How to make money as a (hobby) watchmaker
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- Опубліковано 30 бер 2022
- This is the video i would have loved to see when I started out as a watchmaker!
When starting out as a (hobby) watchmaker, what are the main pitfalls and easy mistakes to make.
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My business model of buying a bunch of tools, buying old watches and fixing and keeping them and fixing friends and family's watches for free doesn't seem to be profitable.
Still there is a component that is not directly valuable but important as well. That is the experience.
I started from zero, just buying old watches, with a minimum tool set up. What can go wrong? I will lose that 30 euros of the watch, but i would learn something new, and i have the consciousness that watch after watch, failure after failure, i gain in experience.
I thinks that's because every tiny tool is expensive and each time you find a new tool you need with each broken watch 🤣 atleast this is my experience
Hey, now! I feel personally attacked.
Lol, that’s about where I am as well :)
Hahahaha i have the same plan. Glad to know it’s sustainable.😊
I love how you make videos that no one else is talking about. So useful.
Thank you so much Luke for your support!
“A couple of tweezers and get on with it!” 👌🏻
Totally agree in investing in experience but here in the states, you can’t find a watchmaker anywhere. They hide for some reason and only work with jewelers. So watching pros like this helps a lot.
Thankyou kalle Im a watch maker here in the Philippines Im 21. watch makers here have bad reputation because they've been ripping people off just to make a quick buck. Watching and subscribing ing your chanel have been my greatest invesment so far thakyou so much you really inspiring .thankyou for practical advice.
business opportunity i'd say. become the only watchmaker they can trust
How to make a small fortune in watchmaking? Start with a large fortune!
True to a point, that's what I taught after meeting an old school watchmaker with 50 years experience under his belt. Relying more on skill than tools.
I wish I could be trained by you i think you have a great personality and it would be fun and useful
Years ago I was doing gun smithing. And a lot of the same rules apply to shopkeeping and etiquette. I would usually pick 1 or 2 hours out of each day when I would respond to my phone calls and messages and my clients also knew this, that way I had plenty of time for my work and on certain days I would not answer anything for the entire day, But again, the customer's know as well.... I do the same for watch making.
9:40 -- This is why I've done so little watchmaking work lately. I've simply been overwhelmed with life, and whenever I feel as if I have some time (now, for example) I'm just too tired. And I know that once I start I'll be at it for at least a couple of hours. Watchmaking is very absorbing, and I completely lose any sense of time passing. Which makes it difficult if I need to get up for work in the morning.
I know they're simple movements by modern standards, and so are often recommended as projects to start out with, but many of my friends do historical re-enactment and participate in a Victorian-era "Dickens Fair" every year, and it would be great to be able to supply actual working period timepieces. So that's where I want to go first.
I agree with what you say. You will never make the money your time is worth. I do it for the joy and satisfaction. I learned from books and practice. I make my own parts and have a huge inventory of parts tools and watches. I don’t think I will ever get tired of it. I have been at it for 25 years and will do it for the rest of my life. Fortunately I do not have to make a living at it but at least support my hobby. I enjoy your program and hope to see many more projects that come across your bench
I saw that video almost a year ago and followed Kalles advice. More or less by chance a got a Seiko watch. The first one with no experience was a pain in the …. Now, a year later I would never say I’m a great hobby watchmaker, but Seiko movements except the chronos I do not need any Fotos to be able to assemble them.
I do not know what kind of watchmaker I am but I love repairing them and sometimes I set them on eBay to prevent the bankrupt thing 🤣🤣🤣
Kalle thank you so much. If I can make it and if you’d join, one day I’d love to have an apprentice with chrono glide 😊
Thank you very much Kalle, this is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I enjoy all of your great content and patient explanations.
A related topic that would be useful is how to estimate the cost to repair something. Is there any common pricing method new watchmakers can follow initially?
I realize as your experience improves, time to service decreases, estimates improve and thus a better handle on costs follows.
Nothing substitute for experience, also humility and asking people who know more
you are the kindest watchmaker I know. Hope that in real life you are the same guy as you presented in videos.
