When we open a watch we appreciate that we are looking at a mechanism that has taken several hundred thousand hours to develop. As a watchmaker one is only one link in the chain of its history. To make sure the chain continues is what we find the most fascinating part of our craft.
The development of watches
A lot has happened in the way a watch is produced. The word “watchmaker” stems from the time when factories did not produce readymade mechanisms but only separate parts. It was then up to the watchmaker to make it into a proper watch by adjusting the parts and fitting them together.
Over time each factory has brought more and more of the production process in house. In the beginning of 1970-ies the amount of factories reached its peak. Although the 70-ies wasn’t golden age for many things, for watchmaking it was.
In the 1980-ies battery driven watches entered the market, changing it forever. From then on it became much easier and cheaper to produce a watch. The industry of mechanical watches took a hit, however craftmanship never goes out of fashion.
A wristwatch has 3 characteristics that make it special. First of all: timeless design which allows one to wear your grandfather’s watch today. It does not easily lose value since time was spent producing it, and time here means quality craftmanship.
Finally, it is incredibly practical: it tells you time and you can wear it on your wrist!
During 1960-ies and 1970-ies development accelerated, allowing for growing precision. Cases became water resistant thanks to armored watch glass, and the production of gaskets in rubber or aluminum began. The materials often used even today are steel and brass.
They have been used for hundreds of years due to the self-oiling effect that comes into play when the parts interact. Bearings are today often made of synthetic ruby, and axels of hardened steel.
In the end of the 1970-ies many factories and brands went to the grave, however during 1990-ies the revival of the branch started.
Today there is a lot of pride in producing high precision watches. If you have a high standard factory then all elements of production are in house. Still many producers rely on third party suppliers for parts.
With good start capital anyone can produce a watch and put his or her name on it. However to become something special you need good old craftmanship.
