New Member from California

[RyMoeller]

Hello from Sunny California.

My name is Ryan and I am an amateur watchmaker/technician from Rancho Cordova, California.  I've been interested in watches and analogue gauges for about as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is of the watch given to me by my grandparents when I was only two years of age.  I can still remember the day it went missing- many tears were shed.  It would be 36 years before I secured a replacement!

Through the years I've had a number of watches- most quartz and never of high enough value to really warrant contracting with a watchmaker for service or repair.  This past Christmas my wife gifted me with a vintage Breitling Navitimer.  I had one before but we decided to part with it to help pay for our wedding.  Ownership of a fine Swiss timepiece got me thinking about how to properly maintain the it and that's when I stumbled upon the Watch Repair Talk Forum and Mark's helpful videos.  I suppose from that point I was hooked.  I purchased George Daniels book and found myself riveted to every page.  The next thing I knew I had invested in the tools of the trade and the rest is history!

My hope is to parlay my experience as a hobbyist into a bonafide profession.  I'll need the proper certifications to do so but from what I have read, I won't be ready for any exams until I have a bit of experience under the belt.

I expect to be a regular on the forums here as this seems to be one of the best places I have found thus far for advice and guidance.  I know there are many other amateurs on the forums here that have the same goal as I and information is shared quite freely and uncritically.

So I would like to start my endeavor by thanking all the good people here for making the journey down this path everything but a lonely one!  I'm sure it is with your assistance that success will be achieved.  I am looking forward to sharing all my experiences (be them good and bad) here for support and guidance.

Cheers!

[Geo]

Nice introduction Ry. 

[buzz12]

Cute watch, Ryan! Welcome to the forum and good luck with your endeavors. There is plenty of help here about to help you on your way.

Buzz

[Cad101]

Welcome Ryan I'm sure you will find all you need to know here and a bit you don't.

Mick

[oldhippy]

Welcome from me and enjoy this friendly forum.

[jeffc83]

Welcome!  Many great people here, feel free to ask anything you want.

I like the watch, very unique and interesting.  I wonder what Caliber that is;)

Edited April 18, 2016 by jeffc83

[GuiBer]

Welcome Ry,

This hobby is indeed very "addictive", but undoubtedly also very rewarding, so enjoy it the most!

 

[jeffc83]

Not to be nosy but is that your cat?  If so, is it a Tux?  I have a 6 year old that we found in a dumpster when she was no more than a day or two old.  Her mother had passed so I decided to take her in. (glad I did too because the vet said she was near death)  Cute cats for sure but demanding to say the least;)

[bobm12]

Welcome from Miami, Ryan!

[RyMoeller]

Hi Jeff,

In response, yes, my avatar is of my cat Snickers.  He's a bit more photogenic than I and I particularly like his expression in this pic!

[Vich]

Hello Ryan and welcome from me as well.  I look forward to your postings.

Cheers,

Vic