Growing up in a rapidly digitizing world, I have always been fascinated with purely mechanical objects, especially mechanical watches. Something about simple springs and gears combining to accomplish a task as abstract and complicated as tracking the passage of time is deeply compelling. I treated my very first watch, a neon orange and blue Mickey Mouse chronograph, like the Ark of the Covenant, polishing and cleaning the crystal obsessively and I have carried that with me ever since.
Slowly over the years I have unveiled the shroud of time-keeping's mystery through Physics classes where I’ve learned about simple harmonic motion, and how the concept applied to the balance in a timepiece, along with other principles in practice like constant-torque mainsprings and energy dissipation in escapements. However, understanding the basics did not quench my curiosity, so I began to investigate the unique combination of incredible low tolerance engineering with meticulous and painstaking hand-crafted artistry.
You see, the physics behind mechanical watches is cool and all, but it’s not what draws me to them (as evidenced by my physics grades!) Watchmaking is one of the few remaining bastions where craftsmanship and beauty reign supreme over the efficiency of a product. At the end of the day, you could make the most accurate, precise watch in the world, but if looking at it doesn't spark curiosity and joy, no one would buy it (or I certainly wouldn't).
So to explore the intersection of art and engineering first hand, I interned at The Watchmaker in Stoneham under a watchmaker with decades of experience. I saw my mentor, Steve, treat every watch that came across his workbench as if it was the most cherished item on earth, taking it apart under a microscopic lens (a loupe), gently lubricating each jewel with an oiler no thicker than a strand of hair. Shadowing him, I deepened my appreciation for craftsmanship itself, and I practiced the human element of these mechanical marvels.
By the end of my first internship with the Watchmaker, Steve gave me an old, scuffed Oris with a bright red dial that grabbed my eyes. Over the course of a few visits I took it apart and cleaned and replaced anything that needed fixing. By the time it was on my wrist, I felt that it was truly mine, despite the fact that someone else had worn it for thirty years before me.
That feeling of creating something beautiful, practical, but most importantly, personal, is the spark I hope to capture in the essence of Padona. We want every watch made on our customizer to take you through the emotion of building a timepiece that evokes a memory, creates joy, or represents who you are.
Some people express themselves as an individual or as part of a bigger culture through how they dress or talk. We hope that you find an ineffable moment beyond just timekeeping within each watch we hand make for you.
With love and gratitude,
Aadi