"There is no short cut. We have to use our hands and brain to solve our problems"
-Andy Stuart

Clock-making beginnings

https://inv.riverside.rocks/watch?v=uxzWk7v9sUo&t=21m09s

(just a few seconds and you get the idea - doesn't show cutting of gear teeth but you can imagine that or see other videos)

After cutting they had templates (made the hard way for sure) to save hours while still being able to make another one if needed again manually.

Also that time wasn't super-accurate or was left a little inaccurate I think allows humans so leeway (freedom to move within limits).

Having it too mechanical encroaches into the human relaxedness by running at speed of machines which is uncomfortable for humans.