Hands Of Time: The Hour Markers' Team’s Encounter With Precision At POGU Watch Service Centre

Watchmaking is not just a craft; it's a delicate dance of precision, patience, and pure artistry. Before this experience, I had always admired watches from a distance – beautiful objects that seemed to magically measure time. But now, after spending a day at the Pogu Watch Service Center, I understand that each watch is a miniature universe of engineering, where every microscopic component tells a story of human skill and dedication. Here’s what went down!

Nestled in Lower Parel, at POGU Watch Service Centre, we santised our feet, and walked into an experience that was going to change how we look at luxury timepieces. Welcomed with a short introduction about the session and how important watch servicing is, we put on our aprons and took our seats at the watchmaking desks.

The first time I held a watch movement in my hands, the world seemed to shrink and expand simultaneously. Microscopic gears no larger than a grain of rice danced between my trembling fingers, each one a universe of precision waiting to be understood. Sanjana perfectly captured this sentiment, describing how the components were "very tiny and delicate," requiring extraordinary attention and precision. The experience was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. Watching our hands hover carefully over these minute parts, we realized that watchmaking is less about mechanical assembly and more about an intricate art form. Disha eloquently noted that it felt "more like an art form" than a simple mechanical task.

The Challenges: More Than Meets the Eye
What became immediately apparent was the immense skill required in this craft. Handling tiny screws that could almost disappear between your fingers, aligning microscopic gears, and maintaining absolute concentration – these were no simple tasks. Ritu highlighted the challenge of the tiny screws, emphasizing how much patience and steady hands are crucial. Anshul's experience revealed another layer of complexity – while having guidance made the process smoother, the sheer number of components was mind-blowing. He was surprised to discover that watchmaking is predominantly a hands-on process, far from the machine-driven task he had imagined. Dipali mentioned, " The re-assembly was challenging, as the components had to be put together very carefully."

A Newfound Respect
Each of us walked away with a transformed perspective. No longer would we look at a watch as just a timekeeping device. Instead, we now saw it as a testament to human craftsmanship. The intricate movements, the precision of each gear, the delicate balance of components – all of these represent hours of training, practice, and unparalleled skill. Sanjana summed it up beautifully: watchmaking is truly an art that demands respect. The painstaking skill involved in creating something so small yet so complex is nothing short of remarkable.

Our curiosity was not just piqued – it was fully awakened. Everyone expressed a desire to delve deeper into this fascinating world. From Sanjana's fascination with minute repeaters to Ritu's interest in more complicated watch movements, we were united in our newfound passion. Anshul's enthusiasm was particularly infectious – he wanted more hands-on workshops, believing that experiencing watchmaking firsthand is far more valuable than hours of theoretical lectures.

The Larger Lesson
Beyond the technical skills, this experience taught us something profound about craftsmanship. In a world of mass production and instant gratification, watchmaking stands as a powerful reminder of the value of patience, precision, and human skill. Each watch is not just a device that tells time – it's a narrative of human potential, a miniature sculpture that captures the essence of dedicated craftsmanship. As we left the Pogu Watch Service Center, we were no longer just observers. We were now part of a story that has been unfolding for centuries – the remarkable story of watchmaking.