The Internet’s Most Complete List Of Watchmaking Documentaries (With Where To Watch Them)
10 min read
I owe a lot of what I know to television. I’ve learned a lot from it. Documentaries specifically have been an insightful exploration into topics and worlds I never even knew existed. I remember the constant fights over the TV remote with the evil one in my home (my sister). It was her ‘The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy’ versus my ‘How It’s Made.’ Yes, I was that kid. With a little “persuasion” (also read as bribe), I was able to win it over, and that meant the only time my tender neurons demonstrated their “not-dead” state. Every time the screen glowed, so did my mind.
While we need not delve into the reasons for this weird affinity towards what usually “dads” seek pleasure in, the favorable consequences of the act itself do merit a credit though. In my middle school years, I became the go-to source for any info sought about tallest buildings, fastest cars, dirtiest jobs or coldest countries. In many ways, I was Wikipedia before there was Wikipedia. While it was an endeavor only possible at a carefree age, years later it lent action to what would become not only my passion, but my profession - watches.
Whilst working an uninteresting job and neglecting the omnipresent guilt of streaming YouTube during work hours, I came across a documentary titled “The Fine Art Of Watchmaking” on the app. That exact moment was the catalysis of a fierce fervor and a solemn oath to find purpose out of a passion for watches and watchmaking.
It all proves that the substance of impetus is strong when it comes from television or visual media. So, I’ve curated a selection of films and documentaries that best lend the tradition, know-how, experience and emotion of everything watches to your screen. Here goes.
Best Films On Watchmaking
Longitude (2000)
Longitude (starring Sir Michael Gambon and Jeremy Irons) is a two-part telepic that tells the parallel stories of John Harrison’s 18th-century quest to create a sea-worthy chronometer and Rupert Gould’s 20th-century obsession with restoring Harrison’s timepieces. It’s a portrayal of how a practical, horological solution triumphed over the prevailing scientific belief in astronomical methods for determining longitude at sea.
Horology highlights: Early era marine chronometer development.
Watches in focus: John Harisson H1, H2, H3, and H4 chronometers.
Where to watch: Longitude Part I and Part II.
Unrest (2022)
Unrest showcases a transforming 19th-century watchmaking industry in the Swiss Jura region, highlighting its rigid hierarchies, the impact of industrialization and capitalism, as well as the brewing of an anti-capitalist anarchist sentiment. A key aspect of the film is its detailed portrayal of the watchmaking craft itself, exhibited through its chief protagonist - Josephine Gräbli (Clara Gostynski), a young factory worker who produces the “unrest wheel” (balance wheel). Unrest subtly critiques how timekeeping also became a tool in the organization and control of labor, by governing human lives under capitalism, as well as the socio-political changes brought about by industrialization.
Horology highlights: The earliest impact of industrialization (factory assembly lines) on traditional watchmaking.
Where to watch: Unrest.
Hugo (2011)
Directed by Rolex Testimonee Martin Scorsese, Hugo, although inspired by the birth of cinema, finds its central narrative in horology. The film, set in Paris in 1931, intimately captures the complexity of clockwork mechanisms and automatons.
Where to watch: Hugo.
Best Docuseries On Watchmaking
Masters Of Time: Independent Watchmakers (2003)
This three-part docuseries explores the world of independent watchmakers, highlighting their dedication to craftsmanship in an era of mass-produced timepieces. It’s a definitive and influential work exploring the subject of independent watchmaking, featuring the following six cabinotiers - Christiaan van der Klaauw, Beat Haldimann, Valerii Danevych, Thomas Prescher, Vianney Halter, and Kari Voutilainen.
Watches in focus: Midnight Planetarium, H1 Flying Central, West India, Flying Triple Axis Tourbillon, Classic Janvier, and GMR.
Where to watch: Masters Of Time: Independent Watchmakers Part I, Part II, and Part III.
Masters Of Haute Horlogerie
This series on haute horlogerie crafts, complications and specializations is distributed in three parts, showcasing eleven watchmaking disciplines in part one - ‘Portrait of a Passion,’ eleven watch functions in part two - ‘Complications’ and eleven stages of watch development in part three - ‘From Sketch To Presentation Case.’ It’s filmed in some of the most iconic watch manufactures.
Horology highlights: Showcases key haute horlogerie skills, complications and steps.
