Disrupting Time

Industrial Combat, Espionage, and the Downfall of a Great American Company

By: Aaron Stark

Narrated by: Will Damron

In the fall of 1876, two Swiss spies came to America and conducted some of the most covert and consequential industrial espionage in history, changing the course of the global watch industry forever. Had the events of 1876 never happened, we would likely know little of Swiss watches today.

Read by Audie Award-winning narrator Will Damron, Disrupting Time is a true historical narrative of business strategy, espionage, and consequences. Set during the Centennial Exhibition in 1876, a great world’s fair in Philadelphia, it details the story of Jacques David and Theo Gribi. Having attended the Centennial Exhibition and witnessed the powerful Waltham Watch Company’s frighteningly novel assembly line exhibit, they knew it spelled the end of their Swiss industry. Rather than be deterred, Gribi and David were commissioned by the Society of Jura Industries, a Swiss trade association, to acquire the secrets of America’s technology sector–the American watch industry. They captured their intelligence in a 130-page report that would remain mostly secret until 1992.

Disrupting Time details the never-before-told story of David and Gribi’s secrets and mission, showing how they used disguises, agent recruitments, and other classic espionage methods to steal the secrets of America’s technology sector of the era.

Disrupting Time details a fascinating tale of cutthroat competition, industrial espionage, societal development, and a great world’s fair using the archival reports and letters of the spies, the Waltham Watch Company, and records from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition.

The themes of this book are explored through the eyes of Waltham, the Swiss watchmakers, and their main characters: Royal Robbins, Ambrose Webster, Jacques David, Theophilus Gribi, and Edouard Favre-Perret. This is the story of industrial combat, an industry "broken apart" and "thrown into disorder", and how a cottage industry of Swiss watchmakers organized to defeat an American industrial power.

©2022 Aaron Stark (P)2023 Aaron Stark

Engaging history with parallels to today

Well researched and engaging story of industrial espionage. A must read for watch enthusiasts and those working in sensitive manufacturing areas alike.

The book uncovers a history that is seldom talked about.

If you enjoy watches, you’ll enjoy this book! I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in timepieces.

Excellent account of an unknown piece of history

Very well-researched and detail-oriented account of a little-known area of history. Interesting to think that the US was at one point the premier source of quality watches. Watches are a topic I had never thought much about but want to continue researching after listening to this book. I would recommend to anyone that enjoys history.

Fantastic Audiobook!

great story! fantastic performance from the orator, I couldn't stop listening to it. this was my favorite audiobook so far this year. the book strikes a nice balance between historical accuracy and a compelling story. the story of America's technological advantage being slowly degraded overtime is never more appropriate than today. I highly recommend it!

A tale of watches and espionage with wider lessons

The book's narrator was fantastic, skillfully guiding me through a captivating era of intense competition in the watch industry. Despite not being a watch connoisseur, the narrative took me on a journey that explored valuable lessons applicable to any competitive field. It shed light on the pitfalls often encountered by successful companies when they reach the pinnacle of success.

The book's well-researched content seamlessly intertwined economic espionage, creating a gripping tale that provided both informative insights and an enjoyable reading experience. It served as a cautionary guide for business practitioners while offering a weary tale of business lessons that resonated effortlessly.

Interesting But Dry

It was an enlightening and interesting story but sometimes had to struggle through the minutia of detail. Could have made the main characters a little more dynamic. Ultimately however, I enjoyed it overall and don’t regret the time spent

Twisted Admiration

The author continuously and apparently unapologetically by the writing admires what and how Swiss companies stole intellectual property and to some degree contributed to the downfall of a great American competitor company. It was difficult to listen to this continuous admiration for the actions taken by the Swiss.