Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Date: August 16, 1993
Watches have always taken a large part in the world of luxury. They shine and dazzle in wonderful showcases – they create emotion, admiration and incarnate perfection!
I started my very first experience as an apprentice in a GARAGE! No glamour – no bling-bling…But look closer – it’s not just any garage – it’s Paul Gerber’s garage!
«Good morning Marc» he welcomed me in the morning of August 16, 1993. «Come in and get yourself ready.» I entered the cavern of Ali Baba at the age of 16 and knew that I will leave this place 4 years later as an adult and hopefully as a trained watchmaker… (it was up to me on how things will turn out!)
I was one of the lucky ones and able to start an apprenticeship with master watchmaker Paul Gerber who formed 7 apprentice during his career. I was the 4th one and ready to take on the challenge and to succeed.
Besides being trained in Paul’s workshop, I also followed in parallel the watchmaking school in Solothurn for my theory lessons. The «Zeit Zentrum» – formerly known as «Uhrmacherschule Solothurn» – is the only watchmaking school for Swiss-German fellows in Switzerland (whether they come from Bern, Zurich, St-Gallen or from St-Moritz).
The cavern is Paul’s nest and play corner at the same time. I had a huge panel of machines and tools to excercise (e.g. Schaublin 102, 70, 65, Aciera F1, Hauser M1, pantograph, 3-axe CNC milling machine, etc.)
To mention all the machines and tools would take way too long! Too exhaustive is the list of old and new machines which were available at the workshop. For every specific task a specific tool is needed… Fact is, a well equiped workshop is a must for any genuine watchmaker – and yet – the skills to properly use the machines still needed to get acquired…
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