Watches in focus: JLC Master Minute Repeater, AP Millenary Tradition d’Excellence Cabinet, VC Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2755, and Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire
Where to watch: Masters Of Haute Horlogerie Part I, Part II, and Part III.
Best Documentaries On Watchmaking
The Fine Art Of Watchmaking (2007)
Journeying through Dresden, Germany, to the hometown of watches, Geneva, Switzerland, ‘The Fine Art Of Watchmaking’ is a seminal work on understanding the intricacies of watches and the watchmaking craft itself. With interviews of key industry CEOs and watchmakers, it is the most comprehensive and all-encompassing resource on haute horlogerie know-how, with some truly delectable manufacture footage. It serves an in-depth insight into the level of detail that goes behind haute horlogerie crafts and puts reason to why luxury watches cost so much. It is probably the best only-watch recommendation serving the subject of haute horlogerie.
Horology highlights: The program visits the finest and most revered watch manufacturers in the world.
Where to watch: Available on YouTube as a three-part upload, Part I, Part II, and Part III.
Masters Of Time: The World Of Swiss Complicated Watches
Wonderfully narrated by Debra Donohue, this documentary is a reference piece on the works of crème de la crème cabinotiers - Philippe Dufour and Antonio Prezioso. Its macro footage of gem-setting and tourbillon assembly is a true shoutout capture.
Watches in focus: Antonio Prezioso Stardust Tourbillon and Opus Two, Philippe Dufour Simplicity and Grand and Petite Sonnerie minute repeater.
Where to watch: Masters Of Time: The World Of Swiss Complicated Watches.
In Tune With Time (2015)
This documentary portrays the independent Japanese watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno as he endeavors to recreate a traditional Japanese temporal hour clock into a modern wristwatch. It highlights his deep respect for traditional Japanese culture and his mastery of intricate horological techniques.
Watches in focus: Wadokei Temporal Hour Watch.
Where to watch: In Tune With Time.
The Single Men - Masters Of The Incredible And The Beautiful (2015)
With its release coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the AHCI, “The Single Men: Masters of the Incredible and the Beautiful” lends a visual depiction of the independent watchmaking space. It features the works of independents such as Svend Andersen, Vincent Calabrese, Philippe Dufour, Paul Gerber, Vianney Halter, and Francois-Paul Journe.
Horology highlights: It explores the collaborative efforts of big brands and independent watchmakers.
Where to watch: The Single Men - Masters Of The Incredible And The Beautiful.
The Watchmaker’s Apprentice (2015)
This documentary features the last interviews of George Daniels, inventor of the co-axial escapement and creator of some of the most ingenious timepieces ever made. Director David Armstrong also approaches Daniels via Roger W. Smith, his eventual, and only apprentice.
Horology highlights: Showcases high-end British watchmaking.
Watches in focus: George Daniels Space Traveller Watch, R.W. Smith Flying Tourbillon Grand Date.
Where to watch: The Watchmaker’s Apprentice.
Les Rouages De L'horlogerie Suisse (2006)
Filmmaker Udo Vieth visits the greatest watchmakers of Swiss watchmaking in a journey from La Chaux-de-Fonds to Neuchâtel. He covers exquisite technical and artisanal executions of the craft of watchmaking.
Where to watch: Les Rouages De L'horlogerie Suisse.
Making Time (2022)
Produced by Kat Mansoor, ‘Making Time’ highlights the emotional, philosophical and social portraits of five distinct horologists, while shedding light on their fascinations as well as fears. More than watches and watchmaking, it is about the watchmakers themselves.
Watchmakers in focus: Philippe Dufour, Maximilian Büsser, Brittany “Nico” Cox, Ludovic Ballouard, and Aldis Hodge.
Where to watch: Making Time.
Philippe Dufour - Complications Sans Compromis (2020)
Filmed almost entirely in the workshop of independent watchmaker Philippe Dufour, it’s an understanding of why handmade mechanical watches take so much time and patience to build.
Where to watch: Philippe Dufour - Complications Sans Compromis.
Keeper Of Time (2022)
In this documentary, Michael Culyba makes us understand, “What exactly is time and what are the devices measuring it?”
Where to watch: Keeper Of Time.
Mesure et Démesure (2014)
This film commissioned by Parmigiani Fleurier showcases the vital human element behind haute horology.
Where to watch: Mesure et Démesure.
America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova (2025)
This film covers Bulova’s legacy of innovation and cultural impact across a historic American timeline.
Where to watch: America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova.
