THE TRAINING CENTER

Mr. Gerontopoulos, how did your path in the watchmaking world start?

My career began from a deep fascination with precision and the artistry behind watchmaking. As a child, I was captivated by the movements of timepieces and the beauty hidden in their smallest details. What truly inspired my professional journey, however, was a close family friend, D.V.K., to whom I remain deeply grateful. His influence helped transform my passion into a lifelong vocation.

You recently joined the Rolex Service Center in Sofia – what is your role there?

It was a great honor when, a few months ago, I was invited to join the team of Besha SJSC, the official Rolex representative in Sofia. As an external collaborator, I serve as Technical Director & Consultant, entrusted with organizing and upgrading the new service department and providing ongoing training to watchmakers according to Rolex’s demanding standards.

What was the first lesson you learned about working on a Rolex watch?

The first lesson was realizing that, although a watch is a lifeless object, a Rolex is engineered with such refinement and balance that it almost feels alive. Every component carries the philosophy, discipline, and heritage of those who designed it. Working on a Rolex means upholding a tradition of precision and reliability. Very early on, I understood that every action — no matter how small — influences the “life” of the mechanism. This insight shaped my entire career: watchmaking is not just a technical task; it is a dialogue between human craftsmanship and mechanical perfection.

Rolex is known for its meticulous standards. Which part of the craft still amazes you, even after years in the field?

Even after 24 years repairing Rolex movements and 12 years teaching the art of watchmaking, I am still amazed by the uncompromising attention to detail in every element of their construction. Each component, however small, is designed to work in perfect harmony with the rest. As an instructor, conveying this philosophy is both the greatest challenge and the most rewarding part of teaching: helping trainees see the movement not as a set of parts, but as a living structure defined by precision and respect. That sense of mechanical perfection never loses its impact.

Is there a particular component or mechanism inside a Rolex that you love teaching about — something that feels like the “heart” of the watch?

The system I enjoy teaching most is the escapement and the entire regulating organ. To me, this is the essence of watchmaking — the point where stored energy becomes controlled, measurable motion. The escapement is where the watch “breathes,” precisely releasing and distributing the stored energy to the regulating organ. And of course, the true heart of the movement is the balance wheel. Its oscillation sets the rhythm of time, transforming pure mechanics into something almost artistic. Together, the escapement and the balance form the soul of the watch.

In an increasingly digital world, people are still fascinated by craftsmanship in the mechanical timepieces. How do you explain that?

Smartwatches bring convenience and new digital capabilities, but they do not replace the timeless value of mechanical timepieces — they complement it. A mechanical watch represents human skill, tradition, and the mastery of miniature engineering. It is not simply a device but a piece of heritage that can be passed down through generations. In a world ruled by speed and software updates, mechanical watchmaking reminds us of the enduring beauty of precision, craftsmanship, and the human touch.

What qualities make someone truly suited for a career in watchmaking today – patience, technical skill, or something else?

Patience and technical skill are essential, but real excellence demands more. Precision, discipline, and genuine passion for the craft are crucial. Watchmaking requires calm focus and a willingness to improve continuously, as techniques and standards evolve. Equally important is the subtle “feeling” for the mechanism — the ability to sense correctness through sound, touch, and resistance. This tactile intuition, developed over years of experience, is what distinguishes a great watchmaker.