A passionate watchmaker

In a world where time often feels borrowed and never quite one’s own, Pakistan’s first female watchmaker has learned to claim it - second by second, gear by gear.

Isra Arif didn’t set out to become a watchmaker originally. Once an editor poring over manuscripts and magazine layouts, she spent her days measuring deadlines, not dials. But somewhere between the pages and the pressure, she realised she was craving a quieter craft - one that required precision, patience, and passion. Horology, the centuries-old science of timekeeping, offered her all three.

In a field both niche and heavily gendered, Isra’s entrance wasn’t merely a career pivot - it was a quiet act of rebellion. Watchmaking in Pakistan has long been the domain of men, passed down in workshops cloaked in oil, dust, and tradition. Female hands weren’t expected at the workbench - let alone celebrated. But Isra knew better than to wait for permission.

“I didn’t want to be a first,” she says, “but I also didn’t want to ask. So I just started.”

Her story is one of craft, but also of courage. Of redefining what it means to be a woman not just working, but working with her hands - creating, repairing, breathing new life into machines designed to measure something as abstract as time. She now balances between two forms of storytelling: one ink-bound, the other steel-wound. Both, in their own way, are legacies. This week, Isra Arif, Pakistan’s first female watchmaker, shares her journey with our readers. Read on...

You! You’ve had quite an unconventional career path - from editorial work to becoming Pakistan’s first female watchmaker. How did you make this leap?

Isra Arif: It’s definitely been a unique journey, and honestly, it wasn’t a straight path at all. I started out in journalism - working in editorial at some great publications. But after a few years, I started to feel this sense of burnout.

Journalism can be incredibly fast-paced, and at that time, I found myself longing for something slower, something more tangible. That’s when I stumbled upon watchmaking.

It wasn’t something I planned or dreamt about growing up. In fact, I hadn’t even considered it until I came across some watchmaking content online during the COVID-19 lockdown.

I was fascinated by the idea that a single watch could have so many delicate parts working in harmony intrigued me. It’s like time is held together by invisible threads. That’s when I knew I had to learn more. I enrolled in the British Horological Institute for formal training, and haven’t looked back since then.

You! Can you explain what horology is and what it encompasses?

IA: Quite simply, horology is the perfect amalgamation of precision engineering, creativity and history. The purpose is to measure time in the most accurate manner possible, but you can truly get to see history and technological advancements throughout the course of time.

You! What did your horology training involve, and how did it shape your view of the craft?

IA: The training was comprehensive, covering everything from the mechanics of timepieces to sourcing materials and long-term care. We also learned about watch history and how craftsmanship and technology blend together.

What stuck with me was the emphasis on precision and patience. Every detail matters - one misplaced gear can ruin the entire mechanism. It made me see watchmaking as more than just a trade; it’s an art. Over time, it became a personal journey, where I learned to fix watches, to understand and interpret time itself.

You! Was there a defining moment you knew this craft was for you?

IA: Yes - during my bench test at WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program). I’d always admired watches, but that was the first time I truly felt like a watchmaker. The challenge, the precision, and the tools - it didn’t intimidate me. It felt like home. Passing that test was confirmation that this was exactly where I belonged.

You! How did your family react to your career choice?

IA: They were proud, surprised, and a little concerned. Watchmaking isn’t a typical path, especially for a woman in Pakistan. My father was incredibly supportive, and my husband even made big sacrifices so I could pursue this dream. While there was some scepticism, I never saw it as a conflict - I saw it as a chance to change the narrative.

You! Many people see watchmaking as a craft from a bygone era. Do you think there is still space and a future for you in this field?

IA: While watchmaking is often seen as outdated with the rise of smart watches, that’s what makes it unique. Despite technological advances, mechanical watches still hold their value. The artistry and craftsmanship are things technology can’t replace. People still invest in high-end watches because of the precision and story behind them. For me, watchmaking is about blending tradition with innovation. As long as people appreciate craftsmanship, this industry will always have a future.

You! Did you face any challenges, especially since this field is still relatively new for women in Pakistan?

