The Laings Journal
Considered one of the world's most delicate crafts, watchmaking is an art of true intricate beauty. Originating in the 16th century, the mechanical timekeeper has been a staple of our lives for generations. Its care and preservation are skills hard to find, and with thorough training required, this heritage craft is often considered a dying art. At Laings, we nurture the talents of those keeping this craft alive.
In 2023, Laings opened our brand-new state-of-the-art service centre in the heart of Glasgow’s style mile – Buchanan Street. A haven for repairs, the workshop is home to expert craftspeople and watchmakers. Dedicated to offering the highest standard of service, the team offer a glimpse into their daily lives. We invite you to explore the wonderful world of watchmakers.
THOMAS LOHSE - SENIOR WATCHMAKER
A cherished member of the Laings team, Thomas’ story is a romantic journey encapsulating over 20 years of experience leading him to the heart of Glasgow from a small village called Hermsdorf/Erzgebirge 20km south-west of Glashütte in Germany.
‘When I was about 13/14, I started my first "job" in the village I was living in. Every day, I climbed up the church tower to wind and look after the clock, not knowing of the future lying ahead of me. When I finished school, I became a carpenter and after working for several years I was looking into a new career in architecture. But an ad in the local newspaper caught my eye that Glashütte Original was looking for apprentices. I applied and the rest is history.’
A role destined for Thomas – his name seemingly etched into the fabric of its purpose. He has found a home in the Glasgow Service Centre and leads a team of highly skilled watchmakers to ensure the continued excellence of the output. Thomas notes that the elegant new workshop is where he sees his future.
ANNIKA LEPPALA - WATCHMAKER
Following in her grandfather's footsteps, Annika was drawn to the challenge of watchmaking, seeing it as a puzzle to complete. Graduating from the Finnish School of Watchmaking in 2021. Annika has fallen in love with the romance of the craft:
'We have a very special team in the workshop so it's a delight to come to work every morning. I like the fact that you always learn something with each watch. I like the moment I get a new watch on my bench and take it apart .I also like the moment when I get the watch all ready and cased up and send them on their way. Sometimes you get a bit emotionally attached to some of the watches. Especially with the older ones. They have their own history and sometimes you wonder what the watch has seen over time or what current owner is like. If they only could talk.'
OMRI NAHMIAS - WATCHMAKER
Omri’s career choice developed simply from a passion for watches. After graduating from the British Watchmaking School in 2022, Omri found himself in the Laings service centre:
‘I enjoy servicing watches, Rolex in particular and during my time with Laings I have been graced with a wide variety of different brands.’
Omri is thankful to be supported in doing what he loves.
NURTURING THE FUTURE OF WATCHMAKING
Reviving the craft, here at Laings, we've laid a solid foundation for our industry ambitions. Giving back to the sector we've been part of for many years by fostering the next generation of skills. Developing emerging talent has been a priority since the inception of our centre in 2023. We're thrilled to introduce the future faces of the watchmaking industry.
BLAIR ELLIS - APPRENTICE WATCHMAKER
Beginning his watchmaking journey only two years ago, Blair is an enthusiastic young talent who joined the team in 2021. An avid member of the horological community, Blair had been collecting watches for 10 years before he saw the chance to contribute to the art he cherished. Under the guidance of the team, Blair has been able to hone his craft. Of the new facility he notes:
'The new workshop is amazing. It is such a great working environment and a nice place to be. To have this workshop facility in Scotland is amazing. Not only for Laings right now, but for the opportunities that it presents for people in the future to work for Laings.’
Blair’s perseverance and willingness to learn have been key to his growth in the company. With his skillset operating at an advanced technical level, he see’s a bright future ahead of himself in the centre:
‘I enjoy getting to focus on the one thing that is in front of me, at that particular moment nothing else matters around me. I hope to progress and eventually become lead watchmaker or workshop manager.’
His passion inspires, keeping a love for the art at the heart of his journey.
ANNIE DEANS - TRAINEE TECHNICIAN
Aspiring watchmaker and trainee technician, Annie’s love for the craft of timekeeping has been nurtured by her previous career at Laings. Annie was first welcomed into the Laings family as a customer service advisor. Securing a sound knowledge of the industry, Annie grew passionate about watches and was emboldened to apply for a move to workshop. With a degree in jewellery-making and silversmithing, her delicate hands and patience lay a steady foundation for her career progression:
‘I love how much there is to learn, I love the processes involved with servicing and caring for watches and learning what it takes to keep them working at their best. My core ambition at the moment is to become a Watchmaker, thanks to Laings I will be attending the British School of Watchmaking in 2024 which will allow this to happen.’
Bestowed a high honour of admittance to the British School of Watchmaking, Annie’s growth and eagerness to learn are valued greatly by the team around her.
ASHLEIGH SCALLY - TRAINEE WATCHMAKER & QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN
Beginning her role in the services team, Ashleigh has been continually supported within the company to pursue her passion in design and creation. Within her first 19 months at Laings, Ashleigh was able to undergo training and become confident in her subject matter. Like many, Ashleigh has fallen in love with the sentimentality of timekeeping:
‘Most of my enjoyment comes from experiencing different watches and learning the functionalities and histories behind the watch. Working alongside talented watchmakers makes it even better as they are always furthering my learning and understanding of a watch and the effort and intricacy that goes into watchmaking and servicing. I love seeing the change that a watch goes through, particularly before a service and then at the final stage – I find that the sentimentality of a piece is what is so important and knowing that a watch is going back to a client in a wonderful condition makes the role even more enjoyable.'
Ashleigh's eye for detail and quality control are a continued asset here at Laings. Continuously ensuring client satisfaction.
Discover Watch Servicing at Laings.
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