Alan Birchall: From Watch Repairer to Artisan Watchmaker in Japan

Alan Birchall, a 36-year-old watch repairer, has transitioned from repairing watches in Britain and Australia to creating his own timepieces in Japan. His journey began in early 2020 when he arrived in Japan on a working holiday visa, initially planning to work on a farm and travel. However, the COVID-19 pandemic altered his plans, leading him to meet Akari Karugane, a ceramic artist who later became his wife. Birchall now holds a Japanese spouse visa, which has facilitated his new venture into watchmaking.

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Birchall's first watch, named Pièce d’Essai No. 00 (Test Piece No. 00), is a product of over two years of meticulous work. The project began in 2023 when he acquired a secondhand Swiss milling machine, a rare find that he purchased online. He also acquired a watchmaking lathe and other essential tools from the 1970s, which were critical for his craft. Birchall emphasized that the lack of proper tools had previously hindered his ambitions, stating, “If you don’t have the correct tools, there’s nothing you can do.”

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The motivation behind Birchall's watchmaking was not initially commercial. He described his endeavor as a personal challenge, stating, “It didn’t start as a business idea... just me wanting to make a watch first.” However, he expressed interest in expanding his craft to create watches for others if the response to his work is positive. This reflects a blend of personal passion and potential entrepreneurial spirit.

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Birchall's journey highlights the intersection of personal ambition and the challenges posed by the pandemic. His experience illustrates how unforeseen circumstances can lead to new opportunities, as he adapted his life in Japan to pursue a long-held interest in watchmaking.

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While Birchall's story is largely one of personal triumph, the watchmaking industry often faces challenges related to craftsmanship and market saturation. Critics may argue that the rise of mass-produced watches could overshadow artisanal efforts like Birchall's, raising questions about the sustainability of small-scale watchmaking in a competitive market.

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• “If you don’t have the correct tools,” — Alan Birchall, Watchmaker

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• “And in Switzerland, they’re much more expensive.” — Alan Birchall, on his milling machine

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• “It didn’t start as a business idea,” — Alan Birchall, on his motivation

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As Birchall continues to refine his craft, he aims to produce more watches for customers, potentially establishing a niche in the artisanal watch market. His journey reflects a growing trend of individual artisans reclaiming traditional crafts in a modern context.

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