Watchmaker saying hello from Michigan!

[watchluvr4ever]

Hello, my name is Thomas and I’m a watchmaker from Michigan. I am a long time lurker here, lol. I’ve only been repairing watches for about 5 years, but have tinkered on watches a bit longer I guess. I attended Gem City College studying under Jim Hush, and I have learned quite a bit from this forum, particularly posts by Al of Archer watches. I am trying to up my game and the quality of my work and this forum has helped me quite a bit. I am currently honing my skills in preparation for the CW21 certification.

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

We all look forward to your contributions and continued involvement. 

If there is anything we can help you with don’t be afraid to ask. Nice clear photos can help a lot.

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England.

[Nucejoe]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[watchluvr4ever]

Thanks for the welcome!

[clockboy]

Welcome to the forum,enjoy.

[nickelsilver]

Welcome! I don't think Al posts here, unfortunately, as he's a really knowledgeable guy. (He's active on a number of other forums including NAWCC and watchuseek).

 

My first teacher Jim Lubic went to Gem City, I think around 1990, one of the best hairspring guys I've seen.

Edited March 21 by nickelsilver

[mbwatch]

Nice to meet you - I'm a Detroiter originally, now in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.

[watchluvr4ever]

On 3/21/2025 at 4:41 AM, nickelsilver said:

Welcome! I don't think Al posts here, unfortunately, as he's a really knowledgeable guy. (He's active on a number of other forums including NAWCC and watchuseek).

 

My first teacher Jim Lubic went to Gem City, I think around 1990, one of the best hairspring guys I've seen.

I talked to Jim Lubic on the telephone back in 2004-2005 when I was first interested in going to watch school. I was asking him about the pros and cons of going to a WOSTEP school vs not. I believe he was AWI president back then. I attempted to attend Gem City College back then, but couldn’t stay there due to financial complications. I also tried to attend Lititz Watch Technicum and went through the interview process, but they were concerned that since I was married and had a small child, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on my work or financially survive. That almost ended my desire to to become a watchmaker. Fast forward about 15 years, now my kids are grown and I decided to persue watchmaking again as a career. Becoming a watchmaker has been a lifelong dream and my next goal is getting the CW21 certification. I have also looked for opportunities to do an apprenticeship with a more experienced watchmaker, but haven’t been able to find anyone who is willing to take me on.