People of Madras
Ep. 10
Abdul Haq

As one enters the bustling maze that is Spencer Plaza, there are probabilities of getting lost within its lanes, whether one wishes to or not. Stoles from Kashmir or Chikankari kurtis from Lucknow, or plastic phone covers, silver jewellery, souvenirs and curios with a connection to the past pull one from all sides. 

 

One shop that has stood the changing tides of time is ‘Connoisseur Collection’, previously known as the Bharath Watch Company. This establishment is a timepiece service centre found in Spencer Plaza - Phase II, run by B. Abdul Haq. As one enters the shop, they can notice the proprietor dusting his watch storage cabinet, wiping the floors clean before opening for customers; a show of what he believes to be an important virtue in running a long-standing business. “One must exhibit the values of virtue, honesty and hard work above all else; these traits are enough for both a watchmaker and a wealthy entrepreneur to continue on his journey,” he says. 

 

The establishment was started in 1958 in Pondy Bazaar by R. Abdul Bari and then shifted to Spencer’s in 1999. The son carries on the tradition of repairing and restoring. He believes that “regardless of the price range or supposed stature of the watch, all timepieces require a keen eye and care to be returned to their original form.” He took on the watch-repairing profession at a young age after discontinuing his schooling, and learnt the skill along the way. He unlocks a cabinet behind him and removes a packaged Patek Phillip watch, one he is to gift his daughter upon reaching a certain milestone in her life. He preciously handles the item, noting its value, its craftsmanship and subtle rose-gold style, and how watches make the perfect gift to serve as a reminder of a moment in time. 

 

You may find him steadily inspecting a device with an eye loupe in hand. Be sure to take a quick snoop at the various timepieces on display. Be it a Patek Phillip or a Rolex, a Titan or a Seiko, the dials of a clock invariably tick and tock, bringing with it changes to the times. 

 

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🖋  Muna Buhari