Grana
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1906
Founded by Adolf Schild, Kurth Frères
Grana was one of the twelve Swiss manufacturers selected to produce the W.W.W. (Watches, Wrist, Waterproof) for the British Ministry of Defence during World War II. The rarest of the 'Dirty Dozen', Grana W.W.W. watches are among the most collectible military timepieces.
- Founded
- 1906
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Luxury
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1976
Grana never recovered its military contracts after WWII and gradually declined until the quartz crisis delivered the final blow in the 1970s.
One of the Dirty Dozen — Grana built watches for Britain's soldiers, then faded when peace made them unnecessary.
Key Collections
- W.W.W. (Dirty Dozen) — Grana's contribution to the British Ministry of Defence contract during WWII, featuring the iconic broad arrow marking and 15-jewel movement. The rarest of all twelve manufacturers selected for the programme.
- KM (Kriegsmarine) — Military watches produced for the German Navy during the Second World War, featuring robust construction and high legibility for naval operations.
- Civilian Sport — Post-war sporting watches produced for the domestic Swiss market, featuring water-resistant cases and luminous dials adapted from military specifications.
Timeline
- 1906 — Grana established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, initially producing movements and complete watches for various markets.
- 1940 — Selected as one of twelve Swiss manufacturers to produce W.W.W. watches for the British Ministry of Defence.
- 1944 — Completed delivery of W.W.W. contract watches, though Grana produced the smallest quantity of all Dirty Dozen makers.
- 1950 — Attempted transition to civilian market following loss of military contracts, with limited commercial success.
- 1976 — Ceased operations entirely as the quartz crisis eliminated remaining demand for mechanical movements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grana
- When did Grana stop making watches?
- Grana ceased production in 1976, having struggled commercially since losing military contracts after WWII and ultimately succumbing to the quartz crisis that devastated the Swiss mechanical watch industry.
- Are Grana watches still valuable?
- Grana W.W.W. watches are exceptionally valuable, commanding significant premiums as the rarest of the Dirty Dozen. Authentic examples in good condition regularly achieve five-figure sums at auction due to their scarcity and historical significance.
- Can I still buy a Grana watch today?
- Grana watches can only be purchased on the secondary market through specialist dealers, auction houses, and military watch collectors. Due to their rarity, particularly the W.W.W. models, patience and authentication expertise are essential.
- Why is Grana the rarest Dirty Dozen watch?
- Grana produced the smallest quantity of W.W.W. watches among the twelve contracted manufacturers, resulting in significantly fewer surviving examples. Combined with the brand's obscurity and early demise, this makes authentic Grana pieces exceptionally scarce.
- What movement did Grana use in their W.W.W. watches?
- Grana W.W.W. watches utilised a 15-jewel manual-winding movement meeting British military specifications for accuracy, shock resistance, and reliability under combat conditions.