Expert: William J Perkins - 12/19/2008

Question
Hi

I was hoping you could offer me some information. I would like to become a clockmaker/watchmaker. I find timepieces very interesting, and think I would be good at it. I'm looking for some training right now, but I want to ask if you think that you can make a living in the business of horology? Is it something that is dying out and is best left as a hobby than a career? Any help you could offer would be fantastic.

Many thanks

John

Answer
The potential for a good income life is very good, throughout the world.  There are a lot of people out there wishing to preserve their mechanical time pieces.  To do so requires the skills of trained clock/watchmakers.  In my opinion it is a very much overlooked profession.  To begin one must be trained not only in the practical side of the art but its theories as well.  To be truly successful a mechanic must know how to fabricate his own parts.  The lack of this ability in many of todays clock repair persons is slowly but surely destroying the future of the craft.  The true measure of a successful repair is, "after my services is the clock better than when it came in?"  As one begins to become established within the profession, diversify.  Expand into the related field of jewelry.  Above all if you do take an accredited course in horology do not go to work for someone else.  Make what ever sacrifices are necessary.  If you have the skills, and market it properly, you will succeed.