elliot55
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What Is A Grail Watch?
Nothing compares with the thrill of the kill. The sense of euphoria can only be experienced in the exact same moment the kill takes place. Of course, this is equally true with watch collectors on the hunt for that “grail”. There is a level of thrill involved when (we think) we’ve found what we were looking for. Sometimes it’s not exactly what was desired and the quest goes on. Other times it may come down to the seller’s price; and then there are cases when the whole deal just doesn’t feel right. Either way, when the thrill is gone there is almost always a sense of relief and in some cases even a sense of regret. How many times have you wanted something so badly it was making you crazy, but once you put it on your wrist, it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be? Happens to watch collectors more than one might think.
So what is a “Grail Watch”? This is a question I have been pondering since reading about independent watchmaker Mark Carson’s “Grail Watch” on ABlogToWatch.com om. Mark is an avid watch lover who produces fine timepieces of his own in Honolulu, Hawaii. The article describes his first grail watch as a Pulsar with an LED display, similar to the one worn by British spy 007 (portrayed by Roger Moore) in the 1973 movie, “Live and Let Die”. When originally released it cost $2200 (which was more than a Pinto) and I’m sure many of us recall thinking how it was the coolest thing we’d ever seen. Mark also goes on to describe other timekeeping masterpieces, such as the Ulysse Nardin Freak, DeBethune Maxichrono and the Arnold & Son Pyramid, all worthy of being touted as “grail” watches. If there is such a thing as “The Holy Grail”, a goblet made of gold, adorned with precious jewels and actually used by Jesus at The Last Supper, perhaps we should start by defining the term: “Grail Watch”.
Simply calling anything a ‘grail’ should, by definition, make it unobtainable. Even in the non-commoditized world of rare and vintage timepieces the seemingly unobtainable can be, and often is, obtained. What watch fiend wouldn’t want to own the Graves Supercomplication (a one-of-a-kind masterpiece from Patek Philippe)? Assuming one had the financial means, the odds of actually acquiring this particular timepiece are nil; therefore making the Graves unobtainable at any price - the very definition of a grail watch.
Some might argue a grail is nothing more than a watch we lust after. Whether it takes weeks, months, or even years before finally hunting it down and pulling the trigger, it begins with the notion of being unobtainable. I have a friend who was on a crusade to find a Vacheron Constantine 222. After multiple missed auction opportunities (placing sizeable bids, but not sizeable enough), he bit the bullet and ended up spending quite a bit more than the hammer price for the same exact watch that had sold at auction just 45 days earlier. Adding insult to injury, my friend ended up purchasing the watch from the same individual who had outbid him at the auction in question. Okay, so that’s annoying, but it also adds to some of the story about the acquisition of the piece. At the end of the day, my friend’s quest for a VC 222 is over – the watch is now his.
Perhaps it is the crusade for a particular timepiece that stirs the mind. My own personal grail watch is the Lange 31, which features a 31-day power reserve. That’s right, the Monats-Werk (which literally means “works for a month”), a one-hundred-thirty-five-thousand dollar timepiece, completely amazing and totally fantastic in every possible way. While the money part certainly creates a huge divide between me and acquisition of such a watch, even if there was dough to throw down for the platinum version (which weighs about a pound), actually finding a Lange 31 is the eigentliche arbeit (hard work). For watch fiends and aficionado alike, minute repeaters represent the holy grail of all watch finds. From a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Repeater to a Patek Philippe 5013, chiming watches have long been considered the crème-de-la-creme. Frankly, just the whirring sound of the device that powers the repeater mechanism when activated gets me dreaming about hunting for one.
So this brings me back to the question of: What is a grail watch? Is it a timepiece only seemingly unobtainable, requiring a long, arduous and expensive crusade to actually own? Can it be considered a grail watch if it’s not being actively hunted down? The Breguet Marie Antoinette is a good example of a watch that is more Unicorn than Grail. Of course, being the one-and-only does pose a strong argument for the label of “Grail”, but referring to an earlier reference made to the Graves watch, this a piece I have zero interest in owning. Can it still be considered a grail watch? It certainly is not as black and white a question watch collectors - and grail seekers - might think.
Watches have always been about the story. The crusade for that Holy Grail of watches is part of the story. What stories about its previous owner(s) could the watch tell? What stories will you share when you talk about the grail on your wrist? In the case of Mark Carson, I suppose creating a timepiece with your own hands represents the ultimate level of "Grailability". My friend recently told me his ‘222’ is so important to him that he keeps it locked away where it is safe and sound. I'm guessing it must have been worn by Jesus.
I look forward to your feedback on this topic. Thanks to Pinterest for the sharp photos!
- Scott
This message has been edited by elliot55 on 2016-08-13 16:48:39
More posts:
What Is A Grail Watch?
Nothing compares with the thrill of the kill . The sense of euphoria can only be experienced in the exact same moment the kill takes place. Of course, this is equally true with watch collectors on the hunt for that “grail”. There is a level of thrill invo...
Of one aspect pertaining to grails, I am sure: . . .
. . . should one actually be attained, and another take its place, then the original wasn't really a grail at all. There are many facets to this discussion, and I look forward to reading them. For what it's worth, my grail has been the blue central tourbi...
Omega's Center Tourbillon Is A Stunner, But...
