We Tried Our Hand at Horology | Atlas Obscura Tries | Atlas Obscura

In our newest episode of Atlas Obscura Tries, we’re working with a horologist to learn the exquisite, delicate art of making clocks and watches. Join deputy editor Samir Patel as he visits the Horological Society of New York to learn how to take apart a watch and put it back together.
Fun fact: The Horological Society was founded in 1866, and is one of the world’s oldest continuously operated watch-making associations. Their mission: To teach as many people as possible everything about horology. Which is a pretty great way to pass the time, we think! You can visit them here. hs-ny.org/
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CREDITS
Directed by:
Dan Halperin
Executive Producers:
Doug Baldinger
Chris Naka
Associate Producer:
Elvis Metcalf
At Atlas Obscura, our mission is to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share. See where we’re exploring here: www.atlasobscu...
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[@kymberlyp4056]

My father was a watchmaker before the Holocaust and continued his trade after he was liberated and came to America. When he became senile, the best activity for him was his watch table and tools. We would pick up old and broken pocket watches for him to repair or fiddle with.😊 I love Atlas Obscura.❤️

[@atlasobscura]

That's amazing, thank you for sharing with us Kymberly. Love that you found a way for your father to keep connecting to something he loved. Also, we love you too.

[@chrispasini5870]

Amazing story

[@linkinpark7898]

You need some really steady hands for that! Lovely engineering and beautiful craftsmanship.

[@atlasobscura]

Yes! And also just such a different way of holding the tools, which is not something one generally thinks of. We're in awe of this beautiful, intricate work.

[@AWCI]

Thank you for helping to spread an appreciation for the art of horology.

[@atlasobscura]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@samsalin]

most watch makers are dead or really old now, its a dying art form but its really nice to see people keeping it alive.

[@atlasobscura]

Definitely! It's lovely that they're offering classes too so that anyone who wants to learn, even as a hobby, can do so!

[@lynxrose3005]

Horological- best word

[@atlasobscura]

Definitely up there for us as well!

[@butter_nut1817]

I think you'd look nice with a fully bald head and that beard.

[@barbatloosenutproductions2027]

Don't get me wrong, new technology is a good thing. But, MAN! I LOVE ANYTHING MECHANICAL!🔧😍 From super large steam locomotives🚂 to time peices⏰& music boxes🎶, AND don't get me started on band organs! 🎪🎠🎶🎹🥁🎷🎻😍 I'm so blessed to live is southeast Michigan where hubby & I can visit the Henry Ford museum & the Greenfield Village nextdoor to the museum, in Dearborn, Michigan! Perfect examples of these wonders on display & in working order! 😍Thanks for the fascinating video! 💖👍

[@atlasobscura]

They definitely both are beautiful in their own ways. Also, super jealous of your proximity to the Henry Ford Museum! Lovely place. Did you know that the only horse-drawn lunch wagon left is right outside the Henry Ford Museum? It's the Owl Night Lunch Wagon! (Article here: www.atlasobscura.com/articles/original-food-trucks)

[@noahmccann4438]

It’s quite remarkable to see that there are still groups continuing to teach this skill. I think there is value in it, but I also don’t think that we should completely discount newer tech - our modern phones may on the surface be inscrutable as you say but they are composed of many concepts that are as simple or as complex as you want them to be. Even this simple watch would have likely been inscrutable without some prior domain knowledge and the guidance of a professional. Even with that, it would be incredibly difficult or impossible to assemble without the specialist tools to do so. So I wouldn’t let the initial complexity keep you at bay from anything you’re interested in - with the right resources, time and curiosity there is almost always a way to get your foot in the door and start understanding the world around you.

[@atlasobscura]

Oh, we definitely shouldn't discount newer tech, and 100000% agree that you should always be curious about everything to see how it works! We are always on the side of being curious about the world :) It's always really cool to get into how things work and see the mechanisms or programs that make everything seem so effortlessly smooth.

[@CuriousDroid007]

So, Is it not horizontally reclined?

[@StuffUCanMake]

Thanks, I enjoyed this.

[@atlasobscura]

And we enjoy you!

[@stemikger]

This was really awesome. However, not to be too snarky, but Samir Patel needs to shave his head. That comb over is really distracting. He would look so much better to get rid of that old man Combover!!

[@debbieomi]

That was incredibly interesting!

[@atlasobscura]

We're glad you think so! Thanks for watching :)

[@bobstacy4]

Incredible. I would love to take that class. Amazing

[@atlasobscura]

If you're ever in New York, they offer classes! hs-ny.org/education

[@redhorse8018]

Very interesting

[@mohamedajmal3817]

Hai sir im 19 years old I’m Watch technician For Sri Lanka Casio company I want to learn horological science course pls help me sir I repair omega Rolex and some luxury brand

[@Hawk89gt]

Very cool video. This is something I’m passionate about, but not able to make my career right now.

[@ActiveAtom]

These two micro-machinists and watchmakers are happy to see this shard show. We love what we have been doing for decades and we are really happy with our vintage watchmaking and maker machines and tools, they sure tell a long history and story. Eye and hand efforts are not going to come in a day, so this was a good exercise for the story teller to try feel and succeed with some of the actual workings from within the watchmakers day. Thank you Lance & Patrick.

[@NomdePlumber]

Anyone have a tutorial on how to ease an overwound spring?

[@shiddy.]

very good +sub