Watchmaking - How to survive your clients as a watchmaker! (32min)
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Probably the most important video you will see about watchmaking! Information nobody else will share with you, not in book nor video’s. I will discuss how to make money and still enjoy this impossible profession!
Appreciate the importance of the four pillars of watchmaking:
- Knowledge
- Skill
- Work environment
- Customers or Clients (return of investment ROI)
and the work / communication balance in horology.
Have a look behind the scenes of watchmaking.
Sit back, relax and have a stroopwafel.
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Live Watchmaking. Look through the eyes of a watchmaker and share the passion of Kalle Slaap from team Chronoglide, Vintage Watch repair specialists near Amsterdam.
@ChronoglideWatchmaking
This is the most important video I've seen here or on any other channel, as someone who wants to start this career.
Thank you for your experience and effort to educate and pass on knowledge like this!
Not only are we fortunate to view a master watchmaker work but the added benefit of a business man condensing years of experience into practical applicable practice is truly remarkable !
Thank you Kalle for all of it ! 🍻
Not a watchmaker but a watch geek and I found this video so interesting. Keep it up !
Thank you saying New Generation is not age-related! I'm in my early 50's and have just started down this road after a lifetime of interest and hobbying. Great instructional video. Thanks.
Glad you think that "old" people can join the ranks. I am in IT and starting to gain a real interest in horology. For now I am viewing all your great videos and learning + looking for cheap, crappy watches on ebay to break even more 😀
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's invaluable to be able to get your insights on the business, apart from the, sometimes romantic, view of the craft of repairing vintage watches. Ricardo from Portugal
I recently turned down a repair job and likely lost that person as a client forever. But, I'm glad I did. That repair would have been a nightmare and could have lead to worse things than losing just one client. Great video, Kalle. Thanks for sharing.
I deal with this everyday, but instead I don’t return the job, and bust my balls and lose money doing it. And they don’t come back anyway. I really don’t like having to deal with these things, but I’m not big enough to bounce watches despite the fact I am one of the most skilled people in my market :/
Such course or lecture IS important and interesting in différent fiields . Just follow thé right path
I would love some clients, i have been watchmaking for 4 years now, and i know a little, there's so much to learn, i believe i have some aptitude for watchmaking, i really love the craft, wish i had found this when i was younger, i believe we're same age Kalle, apprenticeships arn't really done anymore, thank CZcams for youtubers, cheers Kalle, hopefully i'm on track mate, good luck with your watch, thank you i've learned so much from you thanks for sharing your knowledge. Dave from UK.
Nice one Dave, we have been on the same journey for the same time, I’m 100% with you!
I’m in the same boat. Been at it for two years. Self taught apart from the Mark Lovick courses I’ve studied and passed. The rest has been practice and errors. There are no watchmakers willing to hire me, and there is only one official course that requires an apprenticeship anyway, so I can not enrol. It’s silly.
I am guessing Kalle has spent about half of his life learning his trade and gaining enough experience to be a working "Watchmaker"! It's just not something that takes just four years and you learn it" Hands On,not off the Internet!
I started training as a watch repairer at age 54! A little too late to be an actual watchmaker whatever you want to call yourself!
Interesting lecture. I am already retired. I like watches and I am just learning enough to be able to enjoy my watches more. I think there are quite a few people around like myself who are just enthusiasts.
One could always ask the client what the client is expecting. And you decide if you can fit to that view or not. And be honest about it to yourself and to the client. So no one will be disapointed.
A precious suggestion for the Rolex like watches, thank You
Kalle, I do so enjoy your videos. As you were saying about clents, I have pleansant ones, I have had people that yell at me., thinking they can get to me. Wrong! I had an ex-wife who did nothing but yell. I try to help all of my clients with courtesy, respect, and in a freiendly manner. Most of my clients return to me at my shop. Which is gradifying., and most of the time the returning customer is not with the same watch. which I try to help them equally. Watch tech /Watchmaking is very gratifying
Thank you 10000000x Kalle. Right now my dad is in hospice. We ran the shop together as a team, I miss him so much… he’s on oxygen and very weak so I don’t want to really ask him about much because I don’t want him to strain himself… I have nobody to talk to. I have my girlfriend, but she’ll never understand.
I watch your videos and really feel like you are my friend Kalle. You’re exactly what I hope to be in the future.