Thank you my friend for Sharing all your knowledge. You have been a big help I have been watching all your videos and have learned so much keep up the great job
Really love listening to this guy. So friendly and always honest, helpful, provides incredible technical knowledge. Been in electronics/software technology all my life and clockmaking for the past ten years. Now, fixing watches helps me relax and stay in the 'zone'. THANKS!
Thank you for the advice. I am looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Great insight, thanks for sharing!
Great presentation. Really appreciated your experience.
Very good advice, I have always loved horology nad due to pandemic I took an online course and star servicing my own watches, later I star with some other from my friends, even I have built 5 on my own and as You said I star with a focus in old Seiko watches that I really love, so I absolutely agree with you.
@mihguelbazaes1409 what online course did you take?
So interesting and thank you for the information.
Thank you!!
I'm going to start learning thanks
Again very interesting Kalle. Thank you.
Thank you Kalle, this is very inspiring!
Большое спасибо за полезные советы!
Excellent advice...thank you for that
Love your honesty and humor!
Thank you very much sharing you experiences! ❤
Thank you Kalle for your advice and generosity.
This was inspirational and realistic! Thanks :)
Great advice! I'm glad that watchmakers are finally opening up and recognizing the need to share information to attract future watchmakers to the profession. There are not enough of us. There is plenty of work to go around.
Becoming a watchmaker is my dream profession and currently working towards it but I am from Africa Kenya and I am not sure of how I will achieve this dream of mine.
if you wannalive with that go to a company or juts opne your shop..
Great video Kalle. I love you down to earth humble style. Everyone must find their own path in life and watchmaking is no exception. I’ve been repairing watches, part time, for about a year now. Lots of trial and error. Unfortunately the closest watchmaker to me is 400+ km away. Yourself and others on UA-cam have been an amazing resource and inspiration. But not having an actual live person would be even better. Every time I watch you on UA-cam I learn something new. One lesson I’ve learned (the hard way) is that you have to say no sometimes. I’m not ready to take on that job. The wrong job can sap your energy.
Thank you for this great video Kalle. At 60 years old I started a 3 year watch repair evening course in Belgium, I never loved school as much as than. Knowing that I still hat to learn a lot, I buy vintage broken watches and (try to) repair them. I love watchmaking and hate to sell them and now I have about 50 vintage watches in my collection. A lot of practicing is indeed the best way to improve your watch making skills.
Fab advice 👍
Excellent. Thank you for sharing. The same concept applies to being an architect, which I am! Office of one.
Thank you very much for your professional watchmaking trainings.
A watchmaker from Tehran.
Just found your channel great video just started the hobby about 2 months ago and I love it.
Thank you, Kalle. This is a very valuable advice. The idea of specializing in the beginning really gels well with what I’ve experienced, especially when - as part-timer - we can only spend limited bench-time.
Well spoken, thank you ! I am a watch enthusiast and own some beautiful old watches. Just wanna be able to service them and understand how the mechanism works. A mechanical watch to me is a little miracle..🙂 Thank You for sharing your knowledge and advices.....
Thank you for your videos, and for those well advised tips, advices and thoughts..You really seem to be careful of people, attentive, and willing to share your own experiences to help others, and that is just great! Thank you again, and keep it up Kalle!!!
Inspiration. Thank you. 2 years into it. Needed something to do after retirement.
That was probably the most relevant advice video that I've seen so far.
Especially the advice about investment and specializing in certain fields.
Personally, I feel that if the Hobby turns into a Profession, a lot of knowledge
needs to be taken onboard about antique movements and obsolescence.
Spares availability is ZERO for certain movements, but not others, so if you cannot
manufacture them, you should only work within the modern watch arena, where parts
are available. Unitas 445 is a good example of this.
Coffee! I always thought you were drinking Unicum, or something similar.
Thank you
Such great advice, I spent a lot of time on my hands and knees looking for airborne parts , then I bought decent tweezers, I’m always learning and enjoy every minute of repairing watches as a hobbyist, really wish I done this years back as a real job.
