Muzaffer Yürütücü warns watch repair trade fading as smart watches and e‑commerce rise

Muzaffer Yürütücü, a third‑generation watchmaker who has run a 90‑year‑old shop in Bursa and later in Eskişehir, says the traditional watch‑repair business is in steep decline. He attributes the drop in demand to the widespread adoption of digital and smart watches, which require only battery or strap changes, and to cheap, short‑lived watches that replace durable mechanical pieces.

Yürütücü also points to the growth of online sellers who can offer lower prices without the overhead of rent and taxes, making it harder for small artisans to compete. He notes a lack of apprentices willing to learn the craft, rising material costs, and that many customers now prefer inexpensive, disposable watches. He urges consumers to support local small businesses to keep the trade alive.