I’ve spent quite a bit of time talking about my watchmaking school experience but is it the only way to become a watchmaker? Well, no. If you can find a master watchmaker in your area you could apprentice (assuming he is willing.) In today’s world this may be a great opportunity because the master watchmaker is probably well past retirement age and you may just be able to take over his shop and clients. Watchmakers in the western United States are few and far between and since that is where I want to live the apprenticeship thing just wouldn’t work for me.
I would caution anyone wanting to take this approach to be sure and seek out a Master watchmaker. The word
Sometimes I wish I worked with a master watchmaker, but alas, I do not. Lucky for me I do have an ever expanding network of watchmakers I can reach out to when I need a little extra help. Communication is key for aspiring watchmakers. When a trade is perceived as a potential lost art there should be no secrets. Share and share alike.
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I have spent a fair amount reading a lot blog information from people in the watch repair industry. I have a serious interest learning this craft, and have started down that road myself. To do this I have had to purchase books and tools from ebay that were published/manufactured in the early 1900’s.
I personally would love to apprentice on a part time basis for a couple of reasons. 1) I am 49 and it is unreasonable to think I can unplug my life and current career to dedicate and pay for a 2 year college course. No one will support me/my family or make my house payments to do this, I am sure there are a few of you out there that understand this. 2) I cannot quit my current job to train in another field. Too late in the game for those of us wanting to become watchmakers at almost 50 years old. Finances are more critical at this stage of life.
Now this whole issue becomes disconcerting because I don’t believe I can do the physical work I do for too much longer. By the way, I am writing this in bed after hip surgery 3 days ago. So it makes sense for me to go in the direction that requires less physical grunt, and more dexterity and skill. BUT…how can I make this happen? A rock and a hard place. I am willing to work part time apprenticing as a watchmaker, but who will want to do that? not many, if any at all. So those of you watchmakers out there reading this, please consider the person looking for a way into this field that has obstacles to overcome. We may have more to offer in the long run than those with less to lose. Thanks for listening everyone and I would like to hear your comments/opinions.
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