Traditional Watchmaking Weathers Storm As Smart Gadgets Steal the Spotlight
Arjumand Wani
SRINAGAR, Nov 15: The rich legacy of traditional watchmaking in Kashmir faces a decline with the advent of modern digital and smart watches. Once thriving, the HMT Chinar factory in Srinagar, a symbol of craftsmanship, produced 3500 to 4000 watches daily during its peak from 1983 to 1989.The factory, established in 1971, contributed significantly to the local economy and provided employment to around 1600 skilled workers.
However, the rise of digital technology led to a shift, with traditional watchmakers struggling to compete.
Despite a proud history, the era of HMT watches in Kashmir faces challenges from the sleek efficiency of contemporary timekeeping devices.
In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Bashir Ahmad, a quinquagenarian horologist, stands as a witness to the relentless march of time.
With 35 years dedicated to the delicate art of watchmaking, Ahmad shares a poignant reflection on the industry’s evolution. Amid the rhythmic ticking of progress, his iconic Al-Habib Time Centre, once adorned with the nostalgia of classic timepieces, now embraces the sleek pulse of digital innovation.
As the hands of tradition gradually give way to the precision of the digital era, Ahmad contemplates a fading legacy, predicting that the enchanting craft of ‘Gadi Saazi’ may soon find its only refuge within the pages of history books.
In the heart of Pulwama’s historic Iqbal market (locally known), Ghulam Nabhi Bhat, a seasoned horologist with 40 years of expertise, finds himself grappling with the changing times.
From his quaint shop, adorned with old handboxes and watch accessories, Bhat reflects on the challenges faced by traditional watchmakers.
During a casual chat with fellow shopkeepers, Bhat is interrupted by an elderly customer seeking assistance with the bracelet of his vintage Seiko watch. As Bhat skillfully tends to the timepiece, he muses about its rarity in today’s fast-paced world, expressing, “Aaz kati tchu yuth tcheez melaan” (this is rare today).
The evolution of watches over the years has posed a formidable challenge to traditional craftsmen like Bhat. He expands on the broader issue, highlighting that this shift is not exclusive to watches but extends to various items like calculators, battery torches, and radio sets.
Bhat attributes the decline in demand for traditional timepieces to the omnipresence of smartphones. In a world where information is at everyone’s fingertips, the need for a wristwatch diminishes. Bhat remarks, “Nowadays, if you ask for the time, someone won’t raise their wrist but will take out their mobile phone from their pocket.”
Undeterred by the dwindling number of customers, Bhat remains committed to keeping his shop open. Acknowledging the changing landscape, he notes the stark contrast from a decade ago when numerous watchmakers populated the town. Today, only a handful remain, facing the imminent threat of closure.
This reporter engaged with several watch shop owners to explore the current trend in consumer preferences for timepieces. Surprisingly, a unanimous response echoed through the conversations – a stark decline in the demand for old antique watches.
Shopkeepers revealed that nowadays, enthusiasts are rarely seeking the charm of vintage timepieces; instead, the modern era witnesses a surge in the popularity of lightweight and smart watches.
The shift signifies a notable transformation in the preferences of watch lovers, showcasing a growing inclination towards sleek, technologically advanced alternatives over the timeless appeal of traditional metal craftsmanship.
When queried about transitioning to digital or smart watches, Bhat reveals a lack of knowledge about their mechanisms. He candidly shares his recent attempt to open a smartwatch, confessing the unfamiliarity with its components.
In a dismissive tone, Bhat outright rejects the allure of smartwatches, asserting that they lack the essence of traditional timepieces. He underlines the robustness of old watch cases, emphasizing their ability to endure substantial pressure.
As Bhat reflects on the industry’s evolution, he acknowledges the inevitability of change. While smartwatches dominate the present, he predicts their evolution and transformation, echoing the timeless adage that “things change and don’t remain the same.”
Watchmakers in Kashmir emerge as stalwarts, standing testament to the resilience of traditional craftsmanship amidst the relentless tide of technological upheaval. With a nod to the past and an eye on the future, they embrace the uncertain evolution of timekeeping, weaving together the threads of heritage and innovation. In the face of changing times, these horologists not only mark the hours but also carve a lasting chapter in the story of time’s inexorable march.
