There are very few people like Phil Wirshing left. His skills just aren't in great demand anymore. But they used to be.
There was a time, not long ago, where a clockmaker was one of the most important artisans in any community.
Timepieces were not only tools, they were functional works of art.
Accuracy required delicate craftsmanship, intuition, creativity and patience.
Today, a clockmaker has a bit of a different role. They are the only ones who can keep antique timepieces alive.
If parts exist, they are usually scarce. Many times, the clockmaker will have to craft his own.
Today, clockmakers focus on preservation and restoration. Their dwindling numbers make people like Phil more and more valuable.
As you watch this story, pay particular attention not just to what you see, but to what you hear.
Telling time used to be aural as well as visual. The sound of each clock was as different and unique as a fingerprint.
Now, the personalities of each clockmaker are just as distinct. We know you'll enjoy this look at Phil Wirshing.
Total Length: 01:30 Views: 254 Comments: 2 Favorited: 0 Rating: 4 Votes: 1
Channels
Relationships
Living
Money
Technology
Relationships - Family
Money - Career
Technology - Gadgets
Living - Hobbies & Collections
GB Topics - The Way It Was
GB Topics - Unforgettable Characters
Tags
clocks - timepieces - wind - antique - phil whirshing

digg
del.ici.ous








joemarshall
- » view
- » report
Posted 12:13 pm April 22nd, 2009The article description states that "His skills just aren't in great demand anymore". This is completely inaccurate. Clockmakers that are competent and make the general public aware of their services generally have service backlogs of six, nine or even twelve months. That means that they are so busy that if you bring your clock to them for repair, the soonest they will have time to repair it is at least half a year from now. That is indicative of a skillset that is in high demand!! Even the first comment that was posted here was asking how to contact the subject of the video - presumably so his clockmaking skills could be used.
The author of this page might consider doing a bit of objective research. Once that is done, perhaps a change in the description will be in order.
Bobk
- » view
- » report
Posted 7:32 pm April 16th, 2009Very nice, certainly an interesting and dedicated craftsman.
Does he repair clocks for a living? If so how can he be contacted.