Welcome back to an original aBlogtoWatch feature, “My First Grail Watch”. In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. In today’s entry, we’re talking to the owner of Schofield Watch Company, Giles Ellis. In his reminiscing, he goes back, literally, to his beginnings of watch interest. His piece really goes to show that your first grail doesn’t have to be something in the far reaches of haute horology – it just has to be something that you love.
aBlogtoWatch (ABTW): Who are you and what is your relationship to the watch industry?
Giles Ellis (GE): Giles Ellis, owner of Schofield Watch Company. We’re an independent English watch brand making high-end limited edition watches.
ABTW: What was your first grail watch?
GE: The Casio LCD car game watch. £15.95 from the 1984 Argos catalogue order number 251/1834, red push button controls, multi function.
ABTW: Was there ever a time in your life when you could afford it?
GE: Yes, when I was 12 I managed to persuade my parents to buy it for me for Christmas.
ABTW: What did you like so much about the watch?
GE: It looked cool, it did stuff, and no one else at school had it.
ABTW: So, we know you got your first grail 29 years ago – do you still have it?
GE: No, this watch is no longer in my possession.
This just goes to show your first grail really can just be the watch that inspires your passion. Who knows which other watchmakers got their start in the same way?