To wrap up this lengthy reply, I guess we amateurs need to ask ourselves your question from a customer’s perspective. As mentioned, the BHI does distance learning courses for students worldwide as another option to get professionally qualified. Obviously, it depends which part of the world you live in as I know there are equally good organisations to get professionally trained in the US for example. Would love to get a lathe to learn those skills too. I take on some more advanced projects now that I have built my confidence and tools set up, including escapement work (refitting balance staffs etc.). I have always declined because I describe myself as an enthusiastic hobbyist, and nothing more. I sell my successful projects on ebay for next to no profit, and I’ve had a few people contact me to ask whether I’d repair/service their watches. So in my opinion, to provide assurance to your future customers, I would recommend you get professionally qualified. He highly recommended the hands-on course, and since for me, the BHI course centre (Upton Hall) is less than an hour away, it makes sense all round - except for now of course, while all onsite courses are cancelled due to the pandemic! I joined the BHI as an associate member two years ago - worth it for the horological journals they publish monthly. But some time ago I reached out to Mark regarding taking the British Horological Institute (BHI) courses and professional exams, and considering whether to do the distance learning course or the hands-on workshop tutor led course. I think this is a great place to start and will provide certificates of achievement (a measurement of your knowledge). I’ve taken Level 1 and 2 of Mark’s watch repair courses, and this has helped improve my techniques and skills confidence. My escapism from the stresses of the day job is to restore vintage watches, and I’ve been practicing for about three years now. I work in a well paid but highly stressful job, though I’m moving towards the latter end of my career. It's a very sad situation.Īnyway, best of luck with your endeavours becoming a watchmaker, and remember, "where there is a will there is a way"! However, be aware that as an independent watchmaker it will sometimes be very difficult and sometimes even impossible to source spare parts as the brands for the last 35 years have been increasingly restricting the supply of spare parts with the goal of killing off the independent repair trade. That will of course be very hard work and time consuming and perhaps something to pursue after a few years as an employee, which will also provide valuable contacts in the business. If want to start your own business it will of course be more a matter of building customer relations and trust in your own work. I haven't researched the topic too much but I think Googling "wostep watchmaking school" could provide some interesting reading. If you're looking for employment I believe a certificate would be very helpful if not a requirement. Level 1 of our watchmaking course will see you working on a mechanical watch, which is also yours to keep upon completion of the course.I'm just an enthusiast but I'll share my thoughts on this anyway. Learning to take apart and re-assembling a watch within a day – think it is impossible? Think again.
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