In brief
Bala Muhammad, known as Baba Bala, reflects on a fading craft that once thrived amid technological changes.
In the heart of Kaduna, Nigeria, the rhythmic ticking of watches fills the air inside Baba Muhammad's intimate watch-repair shop, a space that serves as a nostalgic reminder of the artisan craftsmanship that has dramatically transformed over the decades. Commonly referred to as Baba Bala, the 68-year-old watchmaker finds himself at the intersection of tradition and advancement, with his once-crowded shop now often echoing silence.Baba Bala recounts his early days, when his business saw over a hundred watch repairs in a day. "I could hardly keep up," he reminisces, but today, the reality is starkly different. Many of his former customers have turned to mobile phones to tell time, significantly diminishing the need for traditional watches. "Some days I see no customers," he laments, stating that the convenience of modern technology now overshadows his once-bustling trade.His family's tradition in watchmaking began over fifty years ago, bearing the legacy of his father, a renowned horologist who traversed West Africa repairing timepieces. His father taught him the intricacies of the craft, which Baba Bala eagerly embraced from the age of ten. At that young age, repairing watches not only captured his interest but also provided him with disposable income during his schooling.While he recalls the days when watches were as essential as clothing in Nigeria, he observes a decline in interest. Many have abandoned their watches in his shop, never to return for them. As market demand shifted, local competitor Isa Sani, once a faithful watch-repairer, turned to farming for sustenance after ceasing his business in 2019, recognizing the changing landscape.Younger generations, such as Faisal Abdulkarim and Yusuf Yusha'u, have never felt the need to own watches; checking the time on their phones is enough. Yet, Dr. Umar Abdulmajid, an academic, suggests that while traditional watches may be fading, the rise of smartwatches could signify a potential revival in repair services, hence urging seasoned watchmakers to adapt to new technologies.Baba Bala expresses no interest in changing his specialty. For him, watch repairing is more than just a job; it's a passion akin to being a physician to "sick wristwatches." Daily, he finds solace in his radio, filling the gaps left by dwindling customer interactions. His determination is unwavering, sustaining the hope that the art will continue to have a place in the world, despite the technological changes around him.Even as his shop stands quiet, his family remains supportive; his children are influenced by their father's commitment, with his youngest son Al-Ameen showing an interest in the craft. Nevertheless, Baba Bala encourages him to aspire beyond watch repair, aiming for a career as a pilot, resonating with the family's tradition of exploration and growth.As Baba Bala opens his shop every day, he embodies the spirit of persistence in a changing world, cherishing the ticking of time and the legacy of his craft.
