Timekeepers: a new documentary about timekeeping needs your support!

The Timekeepers Kickstarter project is centered around the creation of a documentary on this history of timekeeping. A few months ago, Dustin Muncy and his colleagues stared interviewing watch and clockmakers in order to gain an understanding of their profession. They soon realized they had stumbled upon a subject with a rich history. The video shown here is some of the footage they have already shot. They are looking for supporters to continue and finish the film.

The part that really struck me was their recognition this is a field in serious jeopardy. Most watch and clockmakers are in the second half of their lives and many horology schools are closing.

From the Kickstarter project page:

This documentary will be for educational purposes to hopefully spark an interest in the next generation to appreciate and even pursue horology as a career or hobby. It will be available to national organizations such as the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) and AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) to hopefully be used as a means to educate and enthuse young kids or those who have never given thought to how their watches and clocks actually work.

I can't post about every laudable Kickstarter project out there, but this one is close to my heart. As you may know, automata and clocks have a long, shared history. There are millions of beautiful antique clocks and watches in the world. If all of the clock and watchmakers disappear, what is to become of these mechanical marvels? It's not a pleasant thought.

Please consider supporting the Timekeepers documentary. They have about two weeks left and are about 1/3 of the way toward their goal. If you cannot donate, please do what you can to spread the word!

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