Exactly to the point . THANK YOU . YOU EXPLAIN IT SO VERY CLEAR AND DETAILED. FINALLY SOMEONE MAKES SENSE OF WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR. Cheers to You from. California.
I never thought I would have gotten into watch making until my mother opened up a shop for the trade days..over time of resales of clocks and watches I found it better to learn what I can. just in replacement of batteries and bands all day long I made profits enough to study more and began to find the courage disassemble and clean and oil parts for customers now. small steps brings huge rewards. thanks for the video knowledge.
Nice inspirational video with some honest and nice advice. I wish i was living where you are and had the chance to learn from you, i am sure i would change career :)
Ill be moving back in with my parents tomorrow (bless the Dutch housing market) so I hope I’ll be able to catch the stream!
Tank you very much for your great advise.
A watchmaker from Tehran.
Most automatics are the same. Watch plates with jewels, train of wheels, balance, auto winder, sitting in a watch case. Taking them apart there are differences in the way they are assembled but they come apart, cleaned and lubricated in the reverse steps for reassembly. At first, it was a good idea for me to replace the barrel spring with new as it was easy to replace. I now have the spring winding tool and can use the spring again if in good condition. I think you are right with staying with 1 brand and getiing good on a Seiko, Citizen, Orient, which use Myota movements, then there are the Swiss ETA and Valjoux movements. Big change in price to the latter Swiss movements. This is where the fork in the roads show up. Estate sales and watches in a millionaires watch box up for auction. You might get an excellent deal on a Vacheron Constantin or Patek Phillipe, or whats this Bell & Howell....whoops Bell & Ross? So, now you fell in the deep end and over your head as the pallet fork costs $1500 to replace. AYE CARRUMBA what have I bought? But you have to repair them or I am a loser. It is where opportunities lead you on your watch repair path. I Like the info you present so I subscribed.
You’re an awesome guy, When I got into watchmaking 20 years ago, I ran into a lot of old, ill-tempered gruff guys who didn’t want to give me the time of day, much less look at me. Thanks for all the videos!
Same here Matthew, most of the older generation of watchmakers were incredibly rude and unkind to me. Thnx for your support!
Thank you. This is super helpful. I am sorry to hear you had some hostility when getting going there (would love a show where you call them all out and crush them though :) ) . Thanks for being so open and informative all the time actually. Love it!
Great advice regarding not rushing your work as it will result in broken parts (applies especially hairspring work)
This got me going, we who try to practice Watchmaking from home as a beginner is following our passion and not doing it for the money as a first priority as you say Kalle. Watches is humans history, we follow along in the history and travels back in time. How come we can spend so much time trying to repair Watches?...I don't know but the energy boost you get when it's all done erases all of the hard times that can happen when your in the middle of a project. Great video Kalle, this boosted my energy :) Thank you.
THANKS
Thanks for the really informative videos! I am starting on the long winding (all puns intended!) road of watchmaking broke, and ultimately perhaps finding a way to make money, stay at home, and continue my real passion-- lionkeeping! I am in a spot right now where I have to decide which tools are absolutely essential to doing even a baseline competent service (a timegrapher is one of those tools), and which I can live without (until I find I need them ;) ). I also need to get a bunch of watches of various sorts to try and work on. I even brought a cheap Chinese watch that is only a month old and already acting like it needs a service ;) I am hoping that many years of experience servicing other precision mechanisms (professional videotape machines) will give me a leg up on getting started, as there were plenty of mistakes made there along the way as well. But you did emphasize one important point-- if you don't enjoy watchmaking, don't do watchmaking. But if what I see in the many videos out there is a clue, I think I am going to have a blast!
My business model is to buy tools to do simple repairs, but focus more on polishing machines, home made lapping machine etc to refinish every watch a get on my hands, and sell them and polish watches from friends and family at lower cost than a jewelry store or a regular watchmaker
Sound advice ...however i aspire to do it how you did it. I wish to know as much as i can so as to claim the title in its entirety.
