Crafting Time

A conversation with master watchmaker Dr Rebecca Struthers, the first person in the UK to earn a PhD in horology

- Anandhi Gopinath

In watchmaking, Dr Rebecca Struthers and her husband, Craig, are a dynamic duo that defies convention and breathes life into the timeless art of horology. With a PhD in horology from Birmingham City University, Rebecca boasts a deep understanding of the intricate mechanics of timepieces while her husband brings an artistic touch to their collaborative efforts.

Together, they helm a workshop, Struthers Watchmakers, that not only stands as a testament to their shared vision but also as a bridge between tradition and innovation. While restoring watches remains the core business, Struthers Watchmakers is also considered one of the world’s most fascinating bespoke ateliers, with three tailor-made collections: The Carter pocket watch, The Kingsley classic wristwatch, and The Kelso octagonal wristwatch. The husband and wife team is also currently working on their own movement, Project 248, that will feature an improved version of the English lever escapement.

What sets Rebecca apart is not only her impressive education—she recently released her first book, Hands of Time, a Watchmaker’s History of Time—but also her ability to stand out in the historically male-centric domain by balancing technical expertise with a thoughtful and insightful understanding of history, the arts, and craftsmanship.

Her workshop is a symbol of breaking barriers and embracing diversity in an industry known for its exclusivity. It is a place where dreams take shape, where stereotypes are challenged, and where the future of horology is reimagined.

In this exclusive interview with Tatler, she describes her serendipitous start in the business, her unique contribution to the industry, and the role women and gender play in haute horlogerie.

What led you to embark on a journey into watchmaking?