Should I become a Watchmaker?

The Vet Tech career didn't look promising. The second alternative career I explored is becoming a Watchmaker.
I talk about what a Watchmaker does, the Watch Technology Institute in Seattle, how this choice would map onto my goals, and the steps to go from 0 to being a Watchmaker.

[@takinoborudesu]

Thanks for sharing this video! I'm considering a career change and learning watchmaking too!

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

Best of luck to you! Where do you live and what schools or programs are you looking at?

[@takinoborudesu]

@@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf Thanks for responding! I live in Virginia and am thinking about taking a beginner clock repair class to dip my toes in, and if I like it then I'll strive for the real thing

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

Great idea to see how it feels before a full commitment! I think there are at least two school in Florida, and I know there’s a couple in NYC. There are a couple in PA too. Follow your dream, if you love the clock repair class keep at it!

[@sophiasocal68]

Hi John. You'll find there are plenty of us who are making professional watchmaker career changes later in life. Ive applied to the Norrh Seattle program and the Veterans Watchmaking Initiative in Delaware. I have a zoom interview with the Veterans watchmaking school next week(fingers crossed) In October I will apply with Rolex for their in house watchmaker program. Another school I'm considering is the Nicolas G Hayek watchmaking school in Miami. One way or another I will succeed in becoming a watchmaker because I'm laser focused and determined. I'll be 56 in October ❤

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

That sounds grand! I wish I could consider relocating like you’re clearly able to. I’m jealous! While it’s not completely off the table, it would be such a challenge that I’m not considering it yet. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. It would be fun if we both attended the WTI in the same class. :/)

[@sophiasocal68]

@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf That would be awesome to attend the same class. Two of the other programs I'm applying actually have a monthly stipend to help a student who needs financial assistance. I had to make a decision to dedicate myself and ALL my resources to becoming a professional watchmaker which includes selling my home and liquidating my business of 18 years. So you could say " I'm going "all in". I'm also not ruling out European schools in Switzerland should those opportunities present themselves! I wish you luck I know you'll succeed because you're doing your research before proceeding, that's smart!

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

@@sophiasocal68 You are a ROCK STAR! I had anxiety about my future at the time that I started this channel. I had a horrible time in my full-time job search and had no money coming in. After self-reflection and consultation with good friends, the clouds parted.... It is WONDERFUL to have options in life and not feel trapped. To set foot on a new adventure with an uncertain outcome, but with the certainty you have the resources to "improvise, adapt, overcome" any obstacle in your way. I would love to meet you someday. Hopefully we'll be in the same class, but if not I hope our paths cross!

[@sophiasocal68]

@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf Horology is a small (International) community. I'm sure somewhere our paths may cross, be it in a classroom or a watch expo, never know. Best of luck with your school search. Something of this magnitude will take years but I'm not really concerned with how fast this goes. I'm more in tune with the quality of education I receive and where I find employment. Ideally I'd like to maybe work for a large brand like the swatch group, Rolex, Omega in a service center refining my skills before getting deeper involved with watch restorations. I'm a H U G E history geek and I absolutely love learning what was happening in the world when various brands developed.

[@MichaelMaitlen]

Doing a quick search for watchmakers on Wikipedia shows that Johann is quiet popular!

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

see, i am a trendsetter

[@JT-jg8le]

Heres what I want to know. Once I gain the experience, is it possible to get a contract with someone like Rolex where I open my own service business and the consistently send me watches to service? This would be ideal

[@Oldguyponderingacareerch-ip9tf]

I've got no idea! But I wish you all the luck in the world doing what you want to do.