In brief
In a world where time is often kept by our phones, one watch-repairman, Baba Bala, reflects on his fading craft. After decades of service, he battles against technology's rise, remembering a time when watches were essential and a source of livelihood.
Bala Muhammad's watch-repair shop in Kaduna is a remnant of the past, filled with clocks and tools that echo a lost profession. At 68, Baba Bala recalls when he used to fix over a hundred watches daily and how his father, a renowned horologist, inspired his journey. Today, however, the influx of mobile phones has drained his business, leading to days with zero customers.Despite the decline, Baba remains proud of his legacy and the skills passed down through generations. Once thriving, the industry has seen many like him retreat or abandon their crafts for new opportunities. Youngsters walking by have never owned a wristwatch, claiming their phones suffice for timekeeping.Yet, some believe there's hope for the future. Experts suggest that as smartwatches gain popularity, traditional watch-repairing might resurface. However, Baba remains skeptical and content with his role as a watch doctor, finding solace in familiar routines and family visits, as he ponders the future of wristwatches in an increasingly digital world.
