Away From Desk - Part 2 - Germany and the NOMOS Club Campus/Tetra
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
Partway through the worst guided tour I’ve ever taken, I checked my phone to see if my new friend, Andy, had texted me about dinner. Dresden is a beautiful city that, in my opinion, may even appear more stunning in the rain. As fate would have it, I was getting wet while the tour guide, who came highly recommended on TripAdvisor, was delivering yet another questionable joke at the expense of yet another race of people. This city has endured immense tragedy, and I’m not referring to the middle-aged woman demonstrating why her stand-up career never took off; instead, I’m referring to the near-total destruction Dresden faced during World War II. However, the buildings were reconstructed using a blend of new and salvaged materials. Contrary to the belief that the older sandstone bricks have darkened from the bombings, these stones naturally weather over time, revealing many darkened sections of buildings alongside newer, brighter stones. I believe this bit of darkness fuels the emo teenager within me, which is why I find the city so charming in the rain. Yet, even I couldn’t find a reason to let my inner emo kid out, as this part of the trip was filled with camaraderie, friendship, and joy.
The Lead Up
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
As we jetted away from Switzerland, my brother Frank and I were headed to Berlin. I would spend two evenings with him and his partner, Rachael, who would be joining us in Germany. Frank had always wanted to be in Germany for Oktoberfest, so his ultimate goal was to go to Munich and take part in the festivities; my goal was to visit the historic watchmaking town of Glashütte.
Berlin
We arrived in Berlin on a Saturday afternoon from Geneva. After collecting Rachael at the airport, we took a cab to our hotel. We had all experienced long days of travel, but Rachael, in particular, had an even longer journey since she had come from their home in Washington, D.C., to meet us. So, we all decided to take the evening slow. We rested at the hotel for a smidge, watched an episode or two of Friends (as one does during their first time in Berlin), and then found a nice place to enjoy some drinks and a schnitzel or two.
I was acutely aware that I was wearing my NOMOS Club Campus on a NOMOS bracelet, a German-made watch. It somehow felt like it belonged in Berlin, capturing the essence of my first experience in Germany. The modern architecture appeared simple yet purposeful—very economical. Still, there was a vibrant quality to the city that I struggled to define, surfacing in small doses.
Rachael pointed out these green pipes bursting from the sidewalks that my brother and I completely missed during our cab ride to the hotel. Once we noticed them, though, they were everywhere. A quick Google search revealed that these pipes pumped groundwater from construction sites, but I couldn't stop thinking about how much they resembled the pipes in Super Mario games. And while the city seemed to serve up a happy helping of beige, gray, and concrete, the vibrancy surfaced in unexpected ways. We all seemed to get a kick out of the Ampelmännchen, the cartoonish stop-and-go figures that signaled pedestrians to stop or go at crosswalks. The literal translation of Ampelmännchen is “little traffic light men.” It's a bit of fun in a purposeful and logical city.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis of Frank and Rachael in Berlin
The first night we called it quits early so we could maximize the following day, the only full day I’d have in Berlin.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis
The following day, we woke up and headed to a charming bakery in the heart of Berlin, the kind of place you’d rarely, if ever, see in the United States. Fresh food, freshly squeezed orange juice, and pastries baked that morning awaited us. We each enjoyed pastries and drinks, spending no more than you would at a fast-food restaurant for a family of three. It makes me think of every café back home that dares to charge $7 for a latte.
That day, I recall wanting to float about with a touch of flamboyance, so I popped the Club Campus on a hot pink NATO-style strap and proceeded to bop around the more historical parts of Berlin. I’m not a discreet person at all, and Berlin brought back memories of how I felt while living in New York City. The locals appeared more dour in their attire yet cheerful in their interactions with us. There was also a marathon happening that day, and since it was Sunday, not much was open except for the museums. So we chose to mosey around, take pictures, and check out the museums.
In truth, Berlin felt like a blur, and I felt a bit "off” that entire day. I had been on the go with my brother for a week, exploring Switzerland. I was tired, but I also felt a little sad. I had never really taken a proper vacation with just my brother, and I enjoyed how well we got along throughout the week. I thought about how much more I’d like to experience and what still lies ahead—a trip to Dresden where I thought I’d feel alone. I got lost in thoughts about how hard it is to get together with the people I love at this point in my life. Everyone’s lives are so full; even those of us who believe our lives aren’t, there’s still something we’re trying to achieve, and we’re conditioned not to take our eyes off the road ahead. So, we got on a boat.
We concluded the day with a boat ride around Berlin. Although it was freezing cold, we enjoyed drinks, snacks, and music while taking in the sights and changing backdrop of the city.
Trains
The next day, I left my family and took a train from Berlin to Dresden. I felt nervous because the NOMOS Forum would dominate my time in Dresden, and this was the first time a major brand had invited me to join other industry professionals for a significant event. All I wanted was to fit in. Let me tell you, if you find yourself feeling anxious, DO NOT take a train in Germany. Avoid it at all costs.
