Team Portrait: Meet Teresa, Charlie Paris Watchmaker

Today, we introduce you to Teresa, a passionate watchmaker who joined the Charlie Paris team in 2023. With several years of experience within the Swatch Group, Teresa now assembles our watches with precision and expertise in our Parisian workshop.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into watchmaking.

Ever since I was little, I've always been drawn to meticulous things. I loved taking apart small objects, understanding how mechanisms worked, and observing the movement of parts. Very quickly, I realized that what I really loved was precision work, attention to detail... and art, in all its forms. So the day I discovered there was a training program in watchmaking, I said to myself: "why not?" And I've never regretted that choice. This profession has become a passion, a blend of technique, history, and aesthetics that speaks deeply to me.

What does a typical day for a watchmaker look like?

The days start at 9 a.m., and the first thing I do is prepare my workspace. Everything must be perfectly clean, without a single speck of dust. The work environment in watchmaking is sacred. Then, I start by checking the watches that were repaired the day before, to make sure everything is working as expected. From there, I handle after-sales service until noon: disassembly, diagnosis, repair... Each watch has its own story and its own challenge.

The afternoon is often devoted to assembling new watches. Before I begin, I clean my workstation again, as precision demands impeccable hygiene. Each component is handled with care, followed by the methodical storage of the used parts. Every action is carefully considered. It's a profession where rigor is second nature.

What advice would you give to someone getting started in watchmaking?

I would already say that it's a profession of passion. You have to like taking your time, observing, understanding, and starting again. For those who want to discover this universe, I often recommend the book La Théorie Horlogère. It's a very good basis for understanding the fundamentals, discovering the movements, the functions... It gives a global and fairly accessible vision of this fascinating world. But beyond books, you have to have this sincere desire to learn and work with patience.

Why did you join Charlie Paris?

What attracted me to Charlie Paris was, first of all, the fact that it's a French company that assembles its watches in Paris. There's a real commitment behind this desire to do everything locally, to preserve know-how here in France. Secondly, I really appreciate companies on a human scale. At Charlie, you feel like you're part of a team. Relationships are simple, direct, and based on trust. And you feel that everyone here shares a passion for watchmaking.

Do you have a favorite Charlie Paris model?

Yes, I have a soft spot for the Initial 36. Its balance, its proportions, its understated yet elegant aesthetic… It’s a very charming, very well-thought-out watch. It perfectly represents what I love about watchmaking: the finesse of detail, without overdoing it.