She and her husband, Ernest Grunwald, both immigrants, built the company from her family business after World War II
Ilse Grunwald, who cofounded American watch manufacturer Belair Time Corp., died Feb. 3 at her home in New Jersey. She was 93.
Grunwald escaped Nazi Germany at the age of 16, and after a year in England, arrived in New York in 1939. She cofounded J. Kalberman Co., a watch import firm, with her parents and brother, and when she married, her husband Ernest Grunwald joined the business. Together they grew the firm, which eventually became Belair Time Corp.
“A fierce and savvy business woman, Ilse was devoted to growing her company and her beautiful family,” reads her obituary. “Her strong spirit and loving generosity will never be forgotten. “
She is survived by her husband, Ernest, who was profiled by JCK in 2014 on the occasion of his 100th birthday; her daughter Elaine, and her son Alan, who now serves as president of the company.
(Photo courtesy of Alan Grunwald)
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