Tick Talk

Let’s talk about things that tick. 

I often get asked how I became a watchmaker.  At age 28 I am exceptionally young for watchmakers these days.  The average age of watchmakers in the U.S.A. today is about 46 I believe, most are ready to retire and a few youngsters are filling the gap, but not enough.I fix watches because it’s fun!

Storytime:

While in Peru I was standing on a corner waiting for the bus when along comes a thief and breaks my watch off my wrist and takes off running down the street.  It was a $13 Casio!  The hunt began for a new watch.  I wanted a pocket watch on a chain (to prevent further theft.)   I bought a $2 digital in the meantime.  Lots of the relojerias had all kinds of vintage mechanical watches around, and I eventually settled on a 17 Jewel Longines Pocket Watch in a sterling silver case.  While in Peru I also acquired two 17 Jewel omega pocket watches and a broken two register Valjoux chronograph in a beautiful silver case.

Back in the U.S. of A. the Longines hit the floor one day and I learned about balance staffs.  They break you see.  In my search for a new staff I got a $250 quote to repair the watch.  Probably not worth it, I paid less than $20 for the watch.

Years later with trained eyes $250 was probably a bargain that watch has much more wrong with it than just a broken staff. Anyway, I caught the bug.  Mechanical, ticking, time pieces intrigued me.

Before I figured out I could make a career of watchmaking I had forays in architecture ( 2 years of college) and computer science (B.S. from the Univ. of Arizona).  Now I’m a watchmaker!