Making time for his craft

Jutzi spent a month in Shanghai that summer, discussing watchmaking with Guo and even visiting his family. That September, Jutzi welcomed Guo to his own workshop, where the budding Chinese horologist took more than 40 classes on watchmaking techniques. It was also under Jutzi's guidance that Guo completed the moon phase skeletonized clock.

"He is a strict teacher. He pays attention to every detail related to the quality and aesthetics of a watch," says Guo.

"He is a great watchmaker who has helped me to navigate the challenges of a career in the field."

Looking ahead, Guo said that he wants to further promote China through his timepieces, which always come with elements of traditional Chinese culture. He is also planning to open his own school to teach clock and watchmaking.

Imparting his knowledge to the younger generation will likely be a breeze for the Shanghai native. Every year since 2017, an outstanding student from a vocational watchmaking high school in Switzerland attends a governmental exchange program at his workshop.

This experience, Guo says, has done wonders in quashing misconceptions.

"They used to think that Chinese watchmakers were only capable of copying the Swiss," he says.

"Here, they get to discover that we too have the same level of passion and professionalism for the craft."