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Yesterday Racked boarded a private plane with Peter Stas the president and owner of Alpina Watches and went to idyllic Martha's Vineyard to have lobster rolls and check out their latest collaboration with Cessna Aviation and PrivatAir. The Swiss watchmaker has been crafting sport timepieces since 1883. The result of this partnership is the new Startimer Pilot collection. Since we couldn't sneak you in our carry-on, here's a play-by-play of the trip. Ok, let's go!
8:27 a.m.: Hop in a cab and head over to LaGuardia's Marine Air Terminal. The cab driver gives us a funny look, but assures us he knows where it is.
8:50: Arrive at the Marine Air Terminal. FYI, it's also known as terminal A. Wow, that was fast!
9:05: Say hi to the rest of the jetsetters going on the day trip and search for the coffee shop because for some reason we have trouble sleeping the night before we get on a plane, even if it's only a super short flight.
9:51: Board the private plane with no check-in or waiting in absurd lines. We could get used to this expedited process. This plane has only six passenger seats—a 747 this certainly is not.
10:27: Take off. Here we go!
11:14: Touch down.
11:17: Peter Stas gives us a brief the history of Alpina Watches.
11:28: Bus tour of the island by an eccentric local.
11:49: Pit stop at Carly Simon's shop Midnight Farm. Yep, the singer has a boutique on the Vineyard.
12:06 p.m.: Continue with the tour. There were a ton of Kodak moments. (Check out the photo gallery above.)
1:39: Preview the aviation inspired watches and enjoy lunch at Water Street restaurant inside the Harbor View hotel and resort in Edgartown. Stoked to have our first lobster roll of the season. We also ordered the New England clam chowder. Even though it's summer, we couldn't pass it up. When in Rome, err New England.
3:02: After lunch, take a walk over to the historic Edgartown Lighthouse to soak in the sights.
3:21: Time to head back to the airport. Attempt to hatch a plan to stay on the island longer, but alas to no avail.
3:43: Wheels up with a champagne toast. This is how flying should be done. More Veuve, please.
4:38: We're back on solid ground and back to reality. Wish it wasn't over, but all good things must come to an end.
Now for the watches. Our favorite timepiece from the collection is this Pilot Manufacture watch in 18K rose gold ($10,600).
· Alpina Watches [Official Site]