I only had the privilege of meeting Bernard twice - once with Thomas M at the opening of Chopard 's "manufacture" and the second time during a Ulysse Nardin event that included a visit to Rolph Schnyder's lakeside residence in Neuchâtel. Over dinner, Bernard had the opportunity to examine closely a prototype of a special Freak. To watch him study this watch was an eye-opener for me, after 40 years of involvement with the trade. First he seemed to soak up its aesthetic properties, feeling it, caressing it and sensing it almost like a blind man, before studying its overall appearance and eventually studying its technical excellence. The next day he tried very hard, but unsuccessfully, to purchase one of these to prototypes from Rolph. Bernard, you taught me a great lesson in watch appreciation and I will greatly miss your regular contributions here, but I hope that we will continue to have the benefit of many of your great words of wisdom here - as often as possible. I hope that you make the most of your family using the time that will be freed up by your decision to step down and I wish you every success with your work, too.