British School of Watchmaking Presentation Evening
The BSOW/Guild 2024 Award winner is Mark Murran, who has just completed the 1800 hour course at the Manchester School. He was presented with his award – a Cousins tool voucher – by Guild Chairman, Shuajb Berisha FBHI, at the Presentation Evening at the end of February.
Mark was born in Ireland, in county Waterford, studying Economics and Finance before joining the family’s general practice law firm. He decided to study for the law society entrance exams and qualified as a solicitor some years later, practising in the banking/finance sector for five years before making the decision to pursue horology.
‘I got interested in watches when I was around 16 /17 as they seemed just an extension of the technical things I enjoyed,’ explained Mark. ‘The more I researched, the more fascinated I
became by both the technical and the aesthetic aspects of the industry. I always loved tinkering and using my hands and the idea and history of watchmaking/horology appealed to me greatly.’
Before enrolling at the British School of Watchmaking, Mark says he bought a 6498 clone movement and a basic tool kit and with the help of some online intructions disassembled and
reassembled it until a pallet jewel came loose. Having done some minor electronics repairs previously he had some experience working on the micro scale.
Mark started his first horological role at Wakefield’s Jewellers, who retrospectively sponsored him after he had initially self-funded himself on the 1800 hour course. He says a typical day is very varied and involves servicing ladies and gents Rolex movements, mainly the 2235 and 3135 calibres at present, along with smaller examples of other variants. He is scheduled to attend Rolex Level 30 training in April, which will allow him to branch out into casework and polishing.
Mark says he finds the industry as a whole, very inspiring, particularly, its humble beginnings, the early pioneers, its industrialisation, and the men and women responsible.
He said: ‘In my home city they opened Ireland’s only Museum of Time in 2022, which houses a wonderful collection of Irish and non-Irish watches, clocks and sundials. Going there inspires me. Had it been around when I was younger I may have pursued my horological dreams sooner and I have no doubt it will inspire the next generation of future watchmakers.
‘It hosts a Festival of Time annually bringing together the best of Irish and International watchmakers all under one roof showcasing their work, swapping knowledge and importantly having a bit of craic too!’
Mark says that although he is not too au fait with clocks he would love to have a JLC Atmos Infinite on his mantel, and his dream watch (at the moment) would be Simon Brette’s Chronomètre Artisans, which he says he was lucky enough to see in the flesh and found to be both beautiful and technically very impressive.
Mark’s plan for the future is to get Rolex level 40 certified as soon as he can which will expand the number of different watches that he can service.
He adds: ‘As we are a new workshop I look forward to being part of the team as we grow our servicing offering and perhaps getting exposure to other brands.’
Guild Chairman Shuajb Berisha said: ‘I was delighted to attend the Presentation Evening and to be able to meet Mark in person and present him with his prize. I wish him all the very best for a promising career in horology.’
‘I would also like to thank Cousins UK for their continued support of the Guild’s student award scheme.’
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