IA: It was both exciting and challenging. I was learning a completely new skill, and there was a lot of self-doubt. I’ve always wanted to do things well, so starting from scratch was daunting. Being a woman in a male-dominated field added its own challenges. Watchmaking in Pakistan is traditionally passed down from father to son, and I often faced scepticism when buying tools or seeking guidance. But the turning point came when I decided not to let that stop me. I worked harder to prove that my skills and passion weren’t defined by my gender, and in the process, I found strength and resilience.

You! Starting a watchmaking business must have been tough. What were the first steps, and what challenges did you face?

IA: The initial challenge was learning the technical aspects of watchmaking while also grasping the business side, including marketing, branding, sourcing, and operations. I started with repairs, especially for vintage watches, which helped build my reputation while keeping costs low.

The biggest obstacle was the lack of resources - tools were hard to find, and shipping them in was costly. There’s also limited awareness about horology here, so educating people on the value of quality timepieces was tough. Plus, many doubted a woman could succeed in this field, but my work spoke for itself. Word-of-mouth helped, and soon, I was designing my own watches.

You! How do you approach the design of your own watches? Are there specific elements you always include in your designs?

IA: Designing watches is my favourite part of the job. I see each one as a personal statement, blending classic styles with a modern twist. I love minimalism because it lets the craftsmanship shine, but I also want each watch to tell a unique story.

Symbolism is key for me - whether through materials, colours, or the dial layout. For instance, I recently used black and gold to symbolise strength and elegance. These details make a watch functional; they make it meaningful.

I also draw inspiration from Pakistani culture - our art, craftsmanship, and architecture. I want to showcase the beauty of our heritage on a global stage.

You! What would a Pakistan-inspired watch designed by you look like?

IA: It would blend culture, craft, and resilience. The dial would have Mughal-style patterns, the numerals inspired by Urdu or ajrak motifs. I’d engrave K2 on the back - our symbol of strength. And for the strap, handcrafted camel leather or Peshawari chappal stitching to keep it proudly local.

You! What’s something fascinating about luxury watches most people don’t know?

IA: The craftsmanship behind the scenes is incredible. Even hidden parts - like screws or bridges - are hand-finished using techniques like ‘anglage’ and ‘perlage’. Anglage is when the edges of parts like bridges and gears are polished to create smooth, angled surfaces, reducing friction and improving performance. Perlage is a decorative technique where tiny circular patterns are engraved on the parts inside the watch, both enhancing its beauty and durability. And the hairspring, thinner than a strand of hair, quietly keeps time with breath-taking precision. It’s like a beating heart that most never see, but it’s what makes the watch truly alive.

You! Why do you think people form such emotional bonds with luxury watches?

IA: Because they are objects that carry memories. People mark life milestones with them, pass them down, and build stories around them. In a fast, digital world, a mechanical watch offers something rare: permanence, meaning, and the quiet beauty of human touch.

You! What inspired you to start training other women in horology?

IA: My own experience inspired this. When I started, there were few women in the field, and I had no role models. It was isolating at times, and I didn’t want other women to face the same struggles. As a mother and the only female in my class, I want to show the next generation that there are no limits to what they can achieve, even in fields where they’ve never seen someone like them. By building a supportive environment, we can change how horology is viewed in Pakistan – focusing on skill and passion, not gender.

You! If you had to describe your personality as a type of watch, what would it be?

IA: I’d say my personality is like a finely crafted mechanical watch - precise, disciplined, and built on patience. I value detail and resilience, but I also push boundaries and step into the unexpected. Like a tourbillon, I adapt and keep moving, no matter the challenge. I’m not just modern or classic – I’m a mix of both: rooted in tradition, but always evolving.

You! Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

IA: In five years, I see myself running my own watch brand, recognised both in Pakistan and internationally. I want to create a collection that blends modern elegance with our cultural heritage. I also hope to build a strong community of confident female watchmakers, breaking barriers in technical and creative fields. Ultimately, I want to inspire other women to pursue careers in industries they might not have considered and show that with passion, anything is possible.

The writer is a subeditor at You! Magazine. She can be reached at wallia_khairi@hotmail.com