Watchmaking is “critically endangered”, according to a new report from Heritage Crafts.
British watchmaking is one of several crafts on Heritage Crafts’ 2023 Red List of Endangered Crafts.
There are fewer than 20 professional watchmakers in the UK and even fewer apprentices.
David Poole FBHI, Education Officer at The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, said: “There are really very few training opportunities within the UK for watchmaking.”
James Harris FBHI, an award-winning horologist and founder of Harris Horology, invited South West Londoner to his London workshop to discuss the future of the craft.
We asked about the factors contributing to the decline, the skills that go into making and maintaining a watch, and ongoing initiatives to keep the craft alive.
