Family history in gold: Women's pocket watch surprises with Bares for Rares!

Family history in gold: Women's pocket watch surprises with Bares for Rares!

Today, on June 5, 2025, Tatjana and Jens from Hessen take part in the popular ZDF program "Bares for Rares". They present a women's pocket watch that has been family -owned for 50 years. The clock belonged to Tatjana's father, who always kept her unused to avoid damage. Moderator Horst Lichter and expert Dr. Heide Recepa-Zabel are enthusiastic about the play.

The clock, made by the renowned Swiss luxury brand Girard-Perregaux, is an impressive example of watchmaking from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Tatjana and Jens have high expectations and hope for a price of 10,000 euros for the heirloom. Dr. However, Heide Recepa-Zabel notices that the estimate of the pure gold value is only around 400 euros. The artistic painting raises the value of the watch to a maximum of 1,500 euros, which disappointed the two candidates.

The difficult price negotiation

The difference between the ideas of Tatjana, Jens and the expert is clear. While the candidates are aiming for 10,000 euros, Recepta-Zabel describes this sum as unrealistic. The disappointment with the different prices means that the clock is ultimately not sold and stays in the cabinet at home. The result in which this emotional course takes place was broadcast on May 26th.

The story of Girard-Perregaux

Girard-Perregaux has a long tradition in watch construction. Founded in 1791 by Jean-François, known for its precise and artistic pocket watches, the company merged in 1896 with Jean-François built & cie and took the name Girard-Perregaux. Over the years, the brand developed and began in the early 20th century with the production of wristwatches, including some of the first modern models in the 1940s.

Switzerland watchmaking has its roots in the 16th century when Huguenots brought their specialist knowledge to the region. Geneva became the center for the sale of luxury watches. Especially in the Vallée de Joux you specialized in pocket watches. At a global level, the Swiss watch industry is famous for its high quality and precision. Around 30 million luxury watches are produced and sold all over the world.

The "Swiss Made" seal guarantees that at least 60 percent of the incessions will be built in Switzerland. Today, watchmakers are faced with the challenge of combining mechanical precision with digital technologies in order to meet the needs of the modern market.

This combination of traditional craft and modern technologies continues to make Girard-Perregaux a respected name in the watch industry and reflects the expertise and innovation that distinguishes Swiss watchmaking.