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Watchmaker Crafts First Timepiece After Pandemic Journey

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Alan Birchall, a watch repairer with over ten years’ experience in Britain and Australia, crafted his first watch, Pièce d’Essai No. 00, after two years.
He began the journey in 2020 by moving to Japan on a working holiday visa.
The pandemic delayed his plans after which he met his wife Akari Karugane.
Birchall acquired a rare Swiss milling machine and other tools to pursue watchmaking.

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Story summary

Alan Birchall, a watch repairer with over ten years’ experience in Britain and Australia, crafted his first watch, Pièce d’Essai No. 00, after two years.
He began the journey in 2020 by moving to Japan on a working holiday visa.
The pandemic delayed his plans after which he met his wife Akari Karugane.
Birchall acquired a rare Swiss milling machine and other tools to pursue watchmaking.