There are very few people like Philip Wirsching 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 Wirsching.
Total Length: 01:30 Views: 6,723 Comments: 3 Favorited: 0 Rating: 5 Votes: 3
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antique - phil whirshing - timepieces - clocks - wind
Living - Hobbies & Collections, Relationships, Living, Money, Technology, GB Topics - The Way It Was, GB Topics - Unforgettable Characters, Relationships - Family, Money - Career, Technology - Gadgets
wind - clocks - phil whirshing - antique - timepieces
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Ticktockdocgrandson
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Posted 4:02pm May 30th, 2010My name is David Wirsching. Phil is my late grandfather. He indeed loved clocks, he had many in his house, and i have watched him repair a few before he retired from it due to arthritis. He passed away early this year, and i hope that at some point he can look down and see people remembering him not just for his skill in clock making and repair, but in other aspects of his life.
Pop-pop you will always be loved and remembered. RIP
joemarshall
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Posted 12:13pm 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
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Posted 7:32pm April 16th, 2009Very nice, certainly an interesting and dedicated craftsman.
Does he repair clocks for a living? If so how can he be contacted.