Miki Eleta, is an Independent Bosnian Clockmaker and a member of the AHCI. Today living in Switzerland, his clocks are not your average timepiece and you can often find him at exhibitions behind a small crowd admiring his creations.
1. Briefly describe your childhood.
I was born and raised in the small town of Visegrad in Bosnia and Hercegovina, Yugoslavia. Primary and secondary school and high school in Visegrad, then studied social sciences in Sarajevo.
2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?
I dreamed of becoming a pilot.
3. What is your first significant memory as a child?
The moment when I heard Spanish guitar music, flamenco, on the radio. That defined my life. I carried that moment in me for life, that’s why I came to Switzerland to earn money for a guitar....and I’m still here with my family and of course, guitar!
4. Have you ever had another profession?
No, but I have worked in many fields and tried everything possible.
5. What made you go in the direction you are in right now?
As a kinetic artist I had many exhibitions, at one of them a visitor doubted my precision; I told him; “come to my exhibition next year, I will build a clock ,as a symbol of precision”...said, done...now I am in it and would like to stay in it forever.
6. What was the worst job you ever had to do?
My work as Securitas (a night watchman in big stores, security guard).
7. What was the most difficult moment in your life so far and how did you overcome it?
The war in my home country.
8. Who had the strongest influence on you?
My family.
9. What are you most proud of?
Of my professional freedom and independence.
10. What advice would you give to a 20-year-old thinking of following a path similar to yours?
Never give up trying, never stop asking questions, and stay brave.
11. Name three things on your bucket list.
I have never had a bucket list.
12. where do you think the industry will be in 10 years?
Watch-and -Clockmaking is so inexhaustible -- there will always be good watch-and-clockmakers.