Two young entrepreneurial watchmakers from America have founded a new watch company in a need to celebrate antique watches. The company specialise in innovative watch making that combines 3D printing technologies and the craft of traditional watch manufacturing. Their mission is “preserving a piece of American manufacturing in history” by creating bespoke watches that reflect antique classics. They wanted to return to a time when watches weren’t just a smart, modern-looking fashion accessory but an heirloom that was passed from generation to generation, a reminder of the past before us. But can newly manufactured watches, that have the appearance of the classics, really hold the same symbolism that antique watches have?
From 1600 to 1750, England was known for the watchmaking industry. From the early 1500s advances in mathematics, science and technology changed the world. British clock and watch making was a fundamental advancement that helped improve navigation, allowing explorers to plot their route across the oceans to new worlds. London was the place for innovation and invention, in the industry, storming ahead of the Swiss. The British timekeeping industry had a rich and flourishing history that spanned over hundreds of years.
When considering an antique watch it is the time and the craft that goes into the piece that makes it so valuable to antique collectors everywhere. Classic antique watches hold an abundant history, being passed from generations or travelling far distances. It is astonishing to think about where these watches have been and who could have been their owners. The mystery of the piece is what makes these watches so desirable and cherished by their owners, and this is something that can’t be manufactured. It is like owning a moment in history.
Can new watches ever match up to antique watches? Tell us what you think.
Image credits: GollyGForce, Flickr. Under Creative Commons.
