Hi all,

Since I am a new member here on OF, I have wondered how many of you, if any, are watchmakers? Also part-time as a hobby? My own experience only extends to wearing one, however, I have plans to extend that to at least being able to open a watch, and dissemble the watch, i.e. the crystal, crown and dial.

Would be glad to hear from members here how you started, and how you approached it!

 

Welcome to the forum. There are a few full time watchmakers on here, including @Archer and @Horlogerie. Use the Search function to find their posts for very informative reading!

Meanwhile, you might enjoy this thread:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watchmaking-with-the-bhi.39076/

 

We have several professional watchmakers. There are also members rating from "skilled amateurs" all the way down to "DIY hacks". (that's the horological equivalent to a backyard mechanic) You can usually tell the hacks - if you see a post asking how to do something, that's one of them most likely.

 

I play one in my living room. And I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once.....I think.

 

Once I was a DIY hack , but no longer.

I have not moved up the skill scale, but instead have removed myself from it, thus ensuring the safety of my watches.

 

Scissors.

..... and your watches thank you for that!

 

I have hacked my share but have also learned what I can and cannot do....mostly can't do.

 

I don't do anything except set the time/date, wear and admire my beloved watches. For everything else, there's my watchmaker.

 

For 50 + years, but started learning the craft in 1948. You do the math. Also do clocks, tower clocks, and marine chronometers.

 

I completed the first lesson of Watchmaking Skill Level 1 a few years ago, I can now change straps/bracelets on most of my watches....without hurting myself!

 

Similar to @Canuck, I am a professional watchmaker, British Horological Institute trained and qualified. Been around watchmaking since the mid 1970's.

Specialize in watches, and complications including minute repeaters, and the ability to make parts where spares are no longer available. EU based.

 

Batteries and watch strap for me - level 1.5

 

Glad to see that I am not the only one who only are able to wear a watch! Although, I am waiting for my tool and strap to arrive. @Horlogerie my guess is Benelux area? Netherlands, or Belgium (money on the first)

 

Not too far off...

I am actually located in South West France, south of Angouleme

 

Ditto...batteries and watch straps as well.

I'd really like to learn more and would like to take an AWCI class in the future...heck, the AWCI headquarters in Harrison, Ohio is just up the street from where I live in Cincinnati, Ohio...pretty handy.

 

I see dancing golden squirrels of distraction.

 

Only case I open is full of beer or wine.

Last watch I bought of Dennis I haven't even taken the friggen squirrel strap off it as I don't want to ruin the minty case
( who the hell has wrists that small @ulackfocus )