Nestled in the heart of bustling Yangon is an experience that goes beyond telling time – it’s a journey into the artistry and history of watchmaking. The Burma Watch Downtown Watch Tour offers an immersive exploration of the craft, showcasing the intricate process behind each unique Burma Watch. This tour isn’t just about observing the mechanics of timepieces; it’s about understanding the stories they tell and the hands that create them.
In today’s digital age, where time is readily available on our phones, one might question the relevance of wristwatches. However, watches are far more than functional objects; they are expressions of identity and craftsmanship. The Burma Watch Downtown Watch Tour celebrates this notion, revealing the exceptional stories behind each handcrafted Burma Watch.
To appreciate the uniqueness of Burma Watches, it is essential to understand the movements – mechanical, quartz, and atomic – that power them. Mechanical watches, with up to 500 intricate components, harness the energy from wrist movements. Quartz watches utilize the piezoelectric effect of quartz crystals to maintain precise time, while modern iWatches rely on the resonant frequency of cesium atoms for unparalleled accuracy. Despite the technological marvels of quartz and atomic clocks, the tour highlights the captivating complexity of mechanical movements, often sourced from Japan, Switzerland, and China.
Burma Watches, though reliant on imported Japanese movements, proudly showcase dials printed and assembled by hand in Myanmar. This blend of international precision and local craftsmanship is at the heart of the Burma Watch ethos. The tour provides an in-depth look at the traditional methods used in Myanmar, contrasting with the mass production techniques prevalent in the industry.
The Burma Watch Downtown Watch Tour is more than an exploration of timepieces; it’s a journey into the heart of traditional craftsmanship. Each stop on the tour reveals the dedication, skill, and artistry that go into making every Burma Watch a unique expression of identity and history. For those seeking a deeper connection with the art of watchmaking, this tour offers an unforgettable experience, celebrating the timeless beauty of handcrafted excellence in Yangon.
Stop 1: Gold Leather Myanmar on 32nd Street
The tour’s first stop introduces Ko Htoo, a master leathersmith who has transformed his passion into an art form. Ko Htoo crafts exquisite leather goods, including watch straps, using a variety of imported and local leathers. His journey began out of necessity, repairing his own wallet, and has evolved into a mastery of combining Italian leathers with Myanmar’s vibrant silks and fabrics. His craftsmanship extends even to modern demands, as he reluctantly produces Apple Watch straps, blending timeless techniques with contemporary needs.
Stop 2: Zinc Plate Making at ‘New Skill’
Next, the tour delves into the ancient art of zincography at ‘New Skill,’ a workshop that has been a cornerstone of Yangon’s printing industry for over 50 years. Led by Oo Thaung Nyunt, ‘New Skill’ employs a meticulous etching process to create zinc dies used in printing. This intricate process, developed from 18th-century lithography, involves polishing zinc plates, creating images with lithographic crayon or photographic techniques, and treating the plates with chemical solutions to prepare them for printing. This painstaking method ensures that each watch dial produced is a work of art.
Stop 3: The Secretariat Workshop
The final stop brings the tour to Min Thaw’s workshop, where the elements of leather and metal converge. Min Thaw, one of the few young watchmakers in Myanmar, meticulously assembles each watch, ensuring every detail is perfect. Utilizing a unique hand-printing technique involving latex and bamboo, he prints the dials with remarkable precision, even setting jewels into the dials for an added touch of luxury. Each watch is then worn for 24 hours to ensure its accuracy, a testament to the dedication and skill involved in its creation.
