Finally getting deeper into the hobby

[TimeCollector]

Hello everyone, 

I've been a member since 2015 and am finally posting something.  Initially I used the forum for advise and technical knowledge, but never contributing anything because I didn't know much.  Over the years I've found myself gravitating more and more into the hobby of watch collecting.  Buying, reviving then selling items that peaked my interest, then finding a good home for them after a while.  The reviving part was it all started.   

When I mentioned gravitate, that's to be taken literally.  Between the time I joined the forum and now, I've gone from hobbyist to watch and clock repair shop manager and now small business owner where I deal in repairs and antique restoration part-time.  I plan on taking the course that Mark Lovick has created and offers through this forum along with supplemental courses provided by the NAWCC.  I'm exceptionally grateful for these types of educational opportunities as I wish to further improve my skillset. 

It's been a great journey so far and will be for a lifetime to come.    

[oldhippy]

You must tell me all about your clock restoration. I’m most interested in how you go about it and what advice you give your customers.

[TimeCollector]

When consulting with a customer I ask that they give me a day or so with the clock for assessment.  Once that is complete, I can give them a list of my findings and recommendations.  The extent to which they would like the clock restored is up to them.  Coming up with an internal itemized price listing for special services took me a while to develop.  Once you have that sorted out you can give accurate estimates to see how the customer would like to proceed.  

For example, a customer comes in with an antique clock from a flea market and wants to know what it would cost to make it run again.  This is where I ask a series of questions to see how deep the person would like to go, a service of the movement and cleaning of the case or full restoration to include glass, woodwork, etc.  I like to give them options.  Most customers are price sensitive and don't want to pay hundreds for something they bought for next to nothing.  Heirlooms are a special case, I recommend soft or light restoration on these, i.e. keeping everything as original as possible with light cleaning and taking care to servicing the movement so it can run for many generations to come.  

I hope that answers your questions.   

[ecodec]

Hi, you are doing well, I am nearly at my tail end nowadays and have never repaired watches as a full time occupation. I am a jobber. Good wishes for your continued success. Mike.

 

[oldhippy]

Keeping everything as original as possible. That is the key to a good restore.

[TimeCollector]

Agreed, oldhippy.