A Journey Through Time: Visiting Grassy’s Museo Del Reloj Antiguo
On our recent visit to Madrid, we had the privilege of descending into a hidden treasure beneath one of the city’s most iconic addresses: Gran Vía, 1, home of Grassy Jewelry and the Museo del Reloj Antiguo. We were warmly welcomed by Óscar Vélez Reznak and Yann Reznak, the fourth generation of the Grassy family, who today carry forward the legacy of a brand deeply tied to fine watchmaking, jewelry, and heritage.
The Vision of Alexandre Grassy
The story begins in the 1920s, when Alexandre Grassy, an Italian-born Frenchman, opened a watch repair and sales center in Madrid. By 1923, he had already established Unión Relojera Suiza at 29 Gran Vía, and three decades later inaugurated the flagship boutique at Gran Vía 1. But perhaps his greatest contribution came in 1953, when he opened the Museum of Antique Clocks to the public.
His mission was simple yet profound: “to bring to the people anything that could help to improve their education and spiritual life.” Driven by his passion for horology, Grassy amassed more than 200 mechanical clocks, a collection considered one of the most important private assemblies of its kind.
Masterpieces of Time
The exhibition presents an extraordinary variety of mechanical clocks dating from the 16th to the early 19th century. From delicate pocket watches to monumental orrery clocks, the collection showcases the artistry and innovation of some of the greatest names in horology, including James Cox, Raingo, Courvoisier & Frères, Julien Le Roi, and many others.
Among the many marvels we encountered:
Table Clock Automaton (Augsburg, c.1580–1590): A whimsical piece where a monkey’s eyes move, a boy lifts his cane, and a mirror rises in synchronization with the striking of the hours.
“Cage of Songbirds” Automaton Clock (Switzerland, early 19th century): At each hour, birds spring to life, chirping through piston flutes while fluttering wings and moving tails complete the illusion of nature in motion.
Large Orrery Clock (Raingo, c.1810): A magnificent creation that not only tells the time but maps celestial movements—sunrise, sunset, lunar phases, and even sidereal cycles—all while playing music from a concealed organ.
Sculptural Clock of the Three Graces (Thomire & La Moinet, c.1820): An exquisite collaboration of fine bronze work and mechanical mastery, combining sculpture and horology into a single art form.
Each clock reveals the spirit of its era—sometimes playful, sometimes philosophical, always ingenious.
A Living Legacy
Today, the task of preserving, maintaining, restoring, and sharing this remarkable patrimony belongs to the Grassy heirs. Óscar and Yann embody this responsibility with pride, bringing a fresh creative and professional perspective to the house while staying deeply connected to their heritage.
Their story is also one of family tradition. For generations, values of passion, artistry, and perseverance have been passed down, shaping the way Grassy continues to evolve while remaining faithful to its origins.
More Than a Museum
Visiting the Museo del Reloj Antiguo is more than just admiring antique clocks—it is a journey through time, culture, and artistry, one that reflects the values of a family that has dedicated four generations to the art of fine jewelry and horology.
And when we finally ascended the elegant staircase back to the boutique, we were greeted by the present: contemporary masterpieces, a striking reminder that Grassy continues to bridge past and future with elegance.
We left with a sense of gratitude for this extraordinary experience—and a renewed appreciation for the way time, heritage, and passion intertwine at Grassy.
With special thanks to Óscar Vélez Reznak and Yann Reznak for their warm welcome.
