Apprentice from Sinn Spezialuhren wins national competition in watchmaking

The winner of the national competition in watchmaking has been determined: Johannes Boenkendorf, watchmaker at Sinn Spezialuhren, took first place at the national competition in Würzburg and now officially bears the title "National Champion in Watchmaking".

This event brings together Germany's best young watchmakers each year. They first undergo a demanding qualification process: The apprentices with the best final grades are initially determined at the regional level. These top performers from each state then compete for the title of national champion. Participation is voluntary.

Eight-hour exam with high demands

As part of the federal competition, this year's finalists produced a model of a clock mechanism in an eight-hour practical exam.

The clockwork mechanism is a component of a mechanical clock, consisting of the following parts: the quarter-wheel, which carries the minute hand and rotates once per hour; and the hour wheel with hour tube, which carries the hour hand and rotates once every 12 hours. The hour wheel and quarter-wheel are connected to the intermediate wheel and intermediate wheel pinion, respectively, which translates the motion. The hour wheel and hour tube are not included in the finished model.

The candidates received technical drawings and the necessary raw materials for implementation; they were allowed to use their own tools. Particular attention was paid to ensuring smooth functionality and adhering to the tightly defined tolerances. Applying specific surface textures also required a high level of skill.

Despite the challenging task and tight deadline, Johannes Boenkendorf completed the work on time. The exam itself took place at the Franz-Oberthür-School in Würzburg, the vocational school also attended by the apprentices of Sinn Spezialuhren.

Practical project „Grand Clock“ as a success factor

Johannes Boenkendorf sees an important foundation for his success in the in-house Training project „Grand Clock“.

„In this project, all trainees independently produce a complete grandfather clock under the guidance of our training manager, Jessica Schmitt – from the movement and case to the hands and pendulum. This gives us comprehensive knowledge in work preparation and production coordination,“ he explains.

In addition, the trainees gain intensive practical experience in the production of complex components. Johannes Boenkendorf was able to directly apply all these skills in the national competition.

Award from the ZDH

The outstanding achievement was recognized by the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) at a celebratory event on December 5th in Frankfurt am Main.

Johannes Boenkendorf, along with other young craftspeople from around 130 professions who also emerged as national winners from their respective competitions, received his winner's certificate and a trophy.

Sinn Spezialuhren places great importance on training.

The training of young watchmakers has traditionally been of great importance at Sinn Spezialuhren. The craft demands a broad range of skills – from historical to electronic timekeeping devices, from fundamental theoretical knowledge to specialized skills in maintenance and restoration.

Promoting traditional craft techniques is one of six firmly established corporate goals.

„For many years, we have been training watchmakers and supporting their further education and qualifications up to the master craftsman's certificate,“ explains owner Lothar Schmidt. „This commitment makes a significant contribution to securing the future of our company.“