Expert: Melvin Mills - 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
John,

I would like to start by saying that I most certainly am biased and you probably do know that.

One can most certainly make a living in the field of horology.

Contact a handful of clockmakers/watchmakers in your area and find out what their backlog is.  In many cases, it is 3 weeks to 2 months.   That means they have plenty of work.

Swiss watch companies are producing boat loads of mechanical watches.  They all need to be serviced.  Even quartz watches need servicing or at least batteries.

Kind regards,

Melvin