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About to study Horology at uni - hello everyone!

Kettlenhhob

By Kettlenhhob
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Kettlenhhob New Member

Kettlenhhob

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Hi everyone

I’ve been a member for a little while but this is my first, and I’m sure won’t be my last, post.

After spending the last couple of years learning about and practicing watch repair including Mark’s course I’m about to start a 3 year Horology degree at Birmingham City Uni in September.

I’m especially hoping to hear from anyone who does watch repair or watchmaking as a career as this is something I want to eventually pursue as a long term career. Any advice, tips/tricks and general wisdom about the industry - self employed or as an employee - would be really cool to hear. I’m not sure if there a section for that on here but if there is a nudge in the right direction would do!

I’m not expecting there will be but would be great to chat with anyone who’s done the course at BCU too I’m very excited for the course and would love to hear more about others experiences.

Thanks for reading and nice to meet you all 

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nickelsilver Distinguished Member

nickelsilver

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Good for you- 3 years is a big commitment, so I hope you do pursue it for the long term!

 

I'm a professional, but can't think of any tips other than to read and learn as much as possible in addition to school. I see from the pics on their site they have WOSTEP models of the escapement and balance wheel, hopefully they teach the escapement work like WOSTEP does (I have met many school grads for whom escapement adjustment is still a dark mystery, including Swiss school grads- so one tip: learn the escapement!). If you have any specific questions ask away.

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Kettlenhhob New Member

Kettlenhhob

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Hi Nickelsilver

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. That sounds like good advice honestly, I have a few books at the moment: Watchmaking by George Daniels and a few others I bought when I first became interested. Are there any in particular you can recommend from a more professional stand point like textbooks or something? I think this course is more all-encompassing than WOSTEP in the sense we will do more general horology related things such as building our own clocks as well as some CAD work too. I almost did a WOSTEP course at BSoW (unfortunately due to covid and financial issues I didn't get to see my application through to the end) and I understand that having that qualification greatly helps with employability so hopefully aspects such as the escapement as you mentioned are covered similarly in my course. I can see you're based in Switzerland so I imagine the job market might differ from the UK but I'm interested how watchmakers usually operate in terms of employment. Is it possible to be self employed and still do commercial work or would you have to be employed on a salary by one of the big watch brands? Just interested to know what it's going to be like once I'm qualified and looking for work really!

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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I have been retired for many years. I'm a fully qualified watch & clockmaker with around 30 years’ experience. Had my own business working on high grade clocks mainly restorations and also valuations. Also worked for a top Antique shop, giving advice on what to buy at auctions when it came to clocks.   Eventually having to retire due to poor health. 

 

You can only learn so much from books, they don't tell you how to overcome many obstacles. The best way of learning is to get your hands dirty (I say that all the time when people ask me) If you can work for yourself that way you reap all the rewards yourself and if you are good at your work you will never look for work. The best form of advertising is word of mouth. When you have decided where you would like to start up your business do some research as to what to expect when it comes to repairs, such as is it place where it is full of clocks and good antique type, or is it a place where some cheap store just sells cheap watches and jewellery, poor or good stranded of living.

Hope this helps a little and good luck.  

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