The Broken Watch and the Truthful Boy

A boy named Emil spent his childhood in a peaceful settlement surrounded by hills while both parents worked as shoemakers. His father worked as a shoemaker yet Emil came from a family natured in profound values despite their lack of financial means. Herr Klaus repeated to his son Emil “Gold and silver may be lost, but honesty stays forever” as a family lesson. Emil considered those words his father told him until the moment arrived that would demonstrate their true importance.

Emil spent his afternoon outside the town square on an autumn day when the fresh air released the smell of decaying leaves. Throughout the market trading area merchants displayed fresh baked goods and fine woolen products alongside their shiny decorative items. As he walked beside the clockmaker’s shop he noticed a shiny object lying in the path of cobblestones. A bowed posture revealed his hands as he held a timepiece made from an old yet noble golden case. Even though the glass was broken and its hands stayed motionless Emil recognized that the object had great value.

His heartbeat intensified when he held the watch in his hands. His mind questioned who would have misplaced such an object. Every person present avoided looking for the watch within his sight. The enticing thought tried to reach his mind for a short while. By bringing the watch to his homestead as his valuable secret possession only he would be aware of its presence. The memory of his father’s voice spoke to him about honesty being eternal.

Emil took his decision to act properly as he walked into the clockmaker’s store. Oil along with wood scents filled the workshop air which hosted clocks of various shapes spread across the walls. Master Reinhardt operated behind the counter as the town’s leading watchmaker and displayed a stern countenance with sharp observation skills.

“Excuse me, sir,” Emil said hesitantly. “I found this watch outside your shop. Does it belong to you or someone you know?”

Master Reinhardt took the watch, examining it closely. His sharp eyes widened with recognition. “This… this is Baron Von Richter’s watch! It was reported lost just this morning. The Baron prizes this timepiece dearly. Where did you find it, boy?”

“Right outside, near the steps,” Emil answered truthfully.

Master Reinhardt studied the boy’s face for a long moment before nodding. “You did the right thing bringing it here. Many would have pocketed such a fine watch.”

Emil felt a small swell of pride but shrugged. “My father always says that honesty is worth more than gold.”

Master Reinhardt’s stern expression softened. “A wise man, your father. The Baron will be pleased. You must come with me to return it.”

Together with the clockmaker Emil navigated the narrow streets until reaching the Baron’s large estate that stood at the top of the hill. From the top of the town, the mansion stood tall with its iron gates that showed a garden in good condition while oak trees towered over all. Baron Von Richter occupied a leather chair in the study where the butler introduced them as the butler brought them to meet him.

“Master Reinhardt,” the Baron said, looking up, “what brings you here?”

The clockmaker stepped forward and placed the watch on the table. “My Lord, this boy, Emil, found your lost watch and returned it to my shop.”

The Baron’s eyes widened as he picked up the watch. “This is remarkable! I had given up hope of ever seeing it again.” He turned to Emil, studying him intently. “You could have kept it, but you chose honesty. Why?”

Emil swallowed. “Because it was the right thing to do, sir.”

The Baron nodded approvingly. “The world needs more young men like you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a few gold coins. “Take this as a reward for your honesty.”

Emil hesitated. Gold was rare in his home, and with it, he could help his family. But something inside him felt uneasy. “Thank you, sir, but I cannot accept this. I did not return the watch for a reward.”

A moment of silence passed. Then, to Emil’s surprise, the Baron let out a hearty laugh. “You truly are an exceptional boy.” He turned to Master Reinhardt. “Tell me, is this lad skilled with his hands?”

Master Reinhardt smiled. “He is the son of Klaus, the shoemaker. He has a steady hand and a keen eye.”

The Baron tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Then let us give him something more valuable than gold. Emil, how would you like to apprentice with Master Reinhardt? Learn the craft of watchmaking?”

Emil’s eyes widened in disbelief. To be an apprentice to the finest clockmaker in town—what an opportunity! He turned to Master Reinhardt, who nodded in approval. “I would be honored, sir,” Emil said, his voice brimming with excitement.

And so, Emil’s honesty earned him more than he could have ever imagined. Under Master Reinhardt’s guidance, he learned the delicate art of repairing timepieces, with patience and precision. Years later, he became a master watchmaker himself, respected and admired throughout the land. But no matter how much success he found, he never forgot the lesson he had learned that day: honesty, indeed, stays forever.

As the years passed, Emil’s reputation as an honest and skilled craftsman grew. People from neighboring towns came to him to restore their cherished timepieces. One day, an elderly gentleman entered his shop, placing a watch on the counter. Emil recognized it instantly—it was the Baron’s watch, the very one he had returned as a boy.

“I’ve come to have this repaired,” the gentleman said with a knowing smile.

Emil looked up and gasped. It was Baron Von Richter himself, though time had lined his face with age. “My Lord, it is an honor to see you again,” Emil said, bowing respectfully.

“No, my boy,” the Baron said kindly, “it is I who am honored. You proved long ago that integrity is the mark of a great man. And you have become just that.”

With a grateful smile, Emil took the watch, its glass still bearing the crack from years before. As he carefully set to work, he realized that honesty had not only shaped his destiny but had also stood the test of time—just like the watch in his hands.