I have used public transportation and trains in several countries, but Germany’s Deutsche Bahn is by far the most chaotic. My ticket didn’t provide much information. Nobody on the train knew who had seats, who didn’t, or where we were supposed to be. Well over a handful of us were wandering from car to car, with no employee in sight, trying to figure out where we could sit. After a while, I was alone among the fancy cars with private rooms. Inside, groups enjoyed the scenic German countryside as we rolled along. I must’ve looked lost because a group from Malaysia waved me into their room and invited me to join them.
It turns out that three of them participated in the Berlin Marathon the day before. We discussed their training, the parts of the world they’ve explored while participating in other marathons, and how this hobby has strengthened their friendships. They asked me about my vacation and why I was headed to Dresden. Of course, we talked about watches, and they asked to see the Club Campus I was still wearing. All three of them were new to the brand and appreciated the colorful dial and the visibility of the movement through the case back. Most importantly, I shared how my love of watches has fostered friendships for me, much like running does for them, and how much this community means to me. Little did I know that I was about to experience this more in Dresden than I ever had before.
Dresden and Glashütte
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - NOMOS Club Campus Caseback with Custom Engraving
I previously documented my time in Dresden with NOMOS in an article about the release of the NOMOS 34mm Club Sport and gender inclusivity, which you can read HERE. Therefore, I won’t cover the same ground again. Instead, I want to focus on how wonderful and intense it was to meet so many friends I’ve made online in person, as well as to make new ones.
When I arrived in Dresden, I walked from the train station into the city's heart. It was about a 30-minute stroll with my carry-on, and with each step, I felt I was being transported through time. The area around the train station was more modern. Little outdoor malls and storefronts flitted the streets. Then, I arrived at a large holiday market featuring beautifully decorated stalls with vendors selling handmade goods. Throughout this time, I was texting Sophie (@sophies.watch.world), who you might remember from Part 1. Sophie had also received an invitation from NOMOS as well, and we had been planning to check into our hotels and meet for lunch before joining the larger group.
My hotel was located in the historic Neumarkt Square, and as I stepped into it, I was blown away by its beauty. The square was wide and open, surrounded by shops and charming hotels. At the center of it all stood the Frauenkirche, an impressive baroque church that overlooked everything, opposite the Steigenberger Hotel, where I would be staying.
After checking in and unwinding, Sophie and I met up for tapas. We did what watch nerds do: took wrist shots and swapped watches. My Club Campus was on an orange Velcro strap—because why the fuck not? Sophie was wearing the NOMOS Tetra Die Fuchsteufelswilde, a small watch in a stunning muted purple with a rose-gold colored subdial and a teal seconds hand. NOMOS had loaned her this watch to create content. This model is definitely more feminine, but I loved the way it looked on me.
Photo by a Stranger? - From left to right: Chris Antzoulis, Anna (@chrono.girl.life), Oscar (@time_and_blocks), and Andy (@the_watch_friend)
We enjoyed our lunch and returned to our respective hotels to chillax before a big group dinner. However, my phone was a-buzz with messages from a few friends I had never met in person, some of whom I didn’t even know would be attending. Anna (@chrono.girl.life), Oscar (@time_and_blocks), and Andy (@the_watch_friend) had gathered back in the square to share a few drinks before the event. I was so excited to meet more people I kept track of online and regularly chatted with, plus lubricating with some self-confidence before a big dinner where I’d have to chit chat was almost necessary at this point.
I vividly remember how I felt at that moment; it was the first time I had been in the presence of more than one person I had met online through this hobby, and that feeling was one of gratitude. The four of us were from Poland, Spain, Germany, and the U.S., united by our love for watches. Much like with Sophie earlier, we exchanged watches and enjoyed the chance to try on pieces that held significance for each of us. We shared stories about our journey to Germany—well, except Andy because he lived right up the road (more on that later).
Eventually, we all gathered for a generous dinner that NOMOS had organized for us. This was when I finally met Simon (@escapement24), whom you might remember from Part 1 as the lovely human who connected me with MB&F. Simon’s YouTube channel is one of my favorites, especially with his recent interviews. I also had the opportunity to meet some more recent acquaintances, including Lydia (@lydiaswatches) and Vu (@vubui.watches), whose podcast I listen to almost every day; Britt (@watch.gringa), whose YouTube channel is one of the most entertaining in the hobby, along with her husband James (@watch_papi); and Charity (@pulseonthewrist), whom I had also met once in NYC but was delighted to see again. Her Instagram feed is filled with fashion, watches in pop culture, and a wealth of information. Lastly, I met some new friends like TanTan (@tantantalum), who was a joy to be around, and Robin (@robinnooij), who wore a gorgeous Holthinrich with a brilliant backstory. I admire them both as fellow writers.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - NOMOS Tetra Die Fuchsteufelswilde
Although we may have all gathered because of NOMOS, this dinner was not about the brand. Instead, it was a joyful occasion where we could celebrate the relationships we each had with one another and the shared passion we all possess. The nerves I had built up dissipated, and the terrible feeling I usually have at the thought of networking faded away. I found myself in a room full of friends and was happy to be there. And, of course, before we could leave the dinner, we had to do what watch enthusiasts do when we all flock together: throw our watches on the table for a “sex pile” picture. We really need to come up with a better term for this. I GOT IT—#Horolorgy!!!
