72-year-old clockmaster keeps time-honored craft alive in Istanbul

In a small workshop in Istanbul's historic Eminonu district, 72-year-old Arif Kocaman tends to the delicate inner workings of antique timepieces, continuing a craft he taught himself six decades ago. Since the age of 14, Kocaman has dedicated his life to the maintenance and preservation of vintage clocks, keeping alive a tradition that risks fading in an age of digital timekeeping.

Self-taught mastery

Kocaman's journey into horology began in 1968 when, as a teenager, he developed a fascination with the mechanical complexity of clocks. With no formal training, he taught himself the intricate skills required to repair and restore timepieces, developing over decades an expertise that now draws customers seeking to preserve heirloom clocks passed down through generations.

Preserving mechanical heritage

In his Eminonu workshop, captured in images from February 10, 2026, Kocaman works on clocks ranging from Ottoman-era pieces to mid-20th century European designs. Each restoration requires patience, precision and deep understanding of mechanical systems that vary across periods and manufacturers. For Kocaman, the work represents more than repair—it is preservation of cultural heritage embedded in timekeeping devices that once anchored daily life.

Tradition in transition

As digital devices have largely replaced mechanical clocks in everyday use, craftsmen like Kocaman have become increasingly rare. His nearly six decades of dedication represent a living link to a time when skilled horologists were essential to communities, maintaining the public clocks, watches and timepieces that structured social and commercial life. Through his continued work, Kocaman ensures that the artistry and mechanical knowledge of traditional clockmaking survive for future generations.