The Graham watch brand has a fascinating history that blends British watchmaking heritage with modern Swiss craftsmanship. Founded in London in 1695 by the eminent watchmaker George Graham, who is often hailed as the "Father of the Chronograph," the brand established a reputation for innovation. After a long period of inactivity, the historic name was resurrected in 1995 by a group of Swiss and British enthusiasts, and the company is now located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of the Swiss watch industry. Today, Graham is an independent brand, owned by Eric Loth, and is known for creating bold, oversized timepieces that often draw inspiration from aviation and motorsports. This unique identity is reflected in their commitment to producing distinctive watches that stand out for both their size and their unconventional design elements.
The most iconic of Graham's creations is the Chronofighter collection, instantly recognizable by its signature trigger system—a large lever on the left side of the case that controls the chronograph functions. This design is a direct nod to the watches worn by Allied bomber pilots during World War II, who needed a mechanism they could operate easily while wearing thick gloves in a cramped cockpit. The Chronofighter line is diverse, featuring sub-collections like the classic Chronofighter Vintage, the larger Chronofighter Grand Vintage, and the modern, lightweight Chronofighter Superlight Carbon. Graham also offers more whimsical and artistic variations, such as the "Nose Art" series with pin-up style artwork on the dials, and other special editions. Beyond the Chronofighter, the brand produces other distinctive collections, including the Swordfish, with its two prominent magnifying crystals over the chronograph subdials, and the more contemporary Fortress line.