Our new Southampton watchmaker, Adam Dunbar, shares his journey from a watch-collecting university student to a skilled craftsman. He talks about the art of finishing watches, preserving traditional skills, and why mechanical timepieces continue to captivate. Join us as we explore Adam's passion and expertise in the world of watchmaking.
The Laings Journal
What inspired you to begin a career in watchmaking?
A: When I was at university, I used to spend my student loans on buying watches. I would visit a store on the street corner near me, which sold OMEGA, Rolex, and Patek Philippe watches, and I got very interested in the aesthetics of watches. I ended up selling the watches I bought for more money, so it was a great investment. I was sad to get rid of the collection, but it actually paid for me to study, so it worked out well in the end.
When I graduated, I went back home and worked as a hotel manager. Breitling was based on the same industrial estate. I told them I was interested in watchmaking, but they said you can’t progress without experience and need to go to the school of watchmaking. That’s where my passion and watchmaking career began.
What is your favourite part of the watchmaking process?
A: Finishing off the watch when it’s all cased up and completed is quite a fulfilling journey. It’s like a puzzle that you’re putting together. The hair spring on the watch, which is the time keeping element, can be tweaked and manipulated. It can be quite different on every watch, so you can spend a couple of hours just on that one thing, making it perfect.
Do you feel it’s important to preserve the legacy of watchmaking for future generations?
A: Yes, I think it’s a traditional skill. I think it is a traditional skill, and one that is moving closer to becoming a dying art. It’s good that the watchmaking school in Manchester and preserving those skills and I was proud to be a part of that. I think it’s important.
What is the most complicated watch you have worked on?
A: The most complicated watch I’ve held was a Patek Philippe grand master chime and they only made 8 of them at the time. The most complicated watch I’ve ever worked on was the Patek Philippe annual calendar travel time watches. They indicate day, date and month.
What do you think is the enduring appeal of mechanical watches?
A: I think it’s due to tradition and scarcity, as well as the rarity of pieces. Mechanical watches are an expression of your interests. They combine the traditional handmade side of things with new technologies such as silicone hair springs, so that the watches aren’t affected by magnetisms. They’re new technologies, but the watches still look retro and vintage.
How do you think Laings fosters and nurtures the talent of watchmakers?
A: It’s nice to see different tiers of watchmakers in the workshop. You’ve got watch technicians, intermediate watchmakers and advanced watchmakers. It’s a nice balance as everyone learns from each other, even the advanced watchmakers are still learning things.
What did you enjoy the most about your training in our service centre?
A: I’ve most enjoyed getting new experience working on watch cases, as well as the movements. A lot of the time, watchmakers just focus on the movements side of things and polishers’ handle all the case work. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to work on the exterior of the watch, gaining experience in both areas. It’s fulfilling to complete the watch from start to finish, as often clients only see the case side of things as the result. It’s nice when you’re changing the crystal and polishing the case, you get immediate satisfaction seeing the visible transformation and restoration of watch. It’s been really rewarding and satisfying, as well as being able to learn new skills.
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