Chapter 294: "Anda" Watches
On the waters of Lake Solon, small boats built by East Africa—along with ones seized from the local tribes—set off in grand style, carrying Msiri's people away. Beneath the seemingly endless expanse of water lies a depth of over five hundred meters.
Msiri himself was aboard a large boat designed by the Kigoma Shipyard, propelled by man-powered oars as it moved north.
…
At the Banks of the Limpopo River
A few small wooden boats, carried along by the gently flowing river, were heading toward East African territory.
"Mr. Ulysses, what goods do you have today?" asked Vandermeer upon disembarking, greeting Ulysses, an East African trader.
Ulysses: "Mr. Vandermeer, you're here quite early! You came at the perfect time. A while back, a shipment arrived from Dar es Salaam – a batch of Anda watches. Care to take a look?"
Vandermeer: "Of course! But 'Anda' watches? Never heard of that name. Some new brand in Europe?"
Ulysses: "Indeed, they're genuine Swiss goods, made with Europe's newest techniques."
Vandermeer: "Swiss? Are you sure? I know most Swiss watch brands, but I've never heard of this one."
Ulysses: "That's because it uses the latest manufacturing processes. It's a new company – not everyone dares to start something like that."
Vandermeer: "But can they guarantee the quality?"
Ulysses: "Absolutely. Though a new company, they hired well-known designers in Switzerland for a high price, and each part is precisely crafted with minimal error and low failure rates. How about it – want to consider one? We only have 30 of them in stock."
Vandermeer: "Let me see the merchandise first."
Ulysses carefully took a small, exquisite box from his satchel. After unfastening it, he pulled out a wristwatch.
Vandermeer: "Why does this watch look like that?"
Ulysses: "Mr. Vandermeer, this is a wristwatch. It differs from a pocket watch: you slip it over your wrist and fasten it with this clasp. Very convenient."
Right now, pocket watches still dominated Europe, so someone like Vandermeer—somewhat out of touch—had never seen a wristwatch. Ulysses fully understood.
(In a previous era, the story of how the earliest wristwatches appeared was often disputed. One legend said that during the Boer War in the 18th century, some soldiers tied their pocket watches to their wrists, finding it essential in coordinating with allied forces. Gradually, wearing a watch on your wrist became a fixture of war, and by World War I, the wristwatch had secured its status.)
Vandermeer: "A watch worn on the wrist? Novel, but doesn't it seem unnecessary? I find a pocket watch in my coat pocket more comfortable."
Ulysses praised him: "Ah, but think about it, Mr. Vandermeer: you Boers are 'gentlemen on horseback.' If you want to check the time while riding, you must fish out a pocket watch. That's terribly inconvenient. But an Anda wristwatch is different. See, if you raise your hand, your sleeve naturally pulls back, and the watch face shows. Isn't that simpler, and quite elegant besides? Plus, this watch's strap is made of top-quality calfskin, adjustable for a snug fit. It's comfortable to wear—otherwise I wouldn't be wearing one daily." Ulysses proudly revealed his own watch for Vandermeer to see.
When Vandermeer saw the silvery watch on Ulysses' wrist, he was quite impressed by how stylish it looked—gleaming metal, delicate engraving, a fine strap…
"Mr. Ulysses, why is your watch strap metal, not leather?" Vandermeer asked, intrigued.
Ulysses, a bit smug, said: "Oh, that? My Anda watch is a higher-end model, aimed at well-off folks in Europe who can afford a silver watch. I only have it because I'm in the business. But even so, in Europe, my silver Anda watch is nothing remarkable. Over there, the nobility at least go for Anda gold watches, while kings and high-ranking aristocrats order custom versions. I got to see one – it was made entirely of jewels and pure gold, designed by a famous artist, assembled by top engravers, with the best clockmaking experts fitting the components. And accompanied by that slogan, 'You can easily possess time, but you can't easily possess an Anda watch.' Just one glimpse felt like it uplifted my soul."
Hearing that, Vandermeer wanted it even more. He realized his wallet might be in jeopardy, but… he definitely "needed" an Anda watch.
Vandermeer: "Mr. Ulysses, may I try yours on?"
Ulysses: "Certainly…" He lifted the leather-strapped watch in his hand, about to hand it over.
But Vandermeer quickly corrected him: "Sir, I meant the one on your wrist!"
"Oh—well…" Ulysses hesitated. He treasured his silver watch; he'd paid a lot for it in Europe. It was probably his priciest possession. But to win over the Boer market, he had to. So with a heavy heart, he carefully unfastened his watch. "All right, Mr. Vandermeer. Normally, I never let others wear it, but since you're a friend… let me let you experience it."
Vandermeer took the watch—still warm from Ulysses' wrist—and, with his guidance, strapped it on. He did the "lift the arm, watch the sleeve" motion Ulysses had demonstrated, personally testing it.
"It's great," Vandermeer admired. "So comfortable, that craftsmanship is truly amazing…"
Ulysses: "Indeed. Though Anda is a new brand, it's used by the Austrian and Prussian royal families. Crown Prince Rudolf wears one daily."
Naturally, if you want "celebrity endorsements," go to European royals. Franz himself wasn't interested, though it was free to him. He kept it in a drawer. So Ernst turned instead to Rudolf. Meanwhile, the Prussian royal family was quite open-minded: King Wilhelm I had considered distributing wristwatches to certain military officers because they made it easier to check the time in battle. East Africa was doing the same for its officials and troops.
Now, hearing that European aristocrats and royalty also wore these watches, Vandermeer felt even more tempted. Sporting it in the Boer Republic would be quite a flex.
Vandermeer: "Mr. Ulysses, would you let me buy the watch off your wrist?"
Ulysses: "Ah… well…"
Vandermeer: "Thirty pounds sterling, that's all I can afford to carry today."
Ulysses: "Deal!"
Though he really liked it, Ulysses had originally paid 18 pounds for it in Europe, so 30 was a tidy profit. No reason to hesitate.
Glancing at the rest, Vandermeer asked, "How much for those cheaper ones?"
Ulysses: "Four pounds each." (Even though the ex-factory cost was only two pounds.)
Vandermeer: "That's not bad. Fine, I'll take them all."
"?"
Selling to the Boers was straightforward, Ulysses reflected, amazed at how easily he could make so much money, more than enough for an extended stay in Vienna's upscale district.
Ulysses, face beaming, said, "Mr. Vandermeer, you truly have good taste. I'm sure your business will thrive in the Transvaal."
Vandermeer laughed: "Hahaha, of course."
He already planned to sell them in the Boer region at six pounds each. The local farmers had decent spending power.
Vandermeer: "Mr. Ulysses, bring more silver watches next time, money won't be a problem."
Ulysses: "No trouble at all!"
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