By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Dwindling quality and genuine parts gradually push once-striving artisanal trade watch repair into extinction in Nigerian space. Watchmaking and repairing is globally known as horology.
Horologic or watch repairing in Nigeria is a specialised trade that plays a significant role in maintaining and preserving timepieces, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
As a country with a rich history of artisanal skills and a growing interest in luxury and precision timepieces, Nigeria has seen a rise in demand for skilled watchmakers who can repair and restore a wide range of watches, from vintage mechanical pieces to contemporary digital models.
Watch repairing in Nigeria often begins with an apprenticeship model, where young individuals learn the trade from seasoned watchmakers. In southwest Nigeria, this category of artisans (horology) is “Alaago” – watch repairers.
This traditional approach ensures that the intricate skills of watch repair are passed down through generations.
Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience, allowing trainees to become proficient in diagnosing issues, replacing parts, and fine-tuning the mechanisms of various watches.
Despite the increasing use of digital tools, many Nigerian watchmakers still rely on time-tested techniques to maintain the quality and precision of their repairs.
High-end brands such as Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe were common in Nigeria then.
This necessitated specialised repair services that could handle the complexity of these sophisticated timepieces.
Consequently, watch repair shops increasingly invested in advanced tools and training to meet the expectations of their discerning clientele.
One of the challenges faced by watch repair professionals in Nigeria today is the availability of genuine spare parts.
While local markets often have generic components, obtaining original parts for high-end or vintage watches can be difficult.
Watchmakers may need to source parts from international suppliers, which can be costly and time-consuming.
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Despite these challenges, skilled Nigerian watchmakers are known for their resourcefulness and ability to adapt, often creating custom solutions to address repair needs.
Another challenge is the economic aspect of the trade. Watch repair services can be expensive and repairs may not always be justifiable for every client.
This situation has led some watch repair shops to offer tiered service options, allowing customers to choose between basic maintenance and more comprehensive repairs based on their budget and the condition of their timepieces.
Interest in watch collection and appreciation for fine craftsmanship had hitherto contributed to Nigeria’s thriving watch repair community.
Collectors often seek skilled repair professionals to ensure prized timepieces remain in excellent condition.
This trend has helped elevate the status of watchmakers, turning them into respected artisans within the community of watch enthusiasts.
In this first TheNewsZeith periodic Podcast, we feature a horologist, Aafa Sikirullah Adepoju.
He has his watchreparing stand at the popular Ilogbo Mosque on Apapa Road, Lagos Mainland.
He speaks about the old days when watch repairing was lucrative because there were genuine parts to meet the demands of ‘timepiece’ lovers.
Adepoju also laments how it is increasingly difficult to source genuine parts to repair watches. Below is the podcast.
PODCAST:
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