Making Time With the Watchmakers

PreacherTom writes "In the age of watches that have more computational power than Apollo 11's computer, one would think that the watchmaker has gone the way of the cobbler, the blacksmith and the Dodo. Quite the contrary. With the rise in interest for mechanical watches (especially luxury models), Rolex has sponsored a new school to train horologists in the arcane art. From the article: 'We were facing a situation today where we needed to foster a new generation of watchmakers,' says Charles Berthiaume, the senior vice-president for technical operations at Rolex and the Technicum's president 'Thirty to 40 years ago, there was a watchmaker at every jewelry store. That's not the case today,' he notes. Included are some remarkable examples of their training, dedication, and intricate patience as they take technology in an entirely different direction."

Definitely a trend ..

[Anonymous Coward]

to watch.

Wishful thinking

[Demona]

"as they take technology in an entirely different direction."

Like "reliability"? Count me in!

Sylar

[macadamia_harold]

'We were facing a situation today where we needed to foster a new generation of watchmakers,' says Charles Berthiaume, the senior vice-president for technical operations at Rolex

Well, just make sure they don't develop telekinesis and go on a power-hungry killing spree.

Re:Who still uses watches?

[Anonymous Coward]

Now I'm pondering some 'integration' again - pick a watch with some other handy functionalities. Any suggestions?

I wear a timepiece that has all kind of integrated features. It's called a "cellphone".

Re:OK, I've got to get into this

[Dunbal]

but the idea of having a miniature machine-shop in my apartment appeals to me on some level.

      Don't tell the government this, because you are obviously a terrorist.

Re:Who still uses watches?

[Dunbal]

watches are one of the only forms of jewelry allowed for upper-class and upper-middle-class men. Necklaces and earrings are still considered gaudy, and rings are restricted to a wedding band and perhaps a class ring/military ring.

      May I introduce you to our range of nipple, penis and scrotum rings? I mean, who would know? :)

Re:Who still uses watches?

[Dunbal]

captive husbandry of venomous snakes.

      "Married" to your hobby, eh? You know, I really can't stand my ex wife, but I wouldn't go as far as to call her a venomous snake.. bah come to think of it, I probably would :-P

Re:Who still uses watches?

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

watches are one of the only forms of jewelry allowed for upper-class and upper-middle-class men.

Don't forget the men who wear those very expensive trophy wives on their arms.

Ok, so...

[jd]

...you can tick that joke off the list. It has clocked too many miles as it is, though I must hand it to you for chiming in with it, though to judge from the number of replies, it didn't wind up too many people. Mind you, with effort, we might yet get this thread to go round and round.

Re:When I was a kid in the early 60's

[WilliamSChips]

He could have evolved into a 7 billion ton robot monster like you did.

Re:Yeah but..

[appleLaserWriter]

Plus one gets to say: "I am a certified horologist"

Most of us can say something that sounds very similar, but doesn't mean the same thing at all.