Balancing Tradition, Tech, & Community

An early graduate of Patek Philippe's watchmaking program in NYC, Ricardo Baez Diaz reflects on leaving the auspices of working for a big brand behind and what it means to be a watchmaker in 2024:

I decided to take a bold step and go independent. This decision opened up a world of new opportunities but also presented significant challenges. On one hand, I now had the freedom to explore every facet of watchmaking that intrigued me, to set my own high standards of quality, and to cultivate a unique identity within the industry. This autonomy is incredibly fulfilling, especially for someone with a strong vision and a desire to innovate.

However, with this newfound freedom came the responsibility of managing all aspects of the business. I had to excel not only as a watchmaker but also in handling the administrative, marketing, and financial sides of running a workshop. The safety net of working for a big brand was gone; my success now depended entirely on my ability to attract clients, deliver exceptional work, and build a reputation from the ground up.