Watch Culture Exchange: Exploring Luxury Watchmaking and Traditional Craftsmanship
Recently, Mr. Francisco Souza da Cunha (Guan Zhixian), founder and chief mentor of the Macau Watch & Clock Cultural Centre (MWKC), held an in-depth exchange dinner with the team of Chinese watch brand TOPHILL. Prior to the dinner, both sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on luxury watchmaking, watch design philosophy, and industry development trends, sparking diverse perspectives within the watchmaking field.
The History of Watchmaking and the Meaning of Luxury Watches
Mr. Guan Zhixian is a certified watchmaking expert accredited by the FHH HHC (Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie – Horology Cultural Certificate) and a member of the GPHG (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève) Academy. With years of experience in popularizing high-end horological culture and professional education, he is also a seasoned watch media content creator, consistently disseminating authentic knowledge of luxury watches to the public and holding an authoritative industry perspective. During the exchange, Mr. Guan shared his insights on traditional watchmaking craftsmanship, the history of watchmaking, watch design logic, and appreciation highlights, drawing from his years of travel and in-depth study of fine timepieces.
Traditional Watchmaking Craftsmanship in Modern Luxury Watches
In discussions about fine watchmaking, the details that define a mechanical watch often reflect the skill of skilled artisans and the balance between technical innovation and tradition. Elements such as the balance wheel, escapement, mainspring, and mechanical movements are central to the artistry and performance of luxury watches. Complications like perpetual calendars and minute repeaters further highlight the richness of traditional watchmaking, while precious metals such as rose gold and stainless steel, along with modern materials like carbon fiber, show how luxury watchmaking continues to evolve without losing its rich history.
