Grail Watch

⏱️Watch industry ⌚️ historian and writer. The search for (horological) grails is the search for illumination!

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

On Saturday I was in Brooklyn to participate in the forthcoming documentary by Condor Films focused on the past, present, and future of the watch industry. I focused on the stories and people that make #watches so compelling! Watch for the multi-part documentary in 2026!

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

#GrailWatch: @RolexMagazine A fascinating article by Jake Ehrlich on Jake's Rolex World Magazine uncovers a new image suggesting Hans Wilsdorf's office at Rolex. With intriguing details and historical context, it delves into the legacy of Rolex. https://t.co/M1TBME9dUq

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

Tavannes needed a skilled watchmaker to take over Geiser’s business. The new factory was built to attract Henri Sandoz. This combination of local expertise, infrastructure, and financial backing created the perfect environment for Tavannes Watch Co. /7

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

The story of #watches in Tavannes is well-known, but a closer look reveals interesting details. It wasn’t just Henri Sandoz, the Schwob families, or the village’s dedication. It was a confluence of factors, plus emerging watchmaking technologies, that led to Tavannes' rise. /1

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

Geiser’s death prompted Tavannes' bourgeoisie to invest 55,000 francs in a new ebauche factory. The decision was backed by Tavannes' watchmaking history, its railroad access, and a skilled workforce. /6

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

I love these glorious old hand-drawn logos! This "monogram" was used by Tavannes Watch Co and was registered in 1906. #watches

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

@patekphilippe I hope you've enjoyed this story!

This was an attempt at a new style of storytelling. For more, follow and check out my long-form article (with more detail) on my website. Maybe subscribe to my newsletter for more too-infrequent stories like this! /fin

https://t.co/GTAELSLAD4

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

Imagine judging a #watch competition and finding a counterfeit of your own brand. That’s what happened to Adrien Philippe at the 1885 Antwerp Exposition. The “Pateck-Schwob Affair” became the first major test of Swiss trademark law and changed the watch industry forever. /1

[Grail Watch @GrailWatch]

The Pateck-Schwob Affair set legal precedents that shaped modern Swiss trademark law and reinforced the importance of protecting brand reputation. It also demonstrated @PatekPhilippe’s commitment to defending the integrity of their name—a legacy that endures. /12