My dad is a watchmaker.
Passionate about the art of horology, the study of time and the phenomenal stories that lie behind the creation of intricate time pieces, old and new.
For the last 31 years he has taught watchmaking at Sydney TAFE in Ultimo – and to this day single handedly runs the last remaining full time school for watchmaking in Australia.
He is the federal president of the horological guild, Watch & Clockmaker’s of Australia.
In 1992 he was awarded the Churchill Fellowship to study in Switzerland at the world’s most prestigious school for watchmaking alongside fellow supernovas of his trade.
His personal collection of watches and clocks rivals the museums of Australia – and the books inside him yet to be written will shape and inform Australia’s horological history.
All this was born through a mentorship that evolved in 1976, when a fresh-faced 15yo Papa Firth trundled down Beacon Hill Rd to begin his apprenticeship with a kind, wise and humble neighbour who was an old school trasdesman and highly skilled watchmaker. Don McKinnon aka “Boss” instilled in my dad a deep curiosity & passion for learning – and a love of the intricate art and science that is watchmaking. •
This week my papa lost his mentor. The Boss passed away aged 85 after a cruel dance with alzheimers and a quick battle with pneumonia.
I’m left reflecting on the marvel of how one humble man - one humble life - can truly shape and impact another.
How we all have the capacity in each and every moment that we spin around this sun that we share, to champion what we value, embody what we stand for and bring to the world what we truly love.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
- Unknown
Rest In Peace Boss.
May your life & legacy bring peace to all those who had the joy of loving you.