BOOK "TAKE THE TIME" 50 YEARS OF RECORD WATCH CO – GENEVA 1953

Founded in 1903 in Tramelan, in the heart of the Swiss Jura, the Record Watch Company quickly established itself as one of the most respected watchmakers of its time. From the outset, the manufacturer stood out for its clear ambition: to produce watches of exceptional precision, capable of rivaling the best Swiss chronometers.

The name Record was not chosen at random. It reflects the brand's desire to set records for precision, particularly in official timekeeping competitions organized by observatories. Over the decades, Record Watch Co. has won numerous awards, reinforcing its reputation as a rigorous and technically demanding company.

The brand specializes in producing robust and reliable watches for both civilian and professional use. It develops high-quality mechanical calibers renowned for their stability and meticulous finish. Record is also recognized for its chronometer-certified watches, a guarantee of precision that was rare at the time for mass-produced watches.

During the 20th century, Record Watch Co. became a valued supplier of military watches, particularly to the British Army during World War II. These models, designed to withstand the most demanding conditions, are a testament to the technical expertise and durability of Record watches.

In terms of aesthetics, Record creations are characterized by elegant simplicity, prioritizing legibility and functionality. Clear dials, balanced cases, and harmonious proportions reflect a pragmatic approach to watchmaking, where form always serves precision.

In the 1960s, Record Watch Co. joined the Longines Group, becoming part of one of Switzerland's most prestigious watchmaking groups. This union allowed Record to benefit from increased technical resources while retaining its identity based on chronometric precision.

"Take time as it comes..." says the old saying. That would mean giving up. Quite the contrary: live better, take time to live, life is short, so learn to make it beautiful. But you know that. Only now, you don't think about it anymore.

You don't have time. You say so. That's not true. Take it.

This brochure, published on May 18, 1953, was produced by the Record Watch Co. in Geneva to mark its fiftieth anniversary. The original text was written by Charles-François Landry, a Swiss writer and poet, while the watercolors and original drawings are the work of Fontanarosa.

Fontanarosa is known for his figurative paintings, watercolors, and illustrations for publications and books. His artistic output includes portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, and decorative illustrations for cultural or commemorative projects. His style is characterized by masterful brushwork, a keen eye for detail, and a subtle balance of colors, allowing him to blend realism with poetic sensibility.

His notable collaborations include work for institutional publications and art editions.

In this project, his illustrations accompany Charles-François Landry's text, adding a refined and poetic visual dimension to the celebration of horological precision.

The printing and engraving were carried out by the art and graphic arts company Haefeli & Co. in La Chaux-de-Fonds. At the beginning of the 20th century, Haefeli & Co. was based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a town synonymous with Swiss watchmaking, where it positioned itself as an art and graphic design studio particularly suited to the needs of watch manufacturers. The company produced plates, prints, advertising illustrations, and visual aids designed to showcase Swiss watches in specialized publications and trade journals. 

In the 1930s, for example, Haefeli & Co. was cited by the Swiss Watch Federation as a supplier of high-quality photographs and prints for use in publications, promoting an accurate and brilliant representation of watch components. 

This shows how much the company contributed to promoting Swiss watches far beyond their practical function, by supporting the sector's visual communication. At the time, high-quality printing of dials, movements, and nuts could contribute to a brand's reputation, as the printed illustrations appeared in catalogs, advertisements, and trade magazines.

Numbered copy in near-mint condition. Sold in its cardboard case with label from the famous Bijouterie Clerc, 4 Place de l'Opéra. Certainly supplied or sold in this legendary location. Rare.

Publisher: Record Watch Co Geneva 
Year of publication: 1953
Number of pages: xx pages
Dimensions: Height xx cm Width xx cm