Thank you Kalle ! 🍻
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. I have been bitten by the watchmaker bug and am anxious to get started. I just purchased some 3.5x binocular magnifies and Santa Wife will be getting me a good set of screwdrivers and a couple of tweezer this year. I have some running Ricoh automatic watches I got for very inexpensive and a couple of running Benrus manual wind. In a couple of months I plan on carefully and very slowly taking my time disassembling them, looking at the parts and looking things over as I go. I'm the extremely patient type and this all appeals to me. I don't know if I would want to work on other people's watches, I don't know maybe some day it would evolve into that. But mainly I want to fix and restore vintage watches, some to keep and some to sell. Note I bought a new Seiko 5 automatic that I wear every day and it is AMAZING. We have become soul mates.
Мне повезло, проходил обучение в 1986 году в окружении сильных мастеров и работы в то время было очень много....
Thanks, great, valuable video. I have the impression that I saw it in a perfect moment for me, because lately I have been thinking a lot about the issues you raised in the film. Thanks to this material, some of them have become simpler for me.
If I can add something from myself about investing: many things are more expensive because they have "watchmaking" in their name
You don't necessarily need a special watchmaker jar to wash the parts, it could just be the right jar for which you'll pay a lot less. The same is the case with, for example, some brushes, pads, stands and many others. By being creative you can save a lot of money.
(Of course, some tools cannot be replaced and this is not up for discussion)
All the best to you and everyone who watches this channel.
P.S. sorry for my english
I await said information anxiously !
I'm starting up being a parttime watchmaker. I bought a simple set of tools for taking out bracelet links and changing batteries.
My granddad's pocket watch inspired me to buy two broken pocket watches online. I will try to repair them and sell them again.
I will also follow classes, either online or at Kalle Slaap. Let's see what happens.
Love the videos. Kallee. I can find a lot excuses not to Try to work on watches. I am getting older and I want something to do that is less physical. Here in the States I've seen and applied for positions from major Watch Manufactures, for Watch Repair Technicians!? (Paid Apprenticeships) I did not get it. At some point I will eventually sit down (in a quiet spot) and take apart record watches. A lot to learn, for me Patients mostly. Thanks.
Thanks Kalle, another great video! An idea for another video would be discussing tools. In priority order of what you need, I.e. most important first. But also which tools do you think a cheaper brand would be ok and which hasn’t been for you in your opinion. I.e.e does everything need to bergeon, or horotec, etc or can some tools be generic or Chinese? Another idea, a day in the life of Kalle. You are so busy, I’d love to see what an average day looks like, you as the boss have to wear so many hats!
I'm a carpenter by trade, trying to learn watchmaking as a hobby. I think the principles are the same for both with regard to tooling. I buy expensive tools under two conditions. (1) If the tool is for an operation that requires a high degree of precision. (2) If the tool will endure a fair amount of abuse from constant, daily usage. In those cases, the quality of high-end tools tends to justify the expense.
Dear Kalle, thank you for your video. Just as a friendly FYI, in the USA, those who are solely engaged in the aspect of changing batteries, swapping quartz movements, crystals and crowns etc are typically referred to as "Watch Technicians", with the understanding that they are not trained in performing complete movement service (quartz or mechanical). I have heard the argument that to call everybody who works on watches a "watchmaker" is akin to calling a hospital orderly or a nurse, a surgeon and vice versa. Perhaps you would like to expand on this in the future my friend :)
1. Breathing, 2. If using a loupe keep both eyes open, 3. Use the minimal muscle to achieve the function
Excellent advice from the expert! I have a request for a topic which I haven't seen covered in your series: how do you cut and deburr very short stems. I always worry that the pin vice will distort the mechanism end of the stem if I tighten it enough to de-burr with a flat file. I have purchased quite a few modestly priced cocktail watches from ebay, and find that, instead of attempting to fix them, I am circling them and poking them with a pegwood stick.
Great to hear from you Bob, we have a few video’s on “windingstem repair”. I think they will answer your questions. Enjoy your day!
I'm a young french watchmaker, I finish my studies in June. And I wondered few days ago if I want to open my workshop. And honestly I would love to ! But I'm a little afraid, I repaired, restored a lot of watched already, but I feel like a don't have any experience to be independent :(
Simon, I'm 60 and just starting this journey in watches. My motto is simple, "life is not a rehearsal". Have courage and go for it, because at your age (Oh goodness!, that sounds so old and stuffy), you really don't have anything to lose, just like I don't either. Have a go, you must find out if it will work and I'm sure it will because just being on this channel means your mind is open and you are wanting to learn.
