Independents

Eric was exceptionally candid on the subject.  The Foudroyante was the watch he felt had elevated the presence of Graham amongst collectors, and in a sense was responsible for establishing the reputation of the company.  That said, the watch was not a complete success in the field.  Half were returned for service issues.  Perhaps this wouldn't have been such a critical issue for a larger company, but Graham-London currently produces approximately only eight thousand watches annually, and presumably less back then, so the expenses likely represented a significant burden at the time.  

I learned that Eric had a long established relationship with the industry going back decades.  Originally a metallurgist, he worked for AP amongst others before starting Graham with a partner.  I asked about the origins of the brand, to which Eric replied that it was essentially modeled on the personage of George Graham, who was held in such high esteem both personally and professionally that he was interred in Westminster Abbey.  Graham (George Graham, the watchmaker) is credited with having invented the chronograph, which explains the concentration of that complication in their collection.    

Then, I asked about the levers.

Now, I've seen a few Grahams previously, but had never actually handled one until yesterday.  One of two watches Eric brought along was a new limited edition of the Chronofighter Oversize, dedicated to the Baja 1000 off-road race . . . 

. . . one of which will be presented to the winner of this year's competition.

Fortuitously, I happened to be wearing my Zenith El Primero yesterday, and, moreover, on my right wrist.  You'll notice that the Chronofighter Oversize has its crown and pushers on the left, with the lever over the start/stop pusher placed in the proper natural location for thumb actuation (assuming a right-handed user, and wearing on the left wrist).  I strapped the Graham onto my left wrist, fixed my gaze, and depressed the lever.  After several moments, I pressed the lever again, stopping the chronograph, and then re-set the movement using my second finger, which was also in a perfectly natural, relaxed position.  I repeated the process a few times.  Then I performed the same exercise on my Zenith.

A slight smile must've crossed my face then; if Eric is reading this, perhaps he'll confirm.

I could've exclaimed "Eureka" at that moment.  The characteristic levers of every Graham chronograph are not there merely to enhance visual appeal.  They impart a meaningful enhancement to chronograph operation, providing surer actuation as well as tactile feedback.  Little wonder the referees in the RBS 6 Nations championship rugby series use Grahams in their official capacity, as they're able to place a greater level of reliance on their use in the heat of a match over traditional chronographs.

The other model in attendance yesterday was the Geo Graham tourbillon . . . 

. . . in 18 kt pink gold, and equipped with a retrograde moon phase indicator.  

These images of the Baja 1000 limited edition Chronofighter Oversize are the first published on the Internet; our thanks to Eric for allowing us this exclusive.  

Cordially,

Art 

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