The Guild/BCU award winner for 2024 is Meichel Wright, who received a £500 Cousins tool voucher for the highest achievement in clock and watch servicing, final year. He received his prize from Rebecca Van Rooijen at the School of Jewellery’s Presentation Evening on 13 June.
Meichel (24), who says he has always excelled at STEM subjects and had a real interest in making/designing, had initially planned to start a career within the automotive industry with Honda, however due to Brexit, they stopped all manufacturing in the UK and closed down the Swindon plant. He spent the next year figuring out which career path to take with very limited physical work experience due to the worldwide lockdowns.
He explains: ‘It was important to me that I found something I really enjoyed, as I feel too many people jump into university/apprenticeship/jobs and end up realising it’s not for them. I spent the majority of my time online looking at various industries, researching what was involved and how to begin. Horology really appealed to me as I liked the fact that one person could be involved in every single stage of the product – from design theory, prototype design, to physically manufacturing and assembling to passing the client their own watch, all made by you… and with such an important history too – it was ticking every box!
‘I started my thee year BA Horology Course in 2021 and it was split up into three main types of modules: Theoretical – understanding design theory, business plans, history and ethical practices; Practical – hand making things, testing skills and putting the theory to practice; Service – how to deal with clients, efficient work environment, difference in tooling, again testing skills and putting the theory to practice.
Meichel added: ‘The final year is a showcase of all the knowledge you have built up; 50% is a service module and you have to showcase a range of watches and techniques (or clocks, or both depending on module selection). The other half is the Major Project module where you have to create a horological object. Due to the machinery readily available at the school, the majority of students make a clock.’
During his time at Birmingham, Meichel received three awards from the George Daniel Trust for his continuous high achievements Meichel’s final year project.
Meichel is pictured receiving his award from Rebecca van Rooijen, an independent jewellery, silverware and allied crafts professional. on the course. He also spent six weeks working at Richemont Watch Group in London and was invited to Roger Smith’s work shop to meet the team. The completion of his Bracket Clock movement, case and dial (see pictures below) was another high light, along with a Breitling Top Time 7730 restoration.
Meichel was also awarded a prize for the Best Service Module and Best Overall Student on the degree course.
He says his inspiration in the early days came from Roger Smith, who directed him to the horology course at Birmingham when he was unsure how he could afford horological training. Meichel met him several times during the course of his studies.
‘Roger really is flying the flag for the whole UK watch industry, aiming to put it back on the map,’ he said. ‘I very much hope I can be a part of that journey.’
Meichel also greatly admires George Daniels and Christopher Ward, who supports the BCU course.
‘I have real respect for everyone on my course and hope to see them again. Horology is a small world.’
Meichel secured a watchmaker’s position with Hugh Rice Jewellers in North Yorkshire, while still completing his studies and started is new job in June.
He adds: ‘They are partnered with Rolex and I have just been selected as one of four in the UK to get a place on the Rolex After-Sales Service Watchmaker Program, which will be starting in September.’
Apart from horology, Meichel enjoys playing Futsal (indoor football) and also mountaineering. He completed the Three Peaks Challenge in winter. He also still has his love for automobiles and says if he could have any timepiece, cost no object, he would choose a Rolex Day-Date 40, Oyster 40mm, yellow gold with a green dial.
He adds: ‘When I was younger, I never understood why people bought really expensive cars. Everyone does the same speed limit right? This was until I started driving. My perceptions changed and I understood it. The same goes for watches. While I still love my Casio, now I am part of the industry I appreciate it more, I understand the history behind it and the time it took to get here. Rolex to me is epitome of watches. I am very competitive, I try to be the best in whatever I do. I feel like I relate to brand. The full day/date is just very clean but simple, paired with the Oyster case there isn’t much more I could ask for!’
bcu.ac.uk