Shadian – keepers of time

The first watchmaker in the family was the father of Dikran Shadian. From him the craft has been passed from father to son – for four generations now.

It all began with Dikran Shadian – a second-generation watchmaker, just like his father. Over the years, Dikran mastered the craft to perfection, becoming one of the most respected artisans in the city. His skills, passed down with love and precision, laid the foundation of a name that stands as a guarantee of quality and tradition.

With remarkable dedication, he opened his first workshop in the early 20th century, on the corner of Asparuh Street and Vitosha Boulevard. There, in the very pulse of the city, watches didn’t just tick – they told stories. Every client who crossed the threshold of the small workshop left behind a part of their time.

His son, Garo Shadian – known as “The Master of Time” – carried the tradition forward. A third-generation watchmaker, he inherited the craft and the passion for watches of his father and grandfather. He knows best how time is kept – with tweezers, a loupe and gear wheels.

At the age of 10, he took apart his very first watch under the guidance of his father Dikran – and from that moment he devoted 68 years to the craft and its greatest passion: watches.

Part of Garo’s story was captured in a feature by bTV News:

In his small workshop, hidden among the central streets, time seems to stand still – surrounded by over 1000 ticking clocks, each with its own soul.

Today, the fourth generation – Dilyan Shadian – proudly continues the tradition with a vision for the future. Together, Garo and Dilyan completed specialised training in Switzerland – the birthplace of watchmaking – refining their skills to perfection.

In Dilyan’s hands, classical techniques meet modern technology, turning every repair into precise art.