Watchmaking Industry 鍾錶業

Watchmaking Trade 鍾錶業

2022

Digital painting

42cm x 59.4cm

Time is the foundation of urban development. Watchmaking Trade depicts the watchmaking scene in Hong Kong during the 1970s, when apprentices had to study under a master for a full seven years. From chores to repairing parts and finally learning the master's secrets. The master only taught the essential skills in the seventh year, fearing the apprentice might surpass him too soon.

In the work, the dial replaces Arabic numerals with Chinese zodiac hours, and incorporates elements of dates, seasons and flowers. This not only indicates the passage of time but also makes it easier for viewers to understand the clock industry in 1970.

時間，是城市發展的基石。「鐘錶業」描繪了1970年代香港的鐘錶行業景象，當時學徒須跟隨師傅學習整整七年，從打雜、修理零件到最終習得技藝，師傅擔心徒弟過早學成超越自己，所以到第七年才願意傳授秘技。

作品中，錶盤以中國地支時辰取代阿拉伯數字，並加入日期與季節花卉的元素，暗示時間流逝的同時，也让观众更容易理解1970 年的钟表行业。