Born in 1673, George Graham, a master watchmaker, lived in London and specialised in the minutiae of watchmaking. Due to his passion for the intricate parts of a watch and how their performance can be improved rather than the art of watchmaking itself, he pioneered an innovative pendulum system that would improve accuracy even when subject to temperature fluctuations. In addition to this, George Graham also created the first stopwatch. The watchmaker’s ideas didn’t stop there. He continued in the same line of work, developing ways to improve the smooth performance of a timekeeping device and improving accuracy. The dead beat escapement was among them, which featured in the master clock he built for the Greenwich Royal Observatory. Furthermore, the Graham escapement which became the predecessor to the anchor escapement is still widely used in modern watchmaking today.
Every single Graham watch manufactured at the brand’s La Chaux de Fonds based facilities in Switzerland is stamped with a unique serial number. This follows the tradition of George Graham himself, who uniquely marked each one of his 3000 timepieces created during his lifetime. Today a team of watchmakers, designers, engineers and decorators work closely with one another to distil the essence of the brand and its unique heritage inside every wristwatch. Instantly recognisable for a bold and confident look, Graham watches are masculine and distinct. Defined by big cases, protruding push pieces and taking residence on the wrist with a broad diameter, there is no mistaking the style, performance and iconic look of a Graham watch.
The brand is known for its confident approach and playful experimentation with brave, vivid colours. Chronographs dominate the manufacturer’s catalogue, many of which boast unique features. Some notable achievements include the Graham Chronofighter watch with a pusher unusually located on the case’s left hand side. This start stop, pusher is integrated into the crown which sits underneath a trigger. The Swordfish watch by Graham is another widely recognised design. Available in large case diameters measuring 46mm, these wristwatches are somewhat more traditional despite sharing the same left sided pusher as the Chronofighter watch. The porthole inspired magnifying lens which covers the sub dials located at 3 and 9 o’clock on a Graham Swordfish watch are reminiscent of the bulging eyes of a fish.
For those who collect modern racing chronographs, the Geo.Graham and Silverstone collections are worth taking a close look at. The Geo.Graham collection is dedicated to the company’s name and pays homage to the brand’s founder who was also a member of the Royal Society and created astronomical instruments for the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. Other popular Graham watches belong to the manufacturer’s Silverstone collection. The series is equipped with functions like a GMT, flyback and tachymeter scale, with designs that boast shapes and elements inspired by the origins of racing.
