Van Truong, affectionately known among connoisseurs as Omega Truong, has an unlikely origin for a watch repair guru. Hailing from Thai Binh province, his early days in Hanoi were marked by menial jobs to make ends meet, including shining shoes and cleaning shops along Tran Hung Dao Street.

In 2000, after completing high school, Truong ventured to Hanoi, delving into various odd jobs. His break came when he started working at a hotel connected to a watch shop owned by the same proprietor on Hang Khay Street. Here, under the guidance of Thanh—a revered figure from a vocational school on Hang Bong Street—Truong began his foray into the intricate world of watchmaking.

Years of dedication culminated in 2010 when Truong topped a Southeast Asian skilled trades competition, scoring an impressive 74 out of 100. This victory paved the way for a pivotal training stint in Switzerland with the iconic Omega brand in 2011, earning him his moniker, "Omega Truong."

By 2014, Truong established his "Watch Hospital" and an accompanying training class, nurturing over 170 students from across the provinces. "I'm always available to guide my students through complex repairs," Truong states, underscoring his commitment to mentoring the next wave of watchmakers.

Truong's unwavering passion for watchmaking keeps him at his bench well into the night. "The joy of working on a watch can keep me engaged from morning until late, often skipping meals," he admits.

His expertise extends to maintaining exquisite pieces like the Patek Philippe 5270R, known for its rose gold case and sophisticated CH 29-535 PS Q movement, the intricate Girard Perregaux Tourbillon with its trio of gold bridges, and the prestigious Jaeger Lecoultre Tourbillon, valued over two billion VND.

Truong's future aspirations include authoring a book on watch repair to inspire young people to take up this meticulous craft. "The path of a 'time doctor' is not easy, but I'm passionate about making it a respected vocational pursuit," he shares.

With his profound dedication and expertise, Truong not only repairs timepieces but also weaves the very fabric of time, inspiring a new generation to appreciate the art of watchmaking.

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Mr. Truong has met with many experts from world-renowned watch brands such as Seiko, Rado, and Omega, and received training from them.
"I have done many jobs to make a living, but I enjoy this one the most. I can sit until 10 p.m. to repair a watch without feeling tired. Some watches fascinate me so much that I work from morning until 4 or 5 p.m. without needing lunch," he shared.
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The legendary Patek Philippe 5270R watch, with a solid rose gold case and a hand-wound CH 29-535 PS Q movement, was meticulously serviced at Mr. Dang Van Truong's watch repair center.
The Girard Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges, one of the rarest watches in the world, is owned by only a few people in Vietnam. Under Mr. Truong's care, the watch was serviced and lubricated to run smoothly.
A Jaeger-LeCoultre Tourbillon automatic watch, valued at over 2 billion VND, was brought in by a customer for maintenance.
Since 2014, Mr. Truong has opened a watch repair training class. "I know that pursuing this career is not easy, but I still want many young people to see becoming a 'time doctor' as a good career choice. Only then can Vietnam's watch repair industry develop," Mr. Truong shared.
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The job requires high technical skills, along with precision and attention to detail. It is not something everyone can do. Once you become familiar with the heartbeat of each watch, it's hard to let go.

Pham Hai