SOCIETY: Time Running Out for Watch-makers

Published March 26, 2017
Ashraf peers into a watch that he is repairing | Saba Habib
Ashraf peers into a watch that he is repairing | Saba Habib

Muhammad Ashraf works in his little shop in Gulistan-i Jauhar, Karachi and since the past 12 years he is known for repairing some of the most complicated and expensive watches and clocks. He sits behind a rickety display case with all kinds of shiny modern and vintage watches. There are straps and assorted spare parts in plastic tubs and crumpled bags but he quickly finds exactly what he needs in the maddening disarray. Oblivious of the loud whirring of the fan above his head and the noisy traffic outside, he focuses on the miniature bits and pieces as he dissembles a watch.

Like many others in the business today, Ashraf grew up in a family of watch repairers and became interested in horology (the art of making clocks and watches) as a child. “My father and grandfather were famous watch-repairers,” says Ashraf. “So it was natural for me to learn the skills, which I did by joining my father’s business and in just a few months I became as good as my father because watch-repairing is in my blood.”

He says that when he started repairing watches, he used to take home a decent amount of money but these days things have changed. “I repair many other things along with watches too because it was becoming difficult to earn enough just by repairing watches,” says Ashraf. “I am the only breadwinner for my family, and since the past two or three years there has been a rapid decline in this business.”


As time ticks by, watch-repairing becomes a skill of the past


The biggest reason for the decline of his business is mobile phones as they have become the ultimate 21st century need. “People don’t necessarily wear watches to tell time, they have their cell phones,” he says. “Watches are either just a style accessory or a status symbol. For some people, wearing a watch is a habit that they’ve retained since they were children and started to wear their very first Mickey Mouse watch. For others, it could be a memory of a special graduation or wedding present.”

As the world becomes more and more technologically advanced and automated, some professions evolve while others die, says Ashraf. “People could earn a substantial livelihood by repairing watches and generally they developed into their occupation,” he adds. “Like other profession here too dedication and education is required, but there are very few educated watch makers and the majority are self-taught.”

Bilal Khan, a watch-maker in Saddar explained how the watch repair industry has traditionally operated at slim margins, but the profit has been squeezed further over the past five years. “Although people still love to wear watches and they might continue to do so, nobody gets their watch repaired now because now a huge variety of watches are available in the market that are very low-priced,” he says. “You can even get a watch for 100 or 200 rupees. When we repair a watch, it takes time and dedication. Getting a watch repaired will cost money when we need to replace a part or two. Simple watch repairs can include installing new spring bars or straps and replacing batteries. More complex forms of repair can include rebuilding mechanical watch movements; lubricating parts and making tiny adjustments that allow watches to keep time appropriately. Some watches require precise maintenance. For example, chronometers must be regulated to gain or lose no more than six seconds every day so the cost of repairing outweighs the cost of a new watch. Hence, people now prefer buying a new watch rather than getting it repaired,” he said.

Over the past few years, the number of full-time watch-makers has fallen from thousands to very few who are still repairing watches but not as a full time occupation.

Watch-making is now a part-time work and very soon, you will only find watch-repair experts associated with big brands only.

“I don’t understand why watch-making companies don’t release parts for us watch-repairers to fix watches,” says Asad Murtaza. “Our business relies on the availability of spare parts. We’re quite qualified to do those repairs but the manufacturers do not want us fix the watches. Watches are now disposable so they run accurately for a certain time period after which you have to throw out and get a new one.”

He further added that watch companies try to attract customers by throwing in free and discounted repair services that includes sizing, polishing and battery replacement. “It is difficult to survive when you have all that to compete with.”

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 26th, 2017

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