A great loss

Oct 27, 2016,10:29 AM
 

Hans was a dear friend whom I am happy to have known for more than 20 years.  He was one of the pioneers in bringing knowledge to the watch world using the internet.  His postings brought great perspective and always were entertaining and witty.  For those of us lucky enough to go to Switzerland for Basel, having dinners in Zurich with the "gang", including Hans was always one of the highlights of the trip.  The photo seems, however, to have come during a dinner at Rochat which was also a ritual...but an SIHH tradition.  All of us who knew Hans will miss him deeply.  


Jeff

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Sad news: Hans Zbinden 1961-2016

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : October 24th, 2016-10:34
Dear PuristS: just today I learned the sad news that our dear friend from Zurich, Hans Zbinden, has passed away prematurely on Friday, 21 October 2016. Over at TZ Brane Cop put it words which cannot express this loss better, and therefore I am just copyin...  

Sad news !

 
 By: Horology75 : October 24th, 2016-10:40
Indeed it\'s a great loss and I can relate to the feeing you are going thru now . RIP

Dear Magnus

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : October 24th, 2016-11:12
Still remember my last visit to you and how highly you spoke about Mr. Zbinden My condolences to family, friends and you Cordially D

RIP sir You will be missed [nt]

 
 By: watch-guy.com : October 24th, 2016-12:06

Very sad to hear!

 
 By: Anatol : October 24th, 2016-12:22
I have always enjoyed Hans' writings, right from when I started my travel into the watch world on Timezone, almost 20 years ago. My sincere condolences to his family!

Really bad news! RIP. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : October 24th, 2016-12:38
NT

My sincere condolences!

 
 By: Makilla : October 24th, 2016-14:45
Rest his soul.

Farewell, my friend

 
 By: kkwn98 : October 24th, 2016-14:47
I met Hans 16 years ago in Basel and then several times thereafter, including in Le Brassus and here in London. I remember Hans as a funny, kind, generous and genuine human being. Always smiling and always happy to share his extraordinary knowledge of lif... 

I never knew the man but

 
 By: Mostel : October 24th, 2016-15:14
I recognize his name as one who taught me so much about watches and collecting. Love to his family. Sorry to hear this.

Memories of his writings on the old PuristS WFED forum

 
 By: MTF : October 24th, 2016-17:48
I never met Hans in person but his musings on the PuristS Wine, Food and other Epicurean Delights forum were most eloquent. Especially about food and chocolate. Hans Zbinden on Chocolate Hans Zbinden on Whisky R.I.P. Hans Zbinden MTF

My condolences, RIP. [nt]

 
 By: FanFrancisco : October 24th, 2016-17:50

RIP Hans

 
 By: reintitan : October 24th, 2016-19:46
He inspired me to explore Asia after I read his article about Hong Kong and Japan ("The Colors of Asia") on his Chronometrie blog. That was 13 years ago! When I visited Hong Kong for the first time in 2006 I tried to find all the Rolex signs he took pictu... 

Condolences.

 
 By: Bounce781 : October 24th, 2016-22:37
RIP

I had the great pleasure of meeting Hans

 
 By: tahoeblue : October 24th, 2016-23:50
This is truly sad news for the horological world, but much more so for the friends and family of a truly fine gentleman. One of the warmest, kindest individuals you could meet, who shared his passion with many, and was ahead of his time in ways already me... 

My Sincere Condolences Ornatus-Mundi....

 
 By: watercolors : October 25th, 2016-01:23
like they say here in North America: " Only the good die young" sad loss. Best regards Edward

Condolences and RIP :-(

 
 By: SALMANPK : October 25th, 2016-14:29
The Man was a Legend. S

A great loss

 
 By: jkingston : October 27th, 2016-10:29
Hans was a dear friend whom I am happy to have known for more than 20 years. He was one of the pioneers in bringing knowledge to the watch world using the internet. His postings brought great perspective and always were entertaining and witty. For those o... 

Many of us owe him a lot ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : October 31st, 2016-04:10
He was always inspiring source of knowledge, but also a great fellow to spend time with. My wife called him a "typical Swiss", because he did not rush things, spoke decently and with a low voice. Many hours were spent talking not only about watches, but a... 

One of the few people from "the good old days" I always kept respect for;

 
 By: ThomasM : November 3rd, 2016-18:35
a true pioneer in the internet watch appreciation world and a purist at heart. RIP, Hans.