October 27th visit with Xu Yaonan

I was completely surprised and pleased/amazed when Li Wei (Domestic Watch Group Leader of the CHA) told me that he'd arranged a chance for me to visit Xu Yaonan, in his home. Mr. Xu is a national treasure. Now 91 as we met, he's a sparkling guy, full of good humour and quick wit, and he's been a driving force in Chinese watchmaking, for decades beginning with the tongji/standar or unified movement. He also designed China's first tourbillon watch, and others,  including the spectacular Playing Dragon and Phoenix (shown close below)

There's no way I'd say no to an opportunity like this!

I was doubly pleased when told the visit would include Mr. Miao Hong Bo, the retired General Manager of Beijing Watch Factory, and also the very friendly and creative Mr. Li Bin, owner and designer for Merkur/Fanzhi. Side note: I'd first met Mr. Miao when he was active General Manager, and on my birthday in 2014. 

Meeting Xu Yaonan is akin to a rock fan being invited to Jeff Beck's house. Like "pinch myself" time. And meeting him with others I know and respect--and like--in the industry made it a fun, friendly relaxed time.

Here's a link providing more details. Beijing Watch Factory's page om Mr. Xu: https://beijingwatches.com/pages/master-watchmaker

Standing: Mr. Li Wei, Group Leader of the Domestic Watch Group of the China Horologe Association. Seated, far: Mr. Miao Homg Bo, retired General Manager of Beijing Watch Factory, and closer: Mr. Li Bin owner of Merkur/Fanzhi

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I'll show below this video a bunch of the treasures Mr. Xu shared with us , but I'd really suggest watching the video (accurately subtitled in English and easy to understand) to get a better idea of what we were shown before looking at the photos below.

The video is a great job by ZHONG YUCHAO of China Watch Shop, and was done about a year ago.

Here ya go...

Nearing the end of thr visit, I was **astonished** when Mr. Xu gave me the following watch as a gift. The dial states 17 jewels but the movement is a 20 jewel Tongji

I later learned that the watch was a very high value piece, with some technical details in the case finishing, indices and second hand structure that make it very  rare among pieces of its period. 

It's a high enough value piece that I've decided to leave it in China for study, and for possible future display in China. I'm hugely grateful for the gesture from Mr. Xu, and this is the best way I know how to express that gratitude. 

I'll leave this post with a few shots taken around Beijing later in the day.