Behind The Bezel Takes Watch Lovers On A Journey Into The Heart Of Time
4 min read
On a rain-washed Saturday afternoon in Mumbai, a group of watch enthusiasts gathered not just to admire fine timepieces, but to step behind the dial and into the world of watchmaking itself. The occasion was Behind the Bezel, an immersive workshop hosted by The Hour Markers designed to give participants a rare hands-on experience with the mechanics of time. As one of India’s leading watch media houses, The Hour Markers has curated this one of a kind watchmaking workshop in order to share its passion for watchmaking and give back to the watch community.
As guests filtered into the service centre, registration complete and name tags in hand, they were welcomed by The Hour Markers team, who set the tone with warmth and humor and the anticipation in the room was palpable. Each participant stood before their designated workstation, sanitised footwear in place, and slipped into anti-static aprons- the first step into the watchmaker’s world.
The benches themselves were a revelation. Laid out neatly were tool kits, mechanical movements, finger gloves, eyeglass loupes, and guide booklets each item waiting for its role in the delicate dance of assembly and disassembly. Before anyone could pick up a screwdriver, the guests were introduced to the tools laid out and explained the rules of engagement. From how to wear the loupe, to the importance of anti-static protection, to what not to touch with bare hands, participants were reminded that every detail in watchmaking serves precision.
Then came the first real thrill: releasing the power of the movement. For many in the room, it was their very first interaction with the heartbeat of a mechanical watch. Slowly, carefully, guided by the watchmakers at hand, participants began their disassembly journey. Piece by piece, the secrets of the movement revealed themselves: balance spring, pallet fork, barrel bridge, ratchet wheel, crown wheel, train bridge, and the delicate trio of centre, third, and seconds wheels. Each screwdriver color-coded, each step purposeful, each breath held as tiny screws and gears came free. Not all parts of the movement were tackled, some deeper mechanisms like the setting lever system were demonstrated but could be skipped for beginners but the core structure of the calibre soon lay disassembled before every participant.
A short break offered a welcome pause. Over tea, coffee, and cookies, attendees compared notes and swapped stories, while some drifted to the certified testing station to check their own watches for accuracy, surface finishing, and water resistance. It was a reminder that horology isn’t just about admiration but also about measurement, function, and endurance.
The second half of the session brought the real challenge which was reassembly. With movements laid bare, participants retraced their steps in reverse, carefully restoring each component to its rightful place. The centre wheel, third wheel, seconds wheel, and escape wheel found their home again, followed by the bridges and springs that give structure and order. Slowly, balance was restored not just metaphorically, but mechanically as the balance spring was delicately returned and the movement regained its rhythm.
Throughout, trainers moved between tables, offering guidance and steady hands whenever tweezers trembled or screws proved stubborn. For many, the moment their movement ticked back to life was one of pure joy, a glimpse into the centuries-old magic of mechanical horology.
The workshop concluded with words of gratitude from The Hour Markers team reinforcing the mission behind the initiative: to nurture India’s growing community of watch lovers through authentic, hands-on experiences. As certificates of participation were handed out there was a tangible sense of pride in the room. Cameras clicked, loupes were lowered, and participants carried home not just a certificate but a deeper respect for the craft behind every watch they wore.
Behind the Bezel acted more as an initiation than a workshop. For some, it was their first time peering into a mechanical heart; for others, a chance to test their patience and precision. All in all it was an afternoon filled with a deeper understanding of the art of watchmaking giving guests a rare look behind the bezel.
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