Welcome to Skeptic Time, a blog curated by one disenchanted watch enthusiast, meant for another. Readers can expect an exposition and discussion of issues with modern watchmaking as an industry and an art, the philosophy and design considerations that dictate it, and the watches, few and far between, that truly embody the values which once were ubiquitous within horology – originality, innovation and engineering excellence.

An imaginative person by nature, I can’t help but feel that the industry has fundamentally failed its consumers. Dwindling commercial interest in anything against manufacturing and marketability standards set during early globalisation can only have harmed the industry. As in most artistic fields today, we are witnessing capitalism and corporate greed choke creativity in exchange for profits. Indeed, this shift may open the market to more buyers by lowering costs, but the question remains – in doing so, have we stifled true ingenuity within the art?

In the weeks, months and years to come, I will offer my personal philosophy surrounding both design and the timekeeping device, as well as any thoughts and theses I can reasonably link to my cause. My writing will often neglect to discuss the technical design of the mechanical watch, but the curious reader will find that Bartosz Ciechanowski’s blog does an excellent job of explaining the complexity in simple terms.

I truly hope you enjoy engaging with my thoughts, and any number of likeminded individuals, happy reading!