... Will it still be a "Grail" when you finally own one? Curious, - Scott
Well, no one can really tell how they'll feel in the future, but . . .
. . . as of now, yes. There hasn't been a watch that's come down the pike which even for a moment had me reconsidering my affection for the blue gold dial central tourbillon. Art
I Saw A Platinum One For Sale...
.... On some 'Dot Comsignment' site. Only two-hundred-twenty grand. Get two! - Scott
the grail would have to be the exit watch too
I agree with Art. There has to be a sense of fulfillment and completion. The circle is closed. Otherwise it would seem that you are covetous of acquisitions. -Joe
Joe, Your Point Is Well Taken, But...
... Ir the circle is closed, does that mean there is never another acquisition to be had? - Scott
Scott, for me yes it would mean no more watches.
whether I could be disciplined enough to do it, I don't know, I hope so. My wife would probably have to cut up all my credit cards and ban me from the bank account.
I'm not the type who would look at watches as a Grail..
as I am not a collector by any stretch of the imagination. I'd like to play with lists, targeting a piece, enjoying it, revisiting that list and so and so forth. If I can realistically dream about it, it's not a Grail. My "Grail" from a discussion perspec...
Sounds Like The Makings Of...
... Another post... "What does it take to pull the trigger?"
Go For It. I Will Be Sure...
... To contribute. I am working on another post about the psychology of "pulling the trigger" on a watch. I'm no shrink, but it could be an interesting discussion. Please get it going. - Scott
I have several criteria, some already mentioned.
Personally, it would have to be the exit watch that ends my collection. I also do not intend to liquidate other watches in my collection to fund this grail - if possible, every watch will keep its place. But the grail will have the preeminent position. Th...
Very interesting, Scott. For me, a grail is not a matter of money, but of ...
Inhuman efforts you spend to get it, in terms of contacts, researches, hunt and so on. I have a short list of grails with that meaning, which are not in the 6 digit range, nor in the upper 5 digit. For example, the Longines Big Indian is one of them, as w...
For me the Grail = Exit Watch
However, this does not mean that I would not get any more watches but it means that I will not go "above" that watch again. Let me take an example: I will get my Grail during the first third of next year. When I receive it, I will have 12 Patek Philippe p...
Well Kari, It Sounds Like...
... You're already in possession of many a grail. It will be difficult to let one grail go for another. - Scott
That's the whole point!
I am ashamed to admit that I have two platinum Patek I have not yet placed to my wrist. No, I'm not saving those but have been wearing other watches. And on Wednesday I'll get one more. Don't you agree; there must be a limit. Best, Kari
Absolutely Nothing To Be...
... Ashamed of. But I wonder how it is that they've never even been on your wrist. Whenever I get a new piece, I spend all day and night with it on me to ensure "the bond". If the bond is cold (which has happened a good couple of times - last one was a Pe...
Sometimes things go wrong:
during a longer period I ordered several watches and they happened to arrive the AD within two much. I picked all at the same time and I need time in order to learn to know a new watch. So I wear them one-by-one and always a longer time. It feels good to ...
Great question. For me...
Grail = one I MUST have in my collection Not related to $$$ value or rarity per Se, but one I must have. Having said that, I have had a number of Grails along the way which I have acquired, and even after I\'ve thought to myself "this is it" - I am still ...
Have you met . . .
. . . Diogenes? And in case I'm being too elliptical, let me put it another way: . . . . . . . . . ...
Great write up!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, for me it is a little simpler. My grail timepiece is the one watch, and only one watch that I would happily own in place of all other timepieces in existence on this planet. Watches come and go in everyone's collection, ...
Masy, Thank You For The...
... Kind words. It was a good topic to think and write about. Best, - Scott
First of all dear Scott
allow me to say that you made excellent post and I think that you thought it out very well For me as you said Grail=Unobtainable forever or Grail=Ownership in wet dreams In that vein I surely have mine If this is consideret cheating since these are three ...
may be a grail is a myth because
we see as a grail something we can't have or the ideal exit watch. But once you have it and wear it ...then is no longer a grail and there would be another watch as the next target.
You Are Correct, Sir, Except To Say...
... As watch collectors is there ever an "exit" watch? - Scott
A grail watch is always almost unreachable,
therefore often rare, for several reasons: 1. because of the personal limited budget 2. because of the very low production numbers of the watch ( productional rarity ) 3. because of the rarity of a full set or the original condition 4. because the watch w...
I Am Often Bouyed By The Words...
... "Always Almost"... Sort of like saying, "Sort of", or even "Kind of".... Six Patek Philippe watches is a strong showing, my friend. Nothing "always almost" about a Patek. - Scott
They say you should never meet your heroes.....
Is this the same for a grail watch....? I thought I had got my grail a few years ago....certainly more that I could afford for a piece which to me was everything I ever admired in a watch. However things did not go as planned, there were faults with it fr...
Does a grail really exist?
I've not been collecting for long - perhaps a little over 12 years, and every now and then, I think of a grail. It lasts for a period of months to years, and some of these "grails" I have finally obtained...only to find that the love moves on to another g...
Richard, I Believe All Of Us Are...
... At the behest of our own personal resources. I have a couple of very wealthy friends that I have known since we were all six years old. One of my friends has a whole drawer full of Rolexes, and he is visibly annoyed by the fact that I have absolutely ...
