Does anyone know about fine watch repair?

[HardDrive]

I have this fantasy in my head that I will learn about watch repair, and have a side hustle doing service on automatic watches. Some of the training options are very expensive and require you to live in Switzerland for 2 years. Curious if anyone has take a more humble route into it. I am mechanically inclined, can read technical documentation. Would not mind putting $ into it if I would eventually get it out. I'm honestly thinking more 'hobby that pays me when I do it' rather than reliable source of income. I was thinking of doing this indy on the interwebs.

If above is rubbish, please put cold water on it. Any input appreciated.

[Rick Lee]

IIRC, you're about my age, which means your eyesight can't be that great. You'll definitely need to invest in some fancy tools. I watch some videos on this stuff and it's not the thing for which my eyesight, patience and level of attention to detail are suited. However, I do kind of want to buy some cheap movements on eBay and see if I can overhaul them after watching some YT videos.

[einreb]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Would not mind putting $ into it if I would eventually get it out. I'm honestly thinking more 'hobby that pays me when I do it' rather than reliable source of income. I was thinking of doing this indy on the interwebs..

From my limited experience, it depends on how you value your time when you say "Would not mind putting $ into it". Knock off tooling is cheap these days.

I've toyed with a bit of self taught minor servicing and repairs. In terms of making some side hustle cash, I think the key is to specialize on some particular movement/brand/vintage and be known for that.

As an example, this guy https://timeguy.com/cradek/#4 is knowns for servicing particular vintage Bulovas that are not particularly 'valuable' and starts at $200 a pop for service. I'm guessing its an hour of work plus dealing with punters via email (yuck). Last time I had him do work he was booked 4 months out. Not a way to make a ton of money but a decent living. However, he has invested time in his craft and build up a reputation.

I *think* if I was getting into it and didn't want to go the traditional route of class training/apprentice, I'd find watches that need some basic servicing, do the work and sell them to build experience, learn the 'market' and recover some $.

[rwest]

Check out the YouTube channel of “Wristwatch Revival”. He does watch repair as a hobby and gives pointers on repairing watches. He learned taking online courses from someone and he mentions who it was on some of his videos.

He completely takes apart, cleans and puts back together automatic watches.

Very enjoyable viewing.

[rwest]

He also recommends buying some cheap pocket watches to work on first as they are bigger.

[MBAtarga]

I'd imagine the tools required would not be cheap. Not sure what they would be called - but the "chamber" to test for water resistance (pressure?) and the machine for timekeeping accuracy would likely not be cheap. Then add up all the other hand tools, screwdrivers, ultrasonic cleaner, etc. Might end up being a $1k investment to start - but I might be totally wrong.

[stealthn]

Originally Posted by rwest

Check out the YouTube channel of “Wristwatch Revival”. He does watch repair as a hobby and gives pointers on repairing watches. He learned taking online courses from someone and he mentions who it was on some of his videos.

He completely takes apart, cleans and puts back together automatic watches.

Very enjoyable viewing.

Agreed, one of my favourite channels. He seems like genuine guy and I’m sure could point you in the right direction, his name is Marshall

https://youtube.com/@WristwatchRevival

[berettafan]

I got sucked into one of wwr's videos and thought it absolutely fascinating. also came away with the impression that there is an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise required that he doesn't even hint at.

[Alan A]

My stepfather used to repair clocks and watches. Went to school for it. Basic clean and service wasn’t difficult, but he refused to get into the make a new part game.

Too fiddly. Too hard on the eyes. Too time consuming for too little $.

Of course he’s not around - which I’m not sad about at all - and this was 30 years ago, but it’s not a growing market.

[CurtEgerer]

I was thinking of giving this a shot. Cheap enough to play with. Seagull is a really common Chinese movement based on an old Swiss design. But i think I've got enough irons in the fire

[berettafan]

oh man that looks like an AWESOME Christmas gift!!!!

[CurtEgerer]

We'll all be turning out fake Rolexes in no time!

[masraum]

I've got an automatic watch. I'd love to adjust the timing because it loses a little time, and it seems like it should be "simple" to adjust. But "tinkering" with a relatively expensive watch, not having a "clean" environment, and not having the pressure chamber and ability to seal it up in a Nitrogen only environment keeps me from trying. That's why I'm just adjusting the watch periodically.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by masraum

I've got an automatic watch. I'd love to adjust the timing because it loses a little time, and it seems like it should be "simple" to adjust. But "tinkering" with a relatively expensive watch, not having a "clean" environment, and not having the pressure chamber and ability to seal it up in a Nitrogen only environment keeps me from trying. That's why I'm just adjusting the watch periodically.

I had my Omega serviced at their Seattle center. It was expensive, like $500, but the watch came back very accurate. Around 1 second per day fast.

[berettafan]

OMG Curt check out DIY Watch club. Looks like you can buy kits for all sorts of watch types. Gonna have to find some reviews to see exactly what is included and how it works.


Edit: ok found a youtube video on it. DIY club sends the movement already built you just put the face, hands and case together. Not as cool as building the movement.

[CurtEgerer]

^^^ I'm reluctant to look. Because I know it's going to cost me some money!

[Steve Carlton]

The interviews and aptitude tests indicate you should be an accountant.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

I was thinking of giving this a shot. Cheap enough to play with. Seagull is a really common Chinese movement based on an old Swiss design. But i think I've got enough irons in the fire

No endorsement but you can save a few $ if you just want the movement.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800709846262.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAda pt

[MBAtarga]

Wasn't it WDfifteen that had the "watch" dog where he covered a dog figurine with watch parts?

[sc_rufctr]

Buy a cheap pocket watch and some tools and have a go. You'll also need some magnification and a place to store a partially disassembled movement.