posting, for tonight.

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Dear Jeff,
: Your articles in three 2005 issues of International Watch,
: "Collecting 101: A Primer for Watch Collectors";
: "Collecting 120: How to Buy a Watch (Part 1)" and,
: "Collecting 120: How to Buy a Watch (Part 2)" had a
: huge influence in creating my initial interest searching for
: watches on ebay and elsewhere - but not right away. I started
: collecting vintage Hamiltons a few years after inheriting my
: father's high school graduation gift, a rather art deco Hamilton
: "Brooke" asymmetrical wristwatch circa 1937. But, I
: was too afraid I'd damage or lose it so I began collecting other
: 3-hand Hamiltons that I need not fear losing or damaging, first
: at antique shows, flea markets and, eventually on ebay. But, it
: only took a couple years before I realized the small and rather
: fragile Hamiltons no longer suited my taste in watches. I was
: drawn back to your magazine articles, remembering the Heurer
: Autavias that I was so intrigued by first time around and then
: these later, subsequent re-readings of all three of your seminal
: 2005 IW articles. It was at that time I finally noticed your
: website address in the byline and opened this unbelievably
: interesting and educational website - OnTheDash! I've only
: acquired two vintage Autavias in that time, a beautiful
: silver/orange 11630 from Abel in 2008 and a 2446C GMT with some
: interesting aviation history, on ebay plus, a re-issue
: white/blue Autavia. I missed many more on ebay, especially in
: 2007 and 2008 when prices were very reasonable (as I was
: hesitant to roll the dice and pull the trigger) but I still
: enjoy the hunt for vintage watches, especially Heuers (and
: Breitlings). One thing is constant, though, I visit On the Dash
: every single day! For the knowledge, camaraderie and new,
: fantastic discoveries, no online Heuer resource is better than
: On The Dash! I sincerely thank you for all the time, effort and
: passion you have devoted to this website!!! Happy Birthday
: indeed!!
: Steve