Grassy Clock Museum

The Grassy Clock Museum, located in the heart of Madrid on Gran Vía, is a hidden gem for watch enthusiasts and history lovers. Founded in 1953 by Alejandro Grassy, a passionate collector and watchmaker, the museum offers a unique overview of the evolution of time measurement through the centuries. The collection includes over 150 pieces, including French, English, German, and Swiss watches, each telling a fascinating story of technological and artistic innovation. The museum is housed in a building that is itself a symbol of the architectural elegance of Gran Vía. The building’s facade, with its art deco details, evokes the atmosphere of the ’20s and ’30s, a period when Gran Vía became the bustling heart of Madrid’s cultural and commercial life. Inside, the museum is organized to guide visitors through a journey in time, starting with early examples of mechanical watches up to the most modern models. One of the oldest and most precious pieces in the collection is a German pocket watch from the 16th century, made in Nuremberg. This watch, with its intricate mechanism and intricately decorated design, represents an example of the craftsmanship and technical innovation of the time. Next to this, there is an 18th-century French pendulum clock, characterized by an elegant design and golden details, showing the influence of rococo and the technical perfection achieved by French watchmakers. The collection also includes a series of astronomical clocks, which not only measure time but also track the movements of celestial bodies. These clocks, in addition to being scientific instruments, are true artistic masterpieces. A notable example is a 19th-century English astronomical clock, featuring an elaborate dial with zodiac signs and lunar phases. The Grassy Clock Museum dedicates a special section to wristwatches, marking the evolution of portability and precision in time measurement. Among the most iconic pieces is a 1920s Rolex Oyster, famous for being the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. This watch represents a significant innovation in watchmaking history, demonstrating how technology can be combined with design to create a functional and elegant product. Another piece of great interest is a 20th-century Patek Philippe, renowned for its precision and sophisticated design. This watch is not only a symbol of luxury but also an example of Swiss haute horlogerie, known for its attention to detail and use of high-quality materials. An interesting anecdote concerns the founding of the museum itself. Alejandro Grassy, during his travels in Europe, collected many of the watches that now make up the museum’s collection. His passion for watchmaking led him to collaborate with some of the most important watchmakers and collectors of his time, creating a network of contacts that allowed the museum to acquire pieces of extraordinary historical and artistic value.