A distinctive symbol for railwaymen in the world is the use of a pocket watch; likewise, the presence of a large clock in all stations is characteristic. The figure of Nelson Artuñedo is linked to this obsession with time and punctuality in the City of the Waterpots.

This passionate man about watches and their hearts, for 60 years has remained in that place he loves so much: the inspection of watches at the railway station.

A tradition

All personnel who go to work must synchronize their clocks with the inspection master, just at 10:00 in the morning, that is a railway tradition that has been kept alive among the workers since its beginnings and of which Artuñedo is the responsible.

A whole life between tiny machinery and now alternating with those that carry batteries, it is very beautiful, especially if you enjoy the work so much. I witnessed his pleasure, because when he arrived he had in his hands the dial of a large pendulum clock, which is of North American origin and has been there since the railroad arrived in Camagüey. Artuñedo, with great patience and precision, still struggles to bring it back to life.

The secrets of each machinery, for 20 years he has shared with his nephew José, who although was not there when I visited them, I know that he is also passionate about such a delicate work.

For this beloved and well-known watchmaker, it is a great pleasure to return every morning to his little corner and listen to the chimes of his old pendulums, while reinventing pieces to keep each exemplary time marker working, because for Nelson that sound is music.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García