My condolences to all his family, with Esther and the kids at the forefront of our minds.
I lost contact with Tom about 6yrs ago, we emailed very occasional at the start of that period but that soon drifted off.
My chance now to reconnect with Tom now tragically taken, something I shall always lament.
I am proud to say though, that I was there at the start of Toms watch journey.
My speciality at the time were the f300's, and the other ESA tuning fork based movements, Tom had been in contact regarding the strange quartz massive chunk of steel he had happened upon, from that moment, we were hooked on the 2.4mhz.
Tom was far more commited and canny than I, and it was apparent that I would become more reliant on him, than him on me.
Many trips to Southend ensued, generally tied in with a visit to Tony at STS, to drop off some oddity Tom or I had found for Tony's 80s/90s Omega Quartz collection, maybe something for the glass cases or to hassle Wayne, or later Simon to hurry through our service.
We traded, swapped, gifted, found, repaired numerous watches, boxes, bracelets, parts over the years and I cannot fathom now why we lost touch, ......life, family, age, apathy perhaps.
Tom and Esther were the witnesses at mine and Nikki's wedding, we kept it low key and they were the obvious choice to share our day.
My oldest, 1 at the time,and now 15, doesn't remember, but I remember how they both doted on him..
RIP Tom, the second friend I have lost this year, both far too young, and both too soon for me to meet again.