@@bills9963 Thank you so much for this kind words !
Simon go for it, if you are single without commitments just try, if you don't you will regret it take it from a 75 year old.
Bonjour Simon, j'ai 55 ans et viens de commencer cette approche de la profession à côté de la lutherie qui ne fait vivre. N'aie pas peur. Mon père me disait un jour, si tu travailles bien, tu gagneras ta vie. À celà j'ajouterais qu'il faut avoir du flair, savoir être au bon moment au bon lieu avec des gens adéquats. Pas facile. Bon courage !
Did you go for it Simon? Is it working out ok?
This was exactly the video i needed Kalle, thank you so much. I'm 62 and a software engineer, but i have always loved the beauty and ornamentation of a late 19th, early 20th century pocket watch. Especially a watch that was loved, used and has the scars that tell its story. I'm very early in my watch journey but I'm so glad i found your channel and your great advice. I've chosen 16s Waltham pocket watches and Seiko automatics as my focus to start.. i have once before turned a love of radio into a business that really soured my love of radio. Your warning about that is well taken. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Hi CGW...
I am a retired carpenter... I have always wanted a nice, high end watch, but have never been able to afford one!
I decided, to have a go at designing and making one myself... What a shock I was in for...
Making the case, finding the right movement, and sourcing the crystal...
The watch case is made from 9ct gold. ( I couldn't afford 18ct )
Sadly, I don't think I will succeed in this project... Getting help and advice is difficult, apart from being laughed at!!!
I have more chance of winning the lottery 3 weeks running apparently!!!
Anyway, if I mess this up, at least I can resell the gold as scrap!
Thank you for you honesty, and your vids have been helpful and informative...
Frank...
UK...
Thank you Kallie very sound advise which I will definitely take into consideration. South Africans are notoriously bad for helping and training. "You will take my business away from me!!" etc. Another unnecessary added expense! etc
I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, the best way with anything is to jump in the deep end and get on with it! Without making too many mistakes.
I really do agree that spending too much money in the beginning is not advisable. I have come to appreciate that there is a wack load of equipment needed for every task. Although I seem to feel there are certain tools and equipment you must have to start with.
I am appreciative of the fact that there is a need for good watch makers, especially here down under, I think.
Thank you again. Mark Maddison
Much like IT 🤪😂
Thanks Kalle - I am really keen to make parts for old pocket watches i.e pallet forks - wheels - springs etc will you be doing thgat sort of stuff as you build your own watch?
Love your channel. I love the architecture of your building and went for a "Google walk" around your lovely town. So beautiful, and so nicely kept with obvious pride. I do have a non watch question for you. What is the purpose of the elevated wooden box at the peak of the end gable of your building used for? It is in front of the weathervane, and directly over the entrance to your shop. Thanks for all the time and energy you put into sharing horology with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words! As far as I know it’s just a decorative element on old Dutch building. Cya! Kalle
I did not watch all your videos yet but could you make one on basic quick fixes on simple task such as remove a strap (how, tools, preferred ones..), back case opening (how, tools, preferred ones and why..)…all those basic steps when you start in watch making and want to « try » to do your things by yourself before pretending to be a « watchmaker »! Thank you.
I was lucky I started back in the early 70’s. I got an apprentice ship, did 5 years then 2 more years as an improver. I had a very good master who taught me everything he knew, well equipped workshop and plenty of work. Not only did I repair watches but all sorts of clocks as well. My master retired a few years after I’d completed my 7 years; I stepped in and ran the workshop on how I wanted it. I became more interested in clocks and decided to concentrate on clocks. High grade clocks are what I wanted to restore and repair so that is what I did. My master gave me all the tools and machines and I never looked back. When it comes to getting work the best form of advertising is word of mouth, if you do a good job word soon gets around.
