I read this today in an article by David A. Christianson, CMW21:
In all this discussion, the term “watchmaker” means the man who repairs watches — not the man who works in a watch factory. The factory man need not know anything but his one limited subdivided portion of the watch. The watch repairer, on the other hand, must know how to make almost any part of any watch when necessary. This act justifies the apparently paradoxical statement that the man who repairs watches — and not the man who works in the watch factory — is a watchmaker. To say watchmaker for watch repairer is correct and in accord with trade usage.
From John J. Bowman, Chairman, Education Committee, Horological Institute of America.
Watchmaking Books on Lulu
3 Comments
Hi Peter!
We talked a few times before on Timezone (Steve_JR) about Lititz and I wanted to let you know that I went for my interview a couple weeks ago and I am happy to announce that a few hours ago I accepted their invitation to the school!
I am very excited to become a true member of the watchmaking community and am very grateful for all that you have told me about on Timezone as well as here in your blog.
I look forward to being a “watchmaker” not a factory assembler
-Steve
I also have to thank you for your advice and motivation regarding watchmaking school. I too accepted an invitation to attend Lititz this fall and cannot wait to get started!
Steve, I’ll look forward to meeting you in September!
I hate to say I think the answer is in other factory/repair industries. What is the name of the “carmaker”? There rarely is “one”, as few people have the opportunity or experience to do it all. But there is a “car repairer” who needs more flexibility and benefits constantly from every unexpected workday.
But does anybody want to be called a “watch mechanic”? It may be the more accurate term, though certainly less reminiscent.
Jeff
TimeCode
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