August 19th, 2007 - Getting Started with Watch Repair
Collecting watches is a source of great pleasure for hobbyists. However, repairing watches in addition to collecting them is even more gratifying. There’s nothing like tinkering with an old watch and seeing it come to life after its previous owners have given up on it. The great thing about watch repair though is that it might start as a hobby, but like many hobbyists turned watchmaker, it can turn into a business.
If you plan on learning to repair watches though, be warned that it isn’t that easy. It requires careful study and much patience to be able to learn the ropes. In addition to this you might have a hard time if you have poor eyesight or a shaky hand. Watch repair can be tedious and requires precision. Anyone can learn how to repair watches but not everyone can be very good at it. Just like most skills it requires much practice and dedication.
Furthermore you will need to purchase the necessary watch tools and supplies, which does not come cheap. Because of this I advice you to simply buy discount watch tools while you are still getting the hang of watch repairing. You can always buy the newer models if you find that watch repair suits you and your skill level is worth the investment.
To get started join buy basic watch repair books (read my previous post) and join watch collector’s associations/organizations. They usually hold meetings and sponsor workshops. I recommend joining the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC). Initial membership fee is $65 whether you are US resident or an international member. Airmail rates is of course more expensive the farther from USA you live.