There Is No Grail Watch

Or is there?

‘Grail watch’, a term you might have heard that gets thrown around a lot in watch collecting. Like it’s some universally understood concept, a horological holy grail that every collector is chasing. But, honestly, I think it’s a bit of a myth. A well-intentioned myth, maybe, but a myth nonetheless.

What exactly is a grail watch? I mean, really? If you were to ask ten different watch enthusiasts, you’d probably get ten different answers. Some would say it’s the most expensive watch they can imagine, the one they’d have to sell a kidney to afford. Others would point to a rare vintage piece, a watch with some sort of history and a limited production run. And then there are those who’d say it’s a watch with personal significance, a watch that represents a milestone or an important memory.

See the problem? There’s no single definition, no universal standard. It’s entirely subjective, which, in itself, should raise some red flags. If the very definition of a grail watch is so fluid, how can it be this fixed, unwavering goal that we’re all supposed to be striving for? Think about it. One person’s ‘grail’ might be an FPJ Vertical Tourbillon Souverain, a masterpiece of horological engineering that costs more than most people's yearly salary. Another person’s might be a simple, reliable Seiko, a watch that’s been to the bottom of the ocean and back. And you know what? Both are perfectly valid.

Image credit: Monochrome

Well, here’s the thing. Your grail watch is yours and yours alone. It’s not about what other people think, it’s not about following some arbitrary trend, it’s about what resonates with you personally. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have aspirations. It’s perfectly fine to dream of owning a particular watch, to admire its craftsmanship, its history, its design. But don’t let that dream become an obsession, a fixed, unyielding goal that defines your entire collecting journey.

Here’s the other thing. Tastes change. What you consider your grail today might be completely different in a year, or five years, or ten years. As you learn more about watches, as you experience different brands and styles, your preferences will evolve. You might start out thinking you want a big, bold dive watch, the kind that looks like it could survive a nuclear apocalypse. But then you discover the sleekness of a slim dress watch, the understated beauty of a minimalist design. Suddenly, that dive watch you thought was your grail feels a little… clunky.

This constant evolution is a natural part of collecting, and it’s something we should embrace, not resist. Clinging to the idea of a fixed grail watch is like trying to hold onto a river. It’s constantly flowing, changing, and ultimately, impossible to contain. And let’s be honest, the pursuit of a grail watch can be incredibly stressful. It can lead to impulsive purchases, financial strain, and even resentment. You spend countless hours scouring the internet, attending auctions, and negotiating with dealers, all in the hopes of finally acquiring that elusive timepiece. But what if you never find it? What if you do find it, but it doesn’t live up to your expectations? What if you achieve your grail, and then feel a sense of… anticlimax?

Let’s also talk about the idea that a grail watch is supposed to be the ‘endgame,’ the final piece in your collection. That’s just silly. The moment you think you’ve reached the endgame, you’ve lost the whole point. You’ve stopped exploring, you’ve stopped learning, you’ve stopped growing. It’s a tragedy.

I've been there, I've walked that path. And, yeah, I'm still wearing it now, a 145.022 Speedy. When I first started getting into watches, the Speedmaster was it. It was the grail, capital G. The Moonwatch, the history, the design, the manual wind – everything about it captivated me. It was the watch I'd see in pictures, read about in forums, and dream of owning. I spent countless hours researching different references, learning about the history, and saving up. It was a proper obsession.

And then, eventually, I got it. I found a pre-owned model in great condition, and it was everything I'd hoped for. The feeling of finally strapping it on my wrist was… well, it was something. A real sense of accomplishment, like I'd reached a milestone. I get it. But the reality is: after a while, that initial rush faded. It didn't disappear completely, mind you. I still love it, it's a fantastic watch, and I wear it regularly. But it wasn't the life-altering experience I'd built it up to be. It was… a watch. A really good watch, but still, a watch.

And that's when I started to realize the flaw in the whole 'grail watch’ concept. Once you achieve your grail, then what? Do you just stop collecting? Do you just stare at your watch and bask in its glory forever? No, of course not. You move on. And here’s a radical idea, maybe your grail isn’t a watch at all. Maybe it’s the experience of collecting itself. Don’t let the pursuit of a mythical grail blind you to the experience.

It's also worth noting that the concept often ignores the simple pleasure of daily wear. A watch that you love for its comfort, legibility, and reliability, a watch that becomes a part of your daily routine, can be just as fulfilling as any high-priced, limited-edition watch. There is also the idea of a grail being a watch that is out of reach, but that changes. This then shifts the grail post, and the idea of a single grail becomes even more diluted.

For me, after the Speedy, I started exploring deeper into vintage watches, and eventually independent brands. Along the way, I discovered that the joy of collecting wasn't about owning a single, perfect watch. It was about the journey itself. It was about the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction of learning.

The Speedmaster, which was once my ultimate goal, became a part of a larger collection. It's a cherished piece, but it's not the be-all and end-all. And that's the point I'm trying to make. The pursuit of a grail watch can be a fun and exciting experience, but don't let it define your entire collecting journey. Don't let it become an obsession that blinds you to the other wonders of the watch world.

So, is there a grail watch? In one sense, yes—if by ‘grail’ we mean the watch that perfectly encapsulates your tastes and memories at a given time. But in another sense, no—a grail is never static, and the idea of one immutable, ultimate watch is a mirage. Maybe, ditch the idea of a single, definitive grail watch. Ultimately, the most valuable watch is the one that brings you the most joy. That joy can come from anywhere. And that, my friend, is something that no grail watch can ever replace.