Join us on a journey through the intricate process of watchmaking in Yangon. It is a process steeped in Myanmar’s rich artisanal heritage and a dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship. 

At the core of every watch lies its movement – the mechanism that drives its timekeeping precision. The world of watch movements is diverse, encompassing mechanical watches, quartz watches and iWatches.

Mechanical watches use a complex series of gears, springs and escapements. They harness energy from the wearer’s movements to power the mechanism, ticking away with a rhythm that echoes centuries of watchmaking tradition. In contrast, quartz watches rely on the precise vibrations of quartz crystals to keep time. These crystals, powered by a battery, vibrate at a consistent frequency, ensuring accurate timekeeping down to the second. iWatches, synchronized with atomic clocks via GPS satellites, achieve unparalleled accuracy. Each iWatch is calibrated to within milliseconds of others worldwide. 

However, amidst the allure of digital innovation, mechanical and quartz watches continue to captivate enthusiasts with their tangible craftsmanship and timeless appeal. While Burma Watches imports their movements from Japan their production in Myanmar revolves around the meticulous art of dial creation. Here, traditional methods and local expertise converge to create watch dials that embody both heritage and innovation. 

Step into the artisan’s workshop, where raw materials transform into intricate timekeeping faces. Unlike mass-produced counterparts, these watch dials are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, preserving traditional printing methods and local craftsmanship. 

Leathersmith on 24th Street

Gold Leather Myanmar is a workshop where Ko Htoo and a collective of skilled artisans merge Italian cow leather with locally sourced silks and exotic materials like snake and ostrich. Originally a master of leathercraft, Ko Htoo’s has expanded his repertoire to include bespoke watch straps that blend luxury with local vibrancy. 

Gold Leather Myanmar imports over 100 colours of leather, allowing for a rich palette for crafting straps. Despite embracing modern influences, Ko Htoo remains rooted in traditional craftsmanship, creating pieces that resonate with both local heritage and international elegance. 

Zinc Plate Maker on 32nd Street

At New Skill, Oo Thaung Nyunt preserves a centuries-old technique to create intricate zinc dyes. Originally developed as an offshoot of lithography, zincography arrived in Myanmar during the late 19th century, bringing a new dimension to local printing craftsmanship. 

New Skill’s zinc dyes, used predominantly for wedding invitations, find new purpose in printing watch dials. Each plate undergoes meticulous etching and hand-finishing, ensuring that every detail – from numerals to indices – is faithfully replicated on the final timepiece. 

The Secretariat Workshop

At the Secretariat Workshop, you can witness the culmination of craftsmanship as Min Thaw, one of Myanmar’s few young watchmakers, meticulously assembles each Burma Watch. With a keen eye for detail, Min Thaw ensures that every component – from the movement to the dial – meets exacting standards of quality and precision. 

The dial printing process at the Secretariat Workshop departs from conventional methods. Unlike modern pad printing, which uses automated processes for efficiency, Burma Watches employ a unique manual method. Here, a latex-covered bamboo tube serves as the medium through which ink is transferred from zinc plates to watch dials. This meticulous process, reminiscent of early transfer printing techniques, underscores Burma Watches’ commitment to preserving artisanal traditions in a world increasingly dominated by automation. 

See here practical information for travelling in Myanmar.