Watch Repair course

[rossjackson01]

Watch Repair Course.

Not sure if I have placed this in the correct forum section. Moderators, if it needs to be moved, please do so.

I am new to the forums and a complete novice regarding watch repair. I am looking to advance using an on-line course.  Looking at WatchFIX, of which this is the forum. I see that there are 3 courses. They can be purchased separately or individual. Being new and wishing to 'dip' my to into the water so to speak. I am considering the first course, 'Level 1 The basics'.

I have read the reviews and notice that one of them states that after completing Level 1  "I have started Course II and as I wait for my tools to arrive I can’t wait to get into taking my first movement apart." I see that the prospectus is:- Section 1 through 5 detailing aspects of equipment and an information pack regarding the contents of a watch. Am I right in believing that no instruction on repair is given until level 2. And, until the pupil can attain an 80% confirmation of knowledge, Level 2 cannot be commenced.

That means that £79 is paid for an information pack. ??? I know that theory is important, and accept it has to be learned. 

 

Why I am asking? As pensioner I need to justify an expense. £79 I could justify to begin learning watch repair. But £79 for theory? That means I need to allocate another 2x£79. Approximately £240 in all for recurring courses, or £140  for outright purchase. 

Has any member been at a beginner and started learning through the levels? Can we chat? 

 

Regards

Ross

 

 

 

 

 

[VWatchie]

Ross, get yourself some basic watchmaker tools, i.e. tweezers, screwdrivers, hand levers, hand setters, a movement holder, a case opener, a case holder and a work mat. Then find a $20 dollar Vostok calibre 2409 watch on eBay and follow the below videos. That's what I did when I started out before taking any courses. Don't worry about oiling. Just take the movement apart and put it together again and see what it does for you. You can also study my service walkthrough of the Vostok 2409 calibre by clicking here.

Anyway, if it doesn't do anything for you, at least you've given it a chance without ruining yourself. BTW, used Swiss quality watchmaker tools found on eBay (such as Bergeon, Horia, etc.) are generally of such a high quality that you can easily resell them for what you paid for them. That is, you don't have to worry about losing (too much) of your money.

Good luck and we'll all be here to help out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 26, 2021 by VWatchie

[Plato]

5 hours ago, rossjackson01 said:

Watch Repair Course.

Not sure if I have placed this in the correct forum section. Moderators, if it needs to be moved, please do so.

I am new to the forums and a complete novice regarding watch repair. I am looking to advance using an on-line course.  Looking at WatchFIX, of which this is the forum. I see that there are 3 courses. They can be purchased separately or individual. Being new and wishing to 'dip' my to into the water so to speak. I am considering the first course, 'Level 1 The basics'.

I have read the reviews and notice that one of them states that after completing Level 1  "I have started Course II and as I wait for my tools to arrive I can’t wait to get into taking my first movement apart." I see that the prospectus is:- Section 1 through 5 detailing aspects of equipment and an information pack regarding the contents of a watch. Am I right in believing that no instruction on repair is given until level 2. And, until the pupil can attain an 80% confirmation of knowledge, Level 2 cannot be commenced.

That means that £79 is paid for an information pack. ??? I know that theory is important, and accept it has to be learned. 

 

Why I am asking? As pensioner I need to justify an expense. £79 I could justify to begin learning watch repair. But £79 for theory? That means I need to allocate another 2x£79. Approximately £240 in all for recurring courses, or £140  for outright purchase. 

Has any member been at a beginner and started learning through the levels? Can we chat? 

 

Regards

Ross

 

 

 

 

 

This isn't a direct answer to your question because I haven't done Mark's courses. 

However, what I have learnt over the last 5 years of learning about watch repair is that it definitely isn't a cheap hobby.

I've always liked watches and thought I could save some money by learning how to service them myself... I was deluded. 

Although I love the subject, the amount of money I've spent on tools would have easily equated to a couple of Rolexes... I'm still an amateur and still have things to buy! 

@VWatchie is right though, if you buy well your tools will not lose value, if anything you can fund your hobby somewhat through trade/upgrade. 

[VWatchie]

38 minutes ago, Plato said:

This isn't a direct answer to your question because I haven't done Mark's courses.

I have, all three courses, and they are IMO worth every penny. When the watchfix.com chronograph course is available I'll take that too without a moments hesitation. I also took the "101 Watchmaking" course on learnwatchmaking.com. Both are good, and in some areas one is is better than the other, but overall I'd say watchfix.com is the most affordable. There's also timezonewatchschool.com which is excellent, but I only took the first course and it's a non-video, read-only course which imo isn't ideal.

46 minutes ago, Plato said:

However, what I have learnt over the last 5 years of learning about watch repair is that it definitely isn't a cheap hobby.

You can say that again! 

47 minutes ago, Plato said:

Although I love the subject, the amount of money I've spent on tools would have easily equated to a couple of Rolexes... I'm still an amateur and still have things to buy!

I share the exact same experience, and there will likely always be that "missing or better tool".

[rossjackson01]

Well, I'm about to do it. I've had advice from many members. Marks second course is to be my purchase tomorrow. Even got the offer of a reduced fee. What more can I say. Thank you folks.

Incidentally, I'd like to prove to you that your advice was correct. I let my head rule my heart. I saw a course for 1/3 of Marks course and enrolled. 30 minutes later I asked for a refund and was fortunate to have my money returned. I had originally, on the chat line for the site, asked it the course was good for a novice on learning watch repair. Oh yes. Paid my money, opened the first introduction. It was the whole course, 59 minutes of video, made in 1997 on a camcorder, 24 years ago. Hand held zoom. I've learned my lesson.

Will I listen to you and heed your advice? Oh yes.

Regards to all

Ross