ReviewA Rare Species: The New 2019 Graham Swordfish
Graham stays off the beaten track by reeling in a more vivacious personality in its DNA with the 2019 Swordfish collection. Bound to initiate a dialogue among discerning watch lovers, these four new timepieces, dressed in bronze and steel, turn the trend tide
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You know you’re in for something special when you encounter a watch collection that’s dubbed after a migratory predator and a prized food and game fish. First launched in 2004 by Graham, the Swordfish was discontinued around 2011 due to excessive counterfeiting that is a little more under control today, informs the brand’s CEO, Eric Loth. This rare and esoteric watch line makes a boisterous reappearance with four new timepieces—two in steel and two in bronze—unveiled in Basel, Switzerland, earlier this year.
The Many Faces Of The Unorthodox
Graham traces its origins to London clockmaker George Graham. He is considered the ‘father of the chronograph’, as his most well-known invention was the start-and-stop mechanism—a precursor to the modern chronograph. His prestigious name was acquired by Eric Loth and a few others to be used in a Swiss watchmaking company. And that’s how the magnificent Graham brand was born. Currently located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, this slightly peculiar origin story has earned Graham the reputation of being a ‘British’ brand of Swiss-made timepieces. Beautifully honouring the legacy of George Graham are the all-new Swordfish automatic chronographs, with coaxial sub-dials, ensuring a power-packed performance along with unparalleled looks.
Two novelties are set in a 46mm case sheathed in bronze (fitted with titanium casebacks for hypoallergenic reasons) that’s commonly used in the naval industry, while the other two are set in 44mm steel. These watches feature black or green sun-brushed dials, satin-brushed bezels and pushers with a Clous de Paris high-grip pattern. They are also water resistant to 100m.
Atypical Is Topical
Bearing resemblance to the large eyes of the highly elusive swordfish, these dynamic timepieces sport two 20-percent magnifying glasses over the hour and minute sub-dials at three and nine o’clock. All the editions come with the Incabloc shock absorber-equipped G1710 calibre that runs at a frequency of 28,800vph, offers a 48-hour power reserve and is a treat for the eyes with its blue screws, circular-grained decorated plate and Côtes de Genève-decorated bridges. One can marvel at this technical artistry via the see-through casebacks. Fashioned with a black or green rubber, mesh-pattern strap, or an interesting bund strap—whose history can be traced back to German pilot watches worn during World War II—these timepieces are sure to win over ardent horologists with their distinctive looks.
Catering to diverse moods and personalities, these four editions truly stand out from the crowd. As the brand puts it, subversive becomes cohesive in the new Graham Swordfish timepieces. Morphing the unorthodox into trendy, these unabashed designs are meant for intrepid explorers and men who like to make a bold statement.