Watchmaking may soon become a thing of the past. Well, technically, it is a thing of the past, isn’t it? A watchmaker is no longer someone who makes watches. Watches are now made in factories (“Damn you, industrial revolution!”). While modern horologists like George Daniels, who invented the coaxial escapement mechanism – an escapement mechanism that eliminated the need for lubrication, have left a rich legacy, watchmakers today struggle to find quality employment and vocation. The role of the modern watchmaker is somewhat limited to repairing watches rather than encompassing their creation, although professional watchmakers with a formal watchmaking degree are required to possess fabrication skills to manufacture by hand replacement parts not available in the market.
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While most of the watchmakers in Europe (especially Switzerland, a large part of whose economy is dependent on precision instruments like watches) work directly for the watchmaking industry, some watchmakers in the US are now steering toward being independent. What it means is that they refuse to work at a factory service center or be directly employed by the industry. Independent watchmakers who have received professional training from reputable schools may receive spare parts from major brands after they qualify for skill, working environment and equipment. Usually major brands have stringent quality measures for cleanliness and modernity of work equipment. As these independent
Watchmakers operate out of industry jurisdiction, many of them do not receive spare parts from the majority of high-end Swiss brands who seek to maintain higher revenue from after-sales services. These brands usually charge a hefty sum – about 2 to 4 times what an independent watchmaker would charge – for repair and service. While some watchmakers struggle to make an impact, some have it good. Roger W. Smith, who used to be an apprentice of George Daniels, runs his watchmaking studio from the Isle of Man and currently produces ten completely handmade watches every year. Each watch takes about 6 months of work to complete and prices for them start at £95,000 or about $125,000. Needless to say, making a watch completely by hand requires unrivaled skill, finesse and dedication. Like the budding watchmakers from the US, Roger W. Smith too is an independent watchmaker, having refused to work for the Swiss watch industry. In fact, he cites that particular hap as the reason for his tremendous success. Not unlike his mentor, the great George Daniels (considered the best watchmaker in the world of his time), Smith has a unique style – untouched by the trends of Swiss watchmaking. Rather eclectic in taste and individualized in design, his watches exhibit an English aesthetic that is both original and refreshing.
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On the other hand, the average consumer seems to be moving away from “chunky” timepieces and relying instead on their cell phones and other electronic devices to keep time. This could potentially disrupt the traditional watch industry. In this era of smart watches, finding a practical and functional purpose for a traditional watch is getting harder. After all, why would you wear a device whose sole purpose is to tell you the time? Can’t your cell phone tell you the time, apart from the other million functions it serves? What makes the traditional watch important anymore? Consumers as well as the industry have found its answer in fashion. Wristwatches have long been associated with jewelry. In fact, they form the staple of men’s jewelry. Available in formal, informal and semi-formal designs, watches encompass a majority of men’s accessories, favoring every occasion with a statement of style. What remains to be seen is whether the smartwatch industry will take over the traditional watch industry. Will traditional watches evolve into smartwatches in the future? What about the watchmaker’s skill set? Will it have to encompass the software mechanism of the smartwatch? Will the profession evolve in time? Or will it not require to? Truth be told, it all depends on the watchmaker. The profession belongs to them and they shall decide its fate. Alter’s Gem Jewelry is regarded as one of the best independent jewelers in Beaumont, Texas. We have a professional watchmaker and horologist on our staff whose expertise is sought as much as our premium jewelry and services. For more information on watch repair, visit
Alter's Gem Jewelry.
