a watch repairer
When someone asks you for the time of the day, you’d generally raise your arm and then look at your watch? Well, thats what we used to do to some extent. In some respects that element of engagement has been lost due to the introduction of mobile phones and dual purpose social devices that offer digital alternatives to that view of a simple waist worn watch. Those traditionalist much like myself, who like to wear a real watch, will at some point require it to be either fixed or serviced. That’s where Robert comes in and this is his story.
“I didn't think I had any aptitude or skills for repairing watches. I was interested in teaching Geography”.
It’s strange to think that by Roberts own admission, the last thing he wanted to do when he left school was to get involved in the family business of repairing watches. A business that his ancestors had worked in, way back in the 1890’s. I guess being surrounded by it 24/7 day in day out just wasn’t of interest to him. Robert told me “I didn't think I had any aptitude or skills for repairing watches. I was interested in teaching Geography”.
Anyway, Robert and his family moved from Yorkshire to Cornwall in 1964. He tried various different short term jobs in a few other industries but the family genes proved too powerful for him and the passion for watch repairing consumed him in the end. He started training in the family business in 1966 and then became self employed with his own business in 1975. He took practical exams in 1977 and achieved his qualification with the British Horological Institute (BHI). Over the next few decades, Robert continued to develop his business and skills and is now a Rolex and Omega accredited watch repairer. Many profess to be but Robert is the real deal working on only the worlds finest timepieces.
There was an element of excitement for me when Robert invited me into his world. It was an opportunity for me to see inside the world of fine watch repairs. A world to some extent that the public rarely see. I photographed Robert whilst he began to re build someones timepiece. A Rolex that had been taken apart earlier. 105 pieces to be exact. All of which had to be cleaned, lubricated, serviced and put back together again. A mind blowing task.
Thank you Robert
