Watchmaking is a profession built on patience, precision and tradition.
But as the industry changes and fewer young people choose to learn the craft, there are growing questions about who will keep those skills alive for the next generation.
One young British watchmaker with links to Essex is already making his answer clear.
Ross Chapman has gone from learning his trade in London to building an international career in Los Angeles, where he is now working on luxury watches for high profile clients including Grey’s Anatomy actor James Pickens Jr. and NBA stars.
It is a remarkable journey for someone working in a profession that has traditionally relied on generations of craftsmen passing their knowledge down.
Keeping an old craft relevant
For Ross, watchmaking is not simply about repairing an expensive watch.
It is about understanding how it works, respecting the craftsmanship behind it and making sure those skills continue to exist in the future.
That passion has helped establish Chapman as an internationally acclaimed watchmaker and an expert in his field.
His reputation has also taken him beyond the workshop.
Recently, Ross was invited to Texas to teach students who are preparing to enter the watchmaking profession themselves.
For someone still relatively young within the industry, being asked to teach the next generation is a significant moment.
It also highlights something important about Ross’s career.
He is not simply building his own reputation. He is helping create a future for the profession.
A new generation taking over
Watchmaking has often been associated with old traditions and generations of craftsmen, but Ross represents a different side of the industry.
He is young, ambitious and has taken his skills from London to Los Angeles, building a career in one of the world’s biggest luxury markets.
In LA, his clients include people from the worlds of Hollywood and professional sport, giving him the chance to work on some seriously impressive timepieces.
The contrast is striking.
A traditional craft that began for Ross in London is now taking him into the world of Hollywood stars and NBA players.
Why young watchmakers matter
The future of watchmaking ultimately depends on people being willing to learn the craft.
That is why Ross’s work with students in Texas could prove just as important as the watches he repairs in Los Angeles.
He knows what it is like to start out, learn the skills and work your way up.
Now he has the opportunity to pass that knowledge on.
For a profession facing an uncertain future, having young experts like Ross Chapman stepping forward could make all the difference.
He is proof that watchmaking does not have to belong to the past.
