Einstein's Watch: A Story of Science, Love, and Espionage

A golden Longines watch, gifted to Albert Einstein in 1931, is highlighted in the new book "Longines – Watches That Make History." The timepiece, presented to the physicist at a Los Angeles gala by Rabbi Edgar Magnin, bears the inscription "Prof. Albert Einstein/Los Angeles/ Feb. 16, 1931." Rabbi Magnin reportedly described the watch as "the most human of all mechanical instruments," comparing its ticking to a heartbeat.

This particular Longines model, a standard production piece from 1929 with a 14-karat gold case, became a personal item for Einstein. Photographs show him wearing it during sailing trips, walks, and conversations, marking a shift towards wristwatches as a symbol of modern, casual style. The Art Deco design of the watch suited Einstein's persona, blending scientific intellect with a relaxed demeanor.

The watch's story extends beyond Einstein's scientific achievements. The inscription on its back is now part of horological history. Furthermore, the book delves into Einstein's relationship with Russian sculptor Margarete Konenkova, who visited him frequently in the mid-1930s. Their connection, which reportedly went beyond professional discussions related to a bust Konenkova was creating of Einstein, adds a layer of intrigue and personal history to the watch's narrative.

"Longines – Watches That Make History," authored by Swiss watch expert Pierre-André Schmitt, focuses on the human stories behind the brand's timepieces rather than technical specifications. Einstein's watch serves as a prime example of how an object can become intertwined with a person's life, witnessing their personal moments and historical context.

“

The clock is the most human of all mechanical instruments. The ticking of the clock is like the beating of the heart.