What Is A Grail Watch?

elliot55 · 2016-08-13T16:47:39Z

What defines a grail watch? Explore collector perspectives on the ultimate timepiece, the thrill of the hunt, and the evolving nature of horological desire.

elliot55

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

39 replies9787 views6 photos

Elliot55 initiates a thought-provoking discussion on the elusive concept of a 'grail watch,' questioning its definition and the emotional journey collectors undertake in its pursuit. Drawing parallels between the thrill of the hunt and the potential for post-acquisition disillusionment, this article invites readers to reflect on what truly constitutes a horological grail.

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

Key Points from the Discussion

A 'grail' is defined as something unobtainable forever or only achievable in 'wet dreams,' emphasizing its aspirational and often unattainable nature.
Grail watches are often rare due to personal budget limitations, low production numbers, scarcity of full sets, original condition, or historical ownership.
If a grail watch is attained and subsequently replaced by another, the original was not a true grail, suggesting a grail should be an ultimate, unchanging aspiration.
The enjoyment of a grail is partly in the continuous evaluation of what one desires, and if a watch becomes realistically attainable, it may lose its 'grail' status.
A grail watch represents an uppermost limit in collecting, after which one might not seek watches of higher value or complexity, potentially leading to a 'one in, one out' policy for future acquisitions.
The author shares a personal anecdote about assisting a wealthy friend in acquiring a highly anticipated watch, finding joy in the friend's excitement and the shared experience of the wait.

The Discussion

Dr No

Aug 13, 2016

. . . 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 tourbillon . . . . . . from Omega ever since first seeing an image of it when I started collecting fifteen years ago. Cordially, Art

elliot55

Aug 13, 2016

... Will it still be a "Grail" when you finally own one? Curious, - Scott

Dr No

Aug 13, 2016

. . . 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

Joepny

Aug 13, 2016

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

Echi

Aug 13, 2016

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 perspective would be a GP laureato sapphire three bridges. I think there's a Purist who owns one and when he posted it I thought to myself.. Well that's not much of a Grail after all (even thought I don't have the money for it) and rained on my parade

elliot55

Aug 13, 2016

... Ir the circle is closed, does that mean there is never another acquisition to be had? - Scott

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