Otto Graef

(Allsted 1862 - 1948 La Chaux-de-Fonds)

Otto Graef was born in a small village in the German countryside. According to his wishes, he learned the watchmaking and then goldsmith trades. After working with several businesses in his own country, he decided to go and try his luck in La Chaux-de-Fonds, already glorying in its title as a watchmaking metropolis.

On 1st March 1882, not yet 20 years old, Otto Graef arrived in La Chaux-de-Fonds. He first put his talents to the service of various factories in the market, then in 1889 he decided to set up for himself. Having kept close links with his native country, it was there that he delivered the first watches that he produced, followed by Austria. With the arrival of his three sons to the business in 1913, his company took on a global dimension, first under the MIMO brand (Manufacture Internationale de Montres Or) and then above all with Girard-Perregaux, which it acquired in the late 1920s.

A fine watchmaker and excellent businessman, Otto Graef would ensure the success of his business until the end of his days.