Sorry Kalle I don’t agree with you when you say someone who is just putting batteries in watches all day is a watchmaker, I’ve seen many who do that and they don’t even do the job correctly, they handle the battery with their fingers, even press the battery in with the knife blade.
I too at the age of 12 to 16 apprenticed in a shop with a certified watchmaker , another apprentice, an a really well trained clock repairman . I love the practice and setting up a small shop in a quiet place to start up again as a retirement hobby. I have enough work on old broken watches to stay busy for a while. Glad to see some of still out here keeping time. 👍🧭
I'll have to agree with you. If you do not "make" you are not a maker. I am not a watch maker. I'm an aspiring repairer and caretaker but definitely not a maker.... Yet.
How i wish this video was made before i got into this hobby ...
You can substitute "jeweler" or goldsmith to watchmaker, same problems similar benefits😅
By the way Kalle, do you know any nice second hand stores in Amsterdam that might have any old watchmaking tools? Will go to Amsterdam next week, thank you :)
Hi Kalle and everyone
What is in that cup you are holding? Thanks for your interesting videos
Over-buying tools is definitely a problem 😂
What? No! Of course I don't have a problem! Hahaha
What about starting moding Seiko watches?
I'm going to be the guy in the spare room with tweezers and screwdrivers. It's the cleaning and lubing that is getting expensive.
I’m addicted to accutrons lol
Beautiful addiction!
I have just started down this road, as a second-generation watchmaker. I have enough watches of my own to work on for a year I think. My dad would always take stuff that requires tools he didn't have through to a larger watchmaker in the mother city. Obviously, it costs more but it allowed him to do bigger jobs than his toolset. I stick to stuff that has an example of the movement being rebuilt on youtube. But I know what you mean, I still remember dropping in that first hairspring. the guy I learned from made it look so easy, took me like 30 minutes. I use a few apps to measure the performance of the watches, some allow you to enter lift angle, etc, and do a pretty good job, for personal use. P.S. I'm Afrikaans so I could understand even if you did a video in Dutch. I want to specialize in restorations... especially of the exterior
Mr. Kalle, could you please help me with information where I can order CASIO EF-508 EDIFICE 4360 case cover seal (O-Ring)? I cannot find the exact dimensions of the O-Ring for this particular model. I live in Canada. Thank you in advance!
What is the best watchmaker school in the word please thanks?
I can only recommend the ones I have attended. In Switzerland: WOSTEP in Nêuchatel and KHWCC in Le Locle.
We provide a short restoration course in The Netherlands.
There are no technicians like watchmakers spend lots of money to buy many tools to get the jobs done !
Hi
My name is izik afriyat
First I would like to thank you for all of this important videos. Lats of information and skills that you share.
I'm in a middle of repair a edox watch with eta 2824-2 with debois depraz module dd9000 Full calendar moon phace.
There is a wheel that seats on the Canon pinion and connect between the movement and the debois depraz and it have 2 teeth broken. I need to change it .I really can't find any information on it
Please please help
Hi Izik, nice to hear from you. That is a very fragile part and will be very hard to find I’m afraid. I’m sorry but I do not have one for you. Good luck! Kalle
@@ChronoglideWatchmaking hi
Thanks
The question is: would you have done things different if you had gotten this advise when you started out yourself at 35... The path you choose is mostly a character thing 😀
I've been wondering for a long time why some people call watch repairers watchmakers. Does anyone know?
In the Beginning watchmakers made watches and made parts to repair them, that changed, now the watches are made mostly by factories and are beeing repaired by the watchmakers. The job as a watchmaker changed, but the name is still the same.
Hello goedenavond mooie ik wil wacht meker
Je moet weten wat je kan maar het beste is om te weten wat je NIET kan en het niet te schromen om dat tegen een klant te zeggen!!
What are you drinking?
Make your own money, isn't that illegal, you got the tools though to make coins ;)
The sad part is money made is by Replacing batteries/crystals/straps make more money replacing selling new watches than repairing mechanical watches!!!
Absolutely true Amanda, but we will not give up💪🍀
Lmao a watchmaker not willing to help a client out is no watchmaker at all...