To the credit of the watch and clock making fraternity, members from all around Australia came together; however, perhaps they have gathered for the last time.
The theme of the meeting was the year 2020, a projection based on current trends and future expectations in which a number of guest speakers (myself included) voiced their opinions on what the industry will be like in 14 years.
Many good points were raised but what concerns me most is that neither watch importers nor local manufacturers will survive unscathed if they remain isolated and detached from one another.
To maintain any sort of business growth, importers must have watch and clock makers to service their products. This means properly-trained personnel, supported by the importer and the manufacturers.
Major importers have only started to realise the importance of in-house, factory-supported training, recognising the market place no longer offers sufficient numbers of trained watchmakers.
And, once a watchmaker is employed by one of these factories, the chance of them leaving to pursue freelance work is remote. The benefits on offer are vast - fully-equipped workshops, opportunities to further careers and good salary packages are being enjoyed for the first time.
It's little wonder that young people don't view the trade as being able to offer a viable career. With watchmakers retiring in increasing numbers, the remainder having an average age of 65 and very few apprentices, the future looks grim.
A further downside is that the training facility at Sydney TAFE - the only accredited technical college in Australia with a full-time teacher - will close through lack of numbers if current trends continue. And it isn't easy to entice foreign workers into this country: the problems we have here are duplicated around the world.
One of Sydney's leading importers is demonstrating a viable solution. Before bringing his product into new areas, he looks for cooperation from local watch and clock makers by asking if they will undertake warranty work (with factory support) should the need arise, and be willing to service the product.
Such support gives the consumer confidence in the product and the repairer an opportunity to secure additional work simply by having a larger customer base.
As for the depth of talent, there will always be clock makers. Many take it up on a learn-as-you-go basis, but there are also a number of skilled tradesmen willing to help anyone who shows a keen interest in this side of the trade.
The components are large and easy to see and most people with mechanical aptitude can become proficient; watchmaking, however, is a highly skilled and technical profession and few are able to learn it well. Many watch importers who will one day need these skills cannot develop them on their own. They do not have the skills themselves to train new blood.
Because of this they may find themselves losing out to the importers who can offer training opportunities and ensure the future of their products.
One possible way to address this is for the small importers to get together, form a cooperative and offer ongoing support to a number of apprentices.
When the apprentice period is finished, the cooperative can make them part of a service network with full factory support, including access to spare parts. Retailers, who will be direct beneficiaries of such a program, may want to contribute in some way, as will the watchmaking trade.
Spare parts suppliers will not be around in 2020. It is no longer sensible to continue to offer parts to a shrinking market. Smaller importers will have no choice; their products must be supported. One thing is for sure: 2020 is not far away.
about the author
Name: Michael Francis Smith
Company: Smith and Smith
Position: Owner
Qualifications: Horologist, watch making and clock making.
Years in industry: 48