Watchmaking, once believed to be a fading artistry, is quietly experiencing a revival.
Ready, Steady, Timepiece! A New Generation's Love Affair with Watchmaking
In the age of smartphones and digital time, watchmaking might seem like a relic of the past. But hold on to your chronographs, folks! This seemingly obsolete profession is cooler than ever, thanks to Gen-Z's fascination with all things old-school and a growing craving for screen-free jobs.
Brace yourself for the comeback of the pocket watch! Modern-day apprentices are bucking the trend of swiping left on "phubbing" (phone snubbing) and getting their hands dirty with the intricate art of assembling timepieces.
For decades, the watch industry has been sounding the alarm about a looming labor crisis, as their gray-haired maestros start retiring. But fear not, as optimism is in the air, and for good reason. Our sources tell CNN that young blood is flowing back into the watchmaking scene, showing that this is no ticking time bomb about to explode.
Online watch communities have played a significant role in this resurgence. From sharing prized collections to spotlighting master watchmakers and advertising second-hand and vintage watches for sale on TikTok and other platforms, these online hubs have sparked demand not just for watchmakers but for the expert repairers needed to breathe new life into relics of the past. Johann Kunz-Fernandez, director of the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP), explained the situation in a heart-to-heart with CNN, “It’s like a new lease of life for these beauties!”
Young people could be the industry's knight in shining armor, according to Kunz-Fernandez. He noticed a surge in their attendance at the annual Watchers and Wonders event in Geneva, Switzerland, commenting, “There were a lot of young faces this year! It was refreshing to see.”
But how can these watch-obsessed youths turn their hobby into a career? Well, buckle up, apprentice! We've scoured the horological landscape to provide a road map for those eager to tune into the rhythm of the time.
The Finnish School of Watchmaking in Espoo, Finland, has been training aspiring watchmakers since 1944. Principal Hanna Harilainen proudly states that their students possess "the steadiest hands in the world." The school has gone global, offering an English-language course to satisfy the escalating demand coming from foreign lands like North America, the UK, Turkey, South Korea, and even Iran. And don't be surprised if you spot a candidate from Mars in their classrooms someday!
The surge of interest in micro-brands, created by independent watchmakers, is one reason for the influx of students. As Harilainen explained, “Young people want to create something unique, something that will stand the test of time, not to be discarded in a heartbeat.” One of the school's recent graduates co-founded a popular independent watch brand and often livestreams watchmaking sessions on Twitch, bringing the artisanal craft into the 21st century.
The hands-on nature of watchmaking and the chance to truly understand the inner workings of this exquisite device appeal to young watchmakers. Aurélie Streit, vice president of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), shares this sentiment, “There's something organic about working on a watch that you can touch, see, and appreciate.” The FHH is dedicated to preserving and sharing watchmaking knowledge, with a focus on attracting younger enthusiasts.
Streit remains cautiously optimistic, expressing hope for the future of the craft. She and her team plan to give attendees an opportunity to try out different tasks, like polishing and micro-mechanics, as part of an interactive exhibition in Geneva this June.
Don't forget! The "quartz crisis" is past us, and watchmakers are making a comeback. It's time for you to embrace the world of precision engineering and indulge in the beauty of crafting time itself. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off those crystal watches, and let's embark on this watchmaking adventure together!
- A new generation is captivated by the old-school charm of watchmaking, bucking the trend of digital time and seeking screen-free jobs.
- Online watch communities are playing a significant role in this resurgence, promoting vintage watches and showcasing master watchmakers.
- The watch industry is experiencing a surge in young talent, reversing the previously anticipated labor crisis as retirements approach.
- Aspiring watchmakers can turn their hobby into a career through educational institutions such as the Finnish School of Watchmaking, offering courses in English for international students.
- Independent watch brands are attracting young watchmakers, who desire to create something unique and timeless.
- The Fondation Haute Horlogerie is dedicated to preserving and sharing watchmaking knowledge, particularly among younger enthusiasts, with an upcoming interactive exhibition in Geneva scheduled for June.
