In brief
Once flourishing, his business now suffers as younger generations choose smartphones over traditional wristwatches, threatening a family legacy of craftsmanship.
In the heart of Kaduna, Nigeria, the rhythmic ticking of clocks fills Bala Muhammad's modest watch-repair shop. This time-honored establishment is reminiscent of a bygone era, complete with an array of clocks on the walls and tables cluttered with tools and watches awaiting repair. For decades, Bala, affectionately known as Baba Bala, has dedicated his life to this craft, a skill passed down to him from his father. However, due to the rising prevalence of mobile phones, the 68-year-old has watched his once-thriving business dwindle."I used to handle over 100 repair jobs in a single day," he reminisces, recalling the peak of his career. Yet, in recent years, he has experienced days where not a single customer enters his shop. The dependence on smartphones for timekeeping has gradually eroded the need for traditional watches, leaving Baba Bala concerned about the continuation of the craft he loves.Reflecting on the past, he acknowledges how his skills enabled him to support his family and build a home. His father, a renowned horologist, traveled across West Africa, repairing watches and fostering connections that helped create a legacy. Baba Bala's expertise was honed from an early age, with memories of making pocket money as a young boy fixing watches for classmates. In Kaduna, the landscape of watch repair has drastically changed. Once a vibrant hub for watchmakers, many of his colleagues have either passed away or abandoned the profession due to dwindling demand. "I don't believe wristwatches will ever regain their former popularity," says retired repairer Isa Sani, reflecting the sentiments of many in the trade.Modern youths, such as Faisal Abdulkarim and Yusuf Yusha'u, express a disinterest in traditional watches. For them, the convenience of checking the time on their phones suffices. However, some experts, including Dr. Umar Abdulmajid, suggest that while conventional watches may be declining, the rise of smartwatches offers a potential resurgence for the industry, demanding that older artisans adapt to new technologies.Despite the challenges, Baba Bala remains steadfast. He chooses not to explore smartwatches and continues to cherish his work. His dedication is mirrored by the unwavering support of his family, who frequently visit him at the shop. Yet, as he spends his days listening to the radio, enjoying local news, he grapples with the reality of an industry in decline.Baba Bala's youngest son, Al-Ameen, shows an interest in learning the craft, but his father encourages him to pursue a different path—flying. As the older generation winds down and the world around them shifts, the family's legacy teeters on the edge, highlighting both the beauty and fragility of traditional craftsmanship in the face of modernity.
