My mother recently bestowed upon me the watch that my grandfather wore throughout his adult life. It holds sentimental value for me, as I remember him wearing it while playing mahjong, quietly observing the game. Just like humans, timepieces have their own unique stories to tell. In the book “Hands of Time: A watchmaker’s history” by Rebecca Struthers, she imparts both her knowledge as a watchmaker and her expertise as a historian to educate readers about the history of watchmaking, the concept of time, and the often underappreciated craft of restoring timepieces. This literary gem blends personal narratives, lucid prose, and detailed descriptions of the intricate world of timepieces and the ancient craft of working with one’s hands, which unfortunately seems to be fading from modern education and society.
One notable aspect of the book is how Struthers concludes it with a comprehensive explanation of watch repair, providing readers with a brief yet personal guide. To delve deeper into her insights, a Q&A session with Struthers follows.
At the workbench resides the talented Rebecca Struthers.
When asked why she wrote the book, Rebecca Struthers reveals her passion for both writing and watchmaking. As an experienced watch restorer, research plays a crucial role in her restoration work. Understanding how timepieces were crafted decades or even centuries ago proves essential in ensuring their proper restoration. Writing about her craft comes naturally to Struthers. She mentions that after completing her PhD in 2017, she aimed to transform her thesis into a book. However, finding a publisher interested in horology, the study of time through watch and clockmaking, proved challenging. Just when she had lost hope, a literary agent discovered her and helped shape her proposal, eventually connecting her with the right people.
In her book, Struthers emphasizes the significance of collaboration for artisans, stating, “Between us, we have spent nearly four decades specializing in one craft, so we’re painfully aware of what it takes to achieve mastery. We’ll never be able to engrave, enamel, or cut gemstones as well as a fellow artisan who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of their craft. If you want your work to be the very finest it can be, you have to collaborate.” She further elaborates on the constant pursuit of expertise, explaining that even after 20 years in the trade, she continues to encounter new discoveries and learn fresh histories and skills.
As an artisan, working alone can lead to a solitary existence, potentially hindering innovation and creativity. In Struthers’ case, she, her partner Craig, and their dog Archie primarily operate in the workshop. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, they expand their team to include ten or more makers for each watch they create. This collective effort allows them to independently contribute their ideas, knowledge of materials, and experience, resulting in a final product that surpasses what a single maker could achieve. With their extended team amassing centuries of combined experience, the quality of their craftsmanship shines through.
When asked what advice she would give to those interested in pursuing a hands-on career today, Struthers points out the challenges faced in the UK, where arts and crafts are diminishing from school curriculums and becoming more exclusive to higher education. The ability to become a maker in one’s chosen artistic field has become increasingly class-dependent. However, she mentions that social media provides a platform for remarkable creators and educators who share their skills and DIY projects using readily available materials. Drawing from her own experiences, Struthers reminisces about her passion for dissecting various objects as a child, including old electronics and even a decomposed fox found in a local park. She emphasizes the importance of supportive parents and advises young individuals to not feel pressured into attending university, highlighting the potential success that can be achieved with an apprenticeship or vocational training.
Intriguingly, Rebecca Struthers reveals that her initial career choice prior to becoming a historian and watchmaker was forensic pathology. Her interest stemmed from an encounter with a forensics expert who had worked with NATO in Kosovo. She considered joining the army to study medicine but fate led her to discover the course that led her to the world of watchmaking. Although she wonders from time to time how her life would have unfolded in a different direction, her current path as a historian and watchmaker has undoubtedly allowed her to leave a lasting impression in her field.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
