JEDDAH: Saudi watchmaker Abdulrahman Al-Zahrani was interested in watches at a young age and is now one of the first Saudis to enter the world of watchmaking, driven by his passion for his craft.
His journey into the watch industry began while working for a company representing Longines. The lack of skilled watchmakers in the local area made him interested in exploring this field.
Al-Zahrani, 29, told Arab News that his love of taking things apart and his childhood dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer were the foundations for his career as a watchmaker.
Abdulrahman al-Zahrani says his childhood dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer was the foundation for his career as a watchmaker. (With information)
“In a field where most people are in, I ventured into watch repair with a strong ambition to challenge convention and pave the way for Saudi Arabia’s representatives,” he said.
Inspired by the transformative Saudi Vision 2030 and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s drive for Saudis to succeed, Al-Zahrani is determined to challenge the odds and carve out a niche for himself in the watchmaking world.
His time working as a maintenance technician at Rolex was a pivotal moment in his career. The experience afforded him by Rolex, renowned for its unrivaled craftsmanship, allowed him to develop his skills and become the first Saudi Arabian watch engineer and the first from the Middle East.
highLight
• The experience gained at Rolex further enhanced Al-Zahrani's skills and made him not only the first Saudi watch engineer, but also the first from the Middle East.
• Training under experienced engineers and courses in Switzerland were turning points in his career, sharpening his technical acumen and improving his craft.
“I am very grateful for where I am now because the precision and expertise I learned at Rolex have become the foundation for my future work,” he said.
Al-Zahrani has faced many challenges in his career, including battling misconceptions about the skilled work involved in watchmaking. However, his strong spirit and thirst for knowledge pushed him forward. “My determination and passion helped me master this work,” he says.
Training under experienced engineers and courses in Switzerland was a turning point in his career, sharpening his technical skills and elevating his craft. Earning two prestigious Swiss certifications in watchmaking engineering marked the beginning of a new chapter in his distinguished career.
“When I started working in this field, I only had a high school diploma and took courses in English and computer skills. In my search, I found that there were no Saudis in the watchmaking industry, so I decided to learn and became the first Saudi watchmaker,” he said.
Al-Zahrani said watch maintenance is a profession passed down from generation to generation of watchmakers, rather than being taught in universities.
“I was lucky enough to have top watch brands like Longines, Rolex and Patek Philippe offer training courses,” he says. “It was a big step for me, especially since I hadn’t graduated yet, but it was a valuable experience at a young age.”
Al-Zahrani is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Management from Midocean University in the United Arab Emirates.
Al-Zahrani’s hope is to create a Saudi watch brand that can compete internationally, reflecting his broad vision.
“Apart from the many industry and specific events happening in the Kingdom right now, my main goal is to provide the best international products and services,” he explains. “These offers can significantly increase the accuracy, quality and efficiency that are superior to other brands. I invite government and private agencies, as well as businessmen who are interested in supporting or joining this project, to contact me.”
By supporting innovation, education and professional design, he sees Saudi Arabia becoming a “luxury watchmaking powerhouse”.
“My dream is to showcase our rich heritage and excellent craftsmanship on a world stage,” he said.
Al=Zahrani says that several factors go into making a watch and maintaining it perfectly. “Mental, physical and mental health are important. Adequate rest, sleep and exercise can greatly improve concentration and precision,” he says. “Mastery of watchmaking requires meticulous attention to detail, patience and a steady hand.”
When a maintenance manager from a renowned global watch brand noticed his passion for his work, he signed Al-Zahrani up for a special training program: “This training course was conducted by Longines Global Maintenance Director Julien Bochent.
“I expressed my interest in this field and asked for a chance to prove myself. He agreed, gave me a chance, and I completed the course.”
After completing the course, Al-Zahrani was gifted with a toolbox and a premium set of tools designed for managers. “It was one of the happiest moments in my life. He welcomed me with warmth, respect and gratitude and gave me the opportunity to shine in the world of watches.”
Al-Zahrani speaks on the importance of being passionate about your work: “When you love what you do, creativity flows and boredom becomes a fading memory. Every day, we experience new discoveries and continuous learning.
“Every hour is a story, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The important thing is to do what you love, because passion drives creativity and innovation.”
Thinking ahead, he said he would like to set up a luxury watch maintenance center in Saudi Arabia.
His message to young people reflects the sense that pursuing a dream, no matter how out of the ordinary, can lead to unparalleled success and fulfillment: “The passion and love I have for this profession is endless.”
