Georges Schwob
Georges Schwob (1891-1979) was a watchmaker associated with Tavannes Watch Co and Cyma, which was funded by his family. His father Moïse Schwob and grandfather Joseph Schwob-Weill were also deeply involved in watchmaking as was most of his family.
Personal Life
Georges Schwob was born on November 1, 1891 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. His family were amateur musicians and artists and kept a salon at their home. Among their esteemed guests were Balzac and Marcel Proust, whom Georges knew as a youth. As a young man, Georges studied with Sprechner in Vienna, with Arthur Rubinstein as a fellow student.
On May 29, 1922 Georges married Cécile-Thérèse Ditesheim (March 10, 1903-August 13, 1960). Cécile was the daughter of Achille Ditesheim, founder of the company that would become Movado in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Like the Schwob family, the Ditesheims came from Alsace in Francs and became involved in watchmaking in the second half of the 19th century. George's family connections would support his vocation throughout his life.
Schwob was a strong supporter of civic life in La Chaux-de-Fonds, especially music. For sixty years he was involved in the military band "Les Armes Réunies", where he assumed the role of President of the Foundation and ultimately, along with his friend Georges Jaggi, honorary president. He was also president of the Music Society, and organized concerts, succeeding Tell Perrin in 1932. He invited many talented artists to the city, building lasting friendships with them.
Georges and Cécile Schwob brought up their children, Georges and Lucien, surrounded by art and literature. Following the path of his father, the family invited Backhaus, Lipatti, Iturbi, Rubinstein, and other famous artists to visit their home and music room. Harpsichordist Wanda Landowska was said to consider their house a second home, as pianist Youra Guller found Moïse's house. This was immortalized (if one can say so) in the novel by J.-P. Zimmermann "Le Concert Sans Orchestre", published in 1937. It focuses on the lively cultural environment of La Chaux-de-Fonds, with composer Félix Courvoisier, perhaps based on Schwob, takes in a strange pianist who passionately discusses Schumann's concerto of the same name. Others featured in the novel and the Schwob home include Madeleine Woog, Humbert-Ravens, and Le Corbusier.
Professional Life
It was said that Georges Schwob would have preferred to pursue art, but his family's success was tied to watchmaking. His father, Moïse Schwob, insisted that his son join the family business, and he poured himself into the field.
Georges Schwob served as a representative of the Tavannes Watch Co and the Cyma brand as a young man. He traveled the world, including trips to Russia, Poland, and Spain, before taking management positions. He became a director of Cyma, then chairman of the Board of Directors for the company. He was also a member of the Committee of the Swiss Chamber of Watchmaking.
Death
Georges Schwob died on August 13, 1979. His funeral was held in a music room and chaired by André Gendre, a long-time friend. André Schwarz, on behalf of Les Armes-Réunies, and Jean-Pierre Houriet, the new president of the music society, gave speeches on his qualities and activities. The ceremony featured musical interludes by Christine Dumont (on the organ) and famous violinist Henryk Szeryng, accompanied by Emile de Ceuninck. Finally, Les Armes-Réunies, lead by Commander Charles Frison, gave a fanfare.