Next we meet Rebecca Struthers, an award-winning designer, watchmaker, and historian; Rebecca is half of the founding husband and wife team behind Struthers Watchmakers studio and workshops.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Rebecca was just 17 when she set out on her path to becoming one of Britain’s leading watchmakers. Initially training as a jeweller and silversmith with a passion for creating complex pieces of articulated jewellery; Rebecca soon found a way to combine her passion for craft with her love of science in the pursuit of horology.
We hear her fascinating views on business, what she loves about being a watchmaker and plans for the future.
MWM: How is business?
RS: Busy! We’re currently developing our next series of in-house movements which is our most technically challenging build yet but for different reasons than our first series. I look forward to sharing more news on that soon. I’m also starting the promotion of my next book (About Time) which teaches children about watches and time.
MWM: What are your current business priorities?
RS: After over a decade in business, we have a very long waiting list so we’re finally able to start planning for the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Futureproofing is a huge priority to us now, as is addressing our work/life balance so we can finally get out to a few more events!
MWM: Tell us something we don’t know about Struthers Watchmakers?
RS: We started making watches after accidentally winning a design award.
MWM: Which watch do you wear?
RS: In the workshop, which is where I spend most of my time, I wear one of my (many!) Casios. My current favourite dress watch is an original Art Deco Tiffany with Cresarrow movement.
MWM: Which watch would you like to own?
RS: I’d love to wear one of my own someday! Much like a builder’s house never being finished, as watchmakers we never have the time to work on our own pieces.
MWM: What do you like best about being a Watchmaker?
RS: The diversity of the job. Horology covers so many different subjects, and every day comes with new challenges. You’ll never learn everything.
MWM: What don’t you like about being a Watchmaker?
RS: Running a business. If there was a way I could just make watches and leave everything that goes into keeping a company running to someone else, I would!
MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?
RS: In the workshop, it’s finishing this next series of 248 watches (above) as they’ll be a defining build for us. Around that, I’m working on my next book which is a long-term project. I’m really enjoying being able to work on that at my own pace on the side.
Hero image credit: Wes Webster
Rebecca is a Friend of MrWatchMaster