Henri Quaile

Henri Quaile (1907-1979) was a La Chaux-de-Fonds watchmaker closely associated with Portescap, where he worked for over 50 years.

Henri (later called Henry) Quaile was born on May 25, 1907. He was of a watchmaking family and studied at the Technicum in La Chaux-de-Fonds to become an engineer. Quaile married Paulette Sara Isaac.

Henry Quaile founded Le Porte-Echappement Universel with Fritz Marti and Georges Braunschweig in 1931 and spent his entire professional career there. He was key in the profitable production of the Incabloc shock absorber, which was used on over 80% of all Swiss watches during his tenure. He created the Antichoc 2000 shockproof mechanism in self-lubricating material.

For 33 years, he presided over the counting of local elections.

Quaile died on May 16, 1979. He was a member of the Circle of Sapin social club for over 50 years and was vice president when he died. He was also a member of the Alpine Club of La Chaux-de-Fonds since 1944 and was founder of Club 44 in La Chaux-de-Fonds.