The following day, we gathered once more for the NOMOS Forum. If you're interested in reading about that, check out my previous article on the release of the NOMOS Club Sport 34mm HERE.
That afternoon, I talked with Sophie about how much I loved the Tetra she had let me try on. I wavered about treating myself to a watch, and Sophie pointed out how many times I had expressed my happiness to her that week, suggesting that I should allow myself something to remember it all by—like the dirty enabler she is! I also want to go on record saying that I didn’t buy my Club Campus until I saw it on Sophie’s channel, so she literally influenced me to get two NOMOS watches in one year. Alexa from NOMOS’s public relations team walked me down the hill from the Forum in Glashütte to the NOMOS boutique, where I had the incredible personal experience of getting a watch directly from the brand. While Alexa had a great time laughing at me trying to pronounce the name of the watch, Die Fuchsteufelswilde, whose literal translation is “fox-devil-wild,” it means something like “mad as hell.” This phrase is typically used to describe an angry woman in German, and I was more than okay with tapping into that side of myself.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - From left to right: Anna (@chrono.girl.life), Chris Antzoulis, Sophie (@sophies.watch.world), Simon (@escapement24)
In the evening, after we returned to Dresden from Glasshütte, a few of us went out for dinner. I had the opportunity to meet and spend more time with Danny (@watchesandbooze) and Tom (@bytereview). We were genuinely trying to soak in the day with a few others. Unlike the rest of us, Tom was newer to the #WatchFam and created tech content but had recently embarked on a journey into watches. Danny and I took turns introducing Tom to watches while Tom and Danny shared some insights about photography and cameras with me. I knew I would create this website and wanted to improve my photography skills. In fact, Tom and I have spoken more over the last few months, and with his guidance, I recently made my first camera purchase.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis with Andy (@the_watch_friend)
It was my last full day in Dresden, and after sharing a farewell breakfast with Sophie, Tom and I connected once more. We spent a couple of hours browsing watch shops. Interestingly, I had forgotten how intimidating watch shopping could be, and there’s an unspoken etiquette regarding the interaction between salesperson and customer. You want to try on watches, but you don’t want to waste anyone’s time. I hadn’t thought about it in a while, but it was enjoyable to take Tom through that experience, try on some Tudors and Tags, and eventually say our goodbyes so he could catch his flight.
This was when I started the world’s worst guided tour. Our guide led us down narrow streets, attempting to share some knowledge about the area, but her questionable delivery was losing me. My mind wandered to the incredible couple of days I had just experienced, but I felt my time in Dresden would end on a lonely note, especially thinking about the reservation for one I had at a Michelin-star restaurant just outside the city. That’s when I got a message from Andy, a watch photographer I had met in person the day I arrived. However, he didn’t join our group at the NOMOS Forum since he attended the day before for the German-speaking version.
We were able to add an extra person to my dinner reservation, and I was so excited to meet up with Andy that I initiated the worst Irish goodbye ever in the middle of my tour. I asked the guide, “Where’s the restroom?” She pointed to a hall on the other side of the museum entryway where we were standing. I pretended to walk over to it and then tried to blend in with a group walking back toward the entrance. I want to say that I don’t disappear into a crowd well. I’m a big guy, wearing vibrant colors, and I lack the grace necessary to be discreet. I’m fairly certain half the group saw me waltz out. I still tipped the guide through the app and gave them a good review. I know I was the asshole in this situation, but I was so excited to hang out that I didn’t give a fuck.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - NOMOS Tetra Die Fuchsteufelswilde
Andy and I enjoyed a glorious dinner. There was an adventure option where we were at the chef's mercy, surprised by each course. While we explored the culinary path we chose to embark on, we shared some of our most prized watches. I wore my new NOMOS Tetra for the first time and brought my Tudor BB58 Bronze for him to check out. He wore his NOMOS Club Sport and had his Glashütte Original SeaQ, which I had never tried on in person, along with others. We each shared how we got into the hobby, our day jobs, and celebrated the amazing turn of events that brought us together to share all this.
The next morning was my last, as I would be flying to Florence early that afternoon. Andy kindly picked me up from my hotel and took me to a local bakery for some delicious German cakes. After that, we returned to his beautiful home, where I thoroughly enjoyed meeting his wife, Astrid, and their adorable cats. Astrid is a talented artist, and after learning that I had written comics, she shared some of her artwork with me. The three of us enjoyed a relaxing conversation over coffee and indulged in the epic devouring of cakes. Afterward, Andy took me to the Dresden airport, where we said goodbye. Our friendship may have been brand new, but I still found it hard to leave. Until this trip, we had only exchanged pleasantries on Instagram, yet he was still kind enough to show me, someone who was essentially a stranger, around the city and invite me into his home. I went to Dresden by myself but didn’t spend a moment alone. I have Andy and Astrid to thank for that.
And thank you to NOMOS for bringing us all together. I couldn’t be happier that I decided to purchase my Tetra, as it will forever remind me of the first time I was able to join this fantastic global watch family.
To be continued…Part 3 - Florence, coming January 2025!
