Journey of a watchmaker: Interview with Ruben Lally

In this series, we delve into the world of watchmaking with some of our in-house experts, who explain how they came to work in the industry and share valuable insights on their craft. Here we speak to 26-year-old watchmaker Ruben, who has recently taken on a new role at our state-of-the-art Service Centre and showroom on London’s prestigious Old Bond Street. Ruben explains how his passion for collecting watches as a teenager led to him learning his craft at one of Europe’s largest Rolex Authorised Service Centres.

Could you tell us how you became a watchmaker?

I studied mechanical engineering in Manchester before I explored watchmaking. Fortunately, the city had a few service centres, including the Watches of Switzerland National Watch Service Centre, one of the largest Rolex Authorised Service Centres in Europe. I started there as a technician and was selected for an intensive year-long course at the British School of Watchmaking. It was challenging but rewarding, and I qualified with strong technical skills. I’ve now been working as a watchmaker for four years.

Recently, I moved to the Rolex Boutique on Old Bond Street in London, which has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a world-class showroom and Service Centre, and I’m excited to continue my development here.

What initially sparked your interest in watchmaking?

I started collecting watches when I was 18, and at one point I must have had at least 20 watches! I realised they needed maintenance, and the more I researched the mechanical side of watches, the more fascinated I became. Watchmaking felt like a skill that aligned with my engineering background, especially the precision and craftsmanship involved, so that’s when I applied.

Are people ever surprised when you tell them your profession?

Yes, but with the watch industry growing so rapidly, I think there’s a renewed appreciation for fine timepieces and the expertise behind them. I think some people assume it’s all done by machines, but a lot of watchmaking is still done by hand. I think that’s why the Old Bond Street Service Centre is so special – people can watch us working on their watches in real time.

Have you faced any challenges in your career?

Being watched while you work was one of the biggest challenges for me. While I was training, I found it difficult to keep a steady hand if I was being watched. I’d be fine until I noticed someone watching, then my hands would start shaking! But, with confidence and experience, I’ve learned to focus, and it doesn’t bother me anymore.

What do you consider the most complex aspect of your current role?

Problem-solving. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects, but also probably the hardest. No matter how experienced you are, there will always be instances when the watch just doesn’t perform as expected. You’re constantly learning in this career.

What does a typical day at the Bond Street Service Centre look like for you?

At the moment, I’m servicing movements, disassembling, making sure they are clean and have the right amount of oil, and putting them back together. I also have a weekly video call with an expert from Rolex, and they introduce a new process to me. I am also currently undergoing my Rolex training, which will qualify me to work on Datejust pieces and other classic Rolex models.

What qualities do you believe are essential for someone aspiring to become a watchmaker?

Above all else – patience! Ninety per cent of mistakes occur when you’re trying to rush to get something finished before the end of the day. Rather than rushing, it’s better to work at your own pace, making sure you’re able to maintain the high standard of quality in your work.

I would also say perseverance. As watchmaking has become so popular, it’s now highly competitive to get onto training courses to achieve accreditations, so you need to persist to progress.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the industry?

If you're starting out, I highly recommend looking into the Rolex training course or applying at a Rolex Authorised Service Centre. Working alongside experienced watchmakers at a service centre taught me a lot and was a great way to build skills.

Another great option is the WOSTEP course through the British School of Watchmaking. It's designed for those with little or no background in the field, and by the end you'll be a fully qualified watchmaker. Both the Rolex and WOSTEP programs are excellent first steps into the profession.

As a younger watchmaker, do you perceive any shifts or innovations that are shaping the future of the industry?

Watchmaking is an established industry with very long traditions, but it's constantly evolving with new technologies and movements. There's always something to learn, even for seasoned professionals. As a younger watchmaker, I’ve found we often bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving. While it’s important to learn from experienced colleagues, don’t be afraid to share innovative ideas.

Finally, is there one thing you would like more people to know about watchmaking?

People often think they lack the dexterity or patience for the job, but these are skills you can learn. While some are naturally gifted, most people can improve with practice. If you have the desire to learn, are genuinely interested in the industry and are willing to put in the hours, you can find your place in watchmaking.