Watchmaker: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Watchmaker Thailand.JPG|thumb|Person reparing a watch in Thailand]] |
[[Image:Watchmaker Thailand.JPG|thumb|Person reparing a watch in Thailand]] |
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A watchmaker, as the name implies, works primarily on watches, not [[clock]]s they are called clockmakers. Some watchmakers are equipped to work on clocks and watches. which require their own unique tools and test equipment and of course knowledge. |
A watchmaker, as the name implies, works primarily on watches, not [[clock]]s they are called clockmakers. Some watchmakers are equipped to work on clocks and watches. which require their own unique tools and test equipment and of course knowledge. |
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When seeking a watch or clockmaker it is always advisable before entrusting a treasured timepiece to them for repair, (as mistakes are often irreversible), to verify credentials that they are formally schooled in the art of watch making is a good initial indication, as no regulations or control on who can call themselves watchmakers are in place within the USA or from a long established line of watchmakers who can show a track record of satisfactory work, Certified horologists, (watchmakers) WOSTEP, certification holder will often display there qualifications proudly for verification if asked. |
When seeking a watch or clockmaker it is always advisable before entrusting a treasured timepiece to them for repair, (as mistakes are often irreversible and/or costly), to verify credentials that they are formally schooled in the art of watch making is a good initial indication, as no regulations or control on who can call themselves watchmakers are in place within the USA or from a long established line of watchmakers who can show a track record of satisfactory work, Certified horologists, (watchmakers) WOSTEP, certification holder will often display there qualifications proudly for verification if asked. |
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Very few jewelers can afford to have a watchmaker on the premises and rely on outsourcing there work even outside the country of origin |
Very few jewelers can afford to have a watchmaker on the premises and rely on outsourcing there work even outside the country of origin, normally simply mark up for providing this service . Many Jewelers are confused with watchmakers who are often capable of carrying out simple repairs however jewelers and watchmaking are totally different occupations, again very few cross both effectively. |
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A watchmaker, as the name implies, works primarily on watches, not [[clock]]s they are called clockmakers. Some watchmakers are equipped to work on clocks and watches (mechanical and quartz). which require their own unique tools and test equipment and of course knowledge. |
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Historically, in [[England]], watchmakers would have to undergo a seven-year [[apprenticeship]] and then join a [[guild]], such as the ''[[Worshipful Company of Clockmakers]]'' in London, before selling their first watch. In modern times watchmakers undergo training courses such as the ones offered by the [[BHI]], or one of the many school around the world following the [[WOSTEP]] style curriculum. Some USA watchmaking schools of horology will teach not only the wostep style including the ETA range of movements but also focuses on the older watches that a modern watchmaker will encounter on a daily basis. |
Historically, in [[England]], watchmakers would have to undergo a seven-year [[apprenticeship]] and then join a [[guild]], such as the ''[[Worshipful Company of Clockmakers]]'' in London, before selling their first watch. In modern times watchmakers undergo training courses such as the ones offered by the [[BHI]], or one of the many school around the world following the [[WOSTEP]] style curriculum. Some USA watchmaking schools of horology will teach not only the wostep style including the ETA range of movements but also focuses on the older watches that a modern watchmaker will encounter on a daily basis. |
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Revision as of 12:52, 12 December 2008
A watchmaker, as the name implies, works primarily on watches, not clocks they are called clockmakers. Some watchmakers are equipped to work on clocks and watches. which require their own unique tools and test equipment and of course knowledge. When seeking a watch or clockmaker it is always advisable before entrusting a treasured timepiece to them for repair, (as mistakes are often irreversible and/or costly), to verify credentials that they are formally schooled in the art of watch making is a good initial indication, as no regulations or control on who can call themselves watchmakers are in place within the USA or from a long established line of watchmakers who can show a track record of satisfactory work, Certified horologists, (watchmakers) WOSTEP, certification holder will often display there qualifications proudly for verification if asked. Very few jewelers can afford to have a watchmaker on the premises and rely on outsourcing there work even outside the country of origin, normally simply mark up for providing this service . Many Jewelers are confused with watchmakers who are often capable of carrying out simple repairs however jewelers and watchmaking are totally different occupations, again very few cross both effectively.
Historically, in England, watchmakers would have to undergo a seven-year apprenticeship and then join a guild, such as the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London, before selling their first watch. In modern times watchmakers undergo training courses such as the ones offered by the BHI, or one of the many school around the world following the WOSTEP style curriculum. Some USA watchmaking schools of horology will teach not only the wostep style including the ETA range of movements but also focuses on the older watches that a modern watchmaker will encounter on a daily basis.
Watchmaker as metaphor
William Paley and others used the watchmaker in his famous analogy to infer the existence of God (the teleological argument) .
Richard Dawkins later applied this analogy in his book The Blind Watchmaker, arguing that evolution is blind in that it cannot look forward. Evolution, says Dawkins, is not directed by god(s). Instead, all intricate improvements in nature's mechanisms stem from survival pressures.
Alan Moore in his seminal graphic novel Watchmen, uses the metaphor of the watchmaker as a central part of the backstory of his heroic character Dr. Manhattan.
In the NBC television series Heroes, the villain Sylar is a watchmaker by trade. His ability to know how watches work corresponds to his ability to gain new superpowers by examining the brains of people he has murdered.
In the scifi novel The Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven, the Watchmakers are a small technologically intelligent sub-species of the Moties that will repair/improve things you leave out for them (accompanied by food as payment).
Albert Einstein, in discussing the advances of the nuclear era, noted that, "[t]he release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind. If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker."
See also
- American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute
- Louis Cartier
- clockmaker
- Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH
- Watchmaker analogy
- horology
- chronometer watch
- marine chronometer