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Van watchmaker preserves traditional mechanical watch repair
In Van, Turkey, traditional watchmaking remains a resilient craft despite the widespread adoption of digital and battery-operated timepieces. Mehmet İnsel, a watchmaker in the İpekyolu district, has spent over 40 years maintaining his family business, specializing in the repair and maintenance of mechanical, automatic, and analog watches.
Insel notes that while digital watches are common, they are often non-repairable and are discarded when they fail, much like mobile phones. In contrast, mechanical watches—including pocket watches and wall clocks—continue to attract collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts due to their intricate craftsmanship.
However, the profession faces a significant challenge regarding its future. İnsel expresses concern that the younger generation is less interested in pursuing such labor-intensive trades, noting a lack of apprentices willing to commit to the patience and effort required for the craft.
Entities
Mehmet İnsel · Van · İpekyolu
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Repair processes vary depending on the watch type, with battery replacement, repair, and maintenance requiring different levels of effort. www.karsmanset.com · www.haberport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mehmet İnsel has been practicing the watchmaking profession inherited from his father for over 40 years. www.vanhabergazetesi.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] There is a lack of a new generation willing to learn and continue the profession of watchmaking. www.karsmanset.com · www.haberport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Digital watches are generally not repairable and are discarded when broken, similar to mobile phones. www.karsmanset.com · www.haberport.com