Karl Gotthilf Scheufele was born in Pforzheim on 6th August 1877 to Johannes and Sophie Scheufele. His life was altered tragically by the death of his parents when he was placed in an orphanage at the tender age of 11 years. That experience made him highly industrious and energetic but also allowed him to study watchmaking. After a spell as a salesman, he started on his own in 1904, making contacts in Russia and the Far East.
His manufacturing company (ESZEHA – spelling out the first three German phonetic letters S-C-H of his family name) made, in his own words, “brooches, pins, pendants and medallions” for domestic and foreign markets. They were adorned with diamonds and pearls in floral motifs inspired by Art Nouveau.
In 1911, Karl Scheufele I switched from delivering cases and bracelets to Swiss firms to the assembly of watches and marketing articles in platinum and gold. After the 1st World War, the watch industry was most successful in Pforzheim, particularly when locally produced movement ebauche appeared. Karl Scheufele I was supplied with movements by JLC, IWC, Vacheron Constantin and later, by Movado. Most of ESZEHA watches were encased in platinum and gold richly set with gems.
So we are taking you back to a cocktail party in those days, the late 1940s. Picture yourself between rustling skirts, intoxicated by ladies’ perfume, soft music on the background, Soft-talking people. A real party and on the other side of the room there is a lovely lady, she catches your eye. You fall in love and you are gonna give her a great gift. A cocktail watch made of platinum with diamonds, a real piece of jewelry.
Now come back to the year 2019, imagine the same circumstances…..and yes, this is a timeless gift to the woman of your dreams. We hope to see you soon!