Best Short-Films On Watchmaking
Time Piece: The Poetry Of Independent Watchmaking With Philippe Dufour And Vianney Halter (2007)
In 2006, director Kat Mansoor and a small film production company submitted their proposal for a short documentary on two independent watchmakers to a British Film Council competition. They won, and the prize was the funding to produce it. Their work - “Time Piece,” is the greatest ten-minute feature you can find on the subject of artisanal watchmaking, shedding light on the imperatives of mechanical watches, the essence of handmade and the compromises of mass production.
Where to watch: Time Piece.
A Man Of Time: The Legacy of George Daniels (1975)
This minidocumentary chronicles the life, philosophy and work of the legendary English watchmaker George Daniels, while also covering his groundbreaking invention, the co-axial escapement.
Timepieces showcased: The Edward Hornby Tourbillon Pocket Watch by George Daniels.
Where to watch: A Man Of Time: The Legacy of George Daniels.
A Moment In Time: Watchmaking At The Start Of The 21st Century (2020)
Directed by Arthur Touchot, this short documentary highlights a retrospective of the watchmaking advances of the past 20 years, with a focus on independents as well.
Where to watch: A Moment In Time: Watchmaking At The Start Of The 21st Century.
Seeking Perfect: The Art Of De Bethune (2020)
‘Seeking Perfect: The Art Of De Bethune’ explores the creative vision of De Bethune co-founder Denis Flageollet and the brand’s pursuit of technical perfection and unique aesthetic expressions.
Watch it here: Seeking Perfect: The Art Of De Bethune.
Glashütte Original - Handmade in Germany
This documentary covers a tour of the Manufacture Glashütte Original, one of Germany's finest watchmakers.
Watch it here: Glashütte Original - Handmade in Germany.
How A German Watch Is Made: Moritz Grossmann
This short feature by Moritz Grossmann very intimately showcases the making of a watch.
Watch it here: How A German Watch Is Made: Moritz Grossmann.
Faces of Time - The Goldpfeil Project (2012)
In 2001, seven legendary independent watchmakers of the AHCI were commissioned by the German luxury leather goods manufacturer Goldpfeil, to produce seven one-of-a-kind wristwatches. This documentary tracks their distinct efforts and creative directions.
Watchmakers in focus: Antoine Preziuso, Bernhard Lederer, Frank Jutzi, Svend Andersen, Thomas Baumgartner, Vianney Halter, and Vincent Calabrese.
Watch it here: Faces of Time - The Goldpfeil Project.
Independent Watchmaker Preserves The Art Of Time (2015)
This is an interesting short intro about Japanese independent watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno.
Where to watch: Independent Watchmaker Preserves The Art Of Time.
Time Machines (2010)
This short film covers everything from the inside story of luxury watches to the most sought-after pieces while also presenting some prominent collectors.
Watch it here: Time Machines.
An Exceptional Watchmaker - François-Paul Journe (2013)
A thorough portrayal of horological progression of the fabled independent watchmaker, François-Paul Journe and his Manufacture.
Watch it here: An Exceptional Watchmaker - François-Paul Journe.
Invenit et Fecit: The Horological History Of One Person - F.P.Journe
A short bipoic on François-Paul Journe, one of modern era’s greatest independents.
Watch it here: Invenit et Fecit: The Horological History Of One Person.
Reference 1832. Our Most Brilliant Failure
A very rare dramatized depiction of the accidental rise to fame of the legendary IWC Ingenieur Ref. 1832, designed by Gérald Genta.
Watch it here: Reference 1832. Our Most Brilliant Failure.
Passion Horlogère - Vianney Halter (2020)
Just a philosophical thought on watchmaking of the most atypically creative independent watchmaker - Vianney Halter.
Watch it here: Passion Horlogère - Vianney Halter.
How It’s Made: Luxury Watches (2009)
The making of a watch portrayed in a popular Science Channel series - “How It’s Made,” featuring Blancpain.
Watch it here: How It’s Made: Luxury Watches.
The Watchmaker: A Philosophy Of Craft & Life (2016)
This sub-10-minute portrait, directed by Marie-Cécile Embleton, showcases an Iranian British watchmaker’s philosophy of seeking peace in the chaos of time. The watchmaker, Faramarz, also draws metaphorical parallels between humans and watches as vehicles for time.
Watch it here: The Watchmaker: A Philosophy Of Craft & Life.
That’s all folks!
