RECOMMENDED VIEWING: NBC reports on the threat of a watchmaker shortage

Zach Blass

If you are reading this, then in all likelihood you are passionate about watchmaking – or, at the very least, on the path to being a watch enthusiast. But, in order for us to report on watches, and for all of us to be able to purchase and have our watches serviced when needed, this requires trained watchmakers to keep the tradition and tradecraft going. Unfortunately, in the current state of the watchmaking world this is very much under threat. And, while many inside the industry and hobby are well aware of the watchmaker shortage, it is great to see NBC Washington take the time to report on this very subject.

News 4 NBC Washington reporter Tommy McFly visited local watch and jewellery boutique Tiny Jewel Box in Washington D.C. to speak with one of their watchmakers performing a service and the President of Tiny Jewel Box, Matthew Rosenheim. McFly self-professes his newbie status to the watchmaker, and asks him to explain the basics of how a watch works – while highlighting the fascinating elements of the history of watchmaking and the mind-blowing nature of how small the components are.

Hopefully this brief window into a watchmaker’s bench, and the incredibly small world of gears, jewels, pivots, and screws inspires those who like to build things and work with their hands to pursue a path in watchmaking. While the base of watch enthusiasts grows day by day, the interest in pursuing a career in watchmaking is not where it needs to be to keep the tradition alive.

Matthew Rosenheim tells NBC Washington: “I think there’s just a general lack of awareness, you know. I don’t think it gets publicised. I don’t think many people are necessarily aware of watchmaking as a career path.”

Pictured: After serving eight years as President, Edwin M. Hydeman (left) retired and nominated Nicholas Manousos (right) as his successor. Hydeman served as HSNY’s Executive Director until 2020, when Manousos again succeeded in the role and today oversees daily operations of the Society, along with the growing staff. Both are credited with the renaissance of HSNY, including its modernization. Image: Monica Schipper for HSNY

Fortunately, there are organisations such as the Horological Society of New York that are working to reinvigorate interest in watchmaking. NBC Washington also spoke with Executive Director of HSNY Nicholas Manousos about the watchmaker shortage. Manousos explained the core issue: “Unfortunately, more watchmakers are retiring each year as compared to watchmakers that are graduating each year.” He then added that the HSNY estimates that the United States alone could use about 4,000 more watchmakers nationwide.

watchmaker shortage — Pictured: HSNY’s Director of Education, Steve Eagle (right), presents the first Henry B. Fried Scholarship award to Justin Shellenberger at the HSNY 2017 Annual Gala & Charity Auction, April 2017. Image: Monica Schipper for HSNY

There are approximately only nine remaining watchmaking schools in the United States, but fortunately organisations like the HSNY are fighting against the watchmaker shortage and have developed scholarships to help cover students costs and have watchmaking classes they offer both at the HSNY headquarters as well as abroad with travelling classes.

Excuse the pun, but before time runs out it is clear we definitely need to encourage more and more people to pursue a career in watchmaking.