Self employed for 20 years. Working cat construction equipment repair. Your so true of all your points. Work for a dealer. Work for a contractor or work for your self. We had a mix of clients and customers. A lot of the time we had to work twice for our money. The job and to get them to pay. And theirs always paperwork and something more to do. At least being self employed aloud for us to get three kids through school and 35 years of marriage.
It’s all worth it! Keep your head down and keep digging. Love your take on business Kalle.
Pure gold from Kaale: always open the watch in front of the customer.
I prefer to inspect the movement with the customer while they drink coffee etc.
Same with clocks in the US. Thank you.
Thanks Kalle, probably the most important video for us that you gave posted! Love it! Agree and have taken note. Laughed out loud when you said ‘and Rolex people’! Ta. Looking forward to the book!
You are very clever man. Thank you!
Looking forward to the book. I had a client. Rolex with a damaged crystal. And looking it replaced. As with all watches we examine in front of the client..
On close inspection I noticed. The dial just under. And to the left side of the hour hand. It had been marked. . The watch had been serviced 6 months earlier.. They were not aware of the mark.. The client was of a certain age. And did not want to take it back..
But. I was so glad I had listened to my grandfather. Never take a watch in to work shop examine at counter..
I have the image still of the dial mark.
Needless to say we refitted a new crystal .
.
Hello my name is George Montoya and watchmaker from Los Angeles California.
With 38 years experience and graduate from WOSTEP.
I want to thank you for your video and for all the true in you kindness words.
And you are 100% right.
And you are not alone.
I’m the same person as you.
Great advice........I had a client with a vintage antique certina (gold case) the watch needed a couple of parts which I ordered after checking the price with him. Parts came and I serviced the movement and it was running really nicely. He then asked me to remove the strap off the case because he wanted to put a different one on. The pins were really corroded and as I tried to get a pin out the lug broke off the case! I then had to send it to a jeweller to be resoldered costing me money . It has really put me off doing work for other people. I prefer to buy vintage watches repair or service and then resell them as serviced watches. A lot easier.
I couldn't agree more!
Wonderful infectious person..Wishing you the very best....
Nice video!! I'd like to see one where you talk about what it actually takes to open a new shop. Money-wise and materials-wise. A lot might want to open a shop but obviously you MUST have a good amount of money for the lease, machinery, an inventory of parts etc....and enough clients to support you at the start so you don't go broke quickly. So many people say "I didn't have a dime to my name, but I built up to a million-dollar business. That is not reasonable, so a short video like this one would be nice to talk about the investment, and what you consider to be the necessities needed both financially and materially to open a successful shop.
door ervaring wijs geworden ,mooi verhaal en zeer herkenbaar .
Thanks for the info, I understand that the aspiration of making a living of repair/restoration is quite far away... but, still enjoy the work of bringing old watches back to life
Great Video. Totally makes sense. Then again if sense was so common, everyone would have it. LOL
Thanks Kalle. I have never worked as a watchmaker, but boy I have lots of stories of customers and clients and crazy expectations
I'm 19 y.o hobbyist watch repairer. Started my journey in mechanical watches about a year ago, and thanks to youtube videos and also forums i started to understand what should I do what is consequence. At first time I had watch russian videos, because I'm russian;) and about 7 month ago I have find channels on english, especially, Kalle, yours.
Now I'm working with couple constant(?) clients, they bring simple, but not very simple, USSR and japanese watches. I take it always, because I cant say "No". But inside I understand that now I'm (as we say) "green" = not so experienced. And I think just about 3-4 years and I can search the clients, because of my knowledge.
For that moment I bought not too much but some quantity of tools, microscope in my opinion is the best game changer and the most expensive purchase. Now I'm making a watchmakers lathe and that Beta version need some improvements))
So, I decided that during couple years I will improve my knowledge and make machines, I really really want to start making parts and then is the moment when I can start searching the clients.
So, do not hit me, I had write it without translator ;)
Great, honest advice. I was a business loan officer and saw too many times folks opening a business purely on the "romance" of it and never considered the business reality of the endeavor. One of which your pointed out, there is unfortunately many bad actors whose sole purpose is to scam and steal from you.
Always enjoy his videos
Priceless advice Kalle, thank you again for your wisdom, the community is so lucky to have a master Jedi😁👍.
Thank you Kalle. This was a very good video and I appreciate your insight. I think you must have an amazing and supportive wife to work all day and take time in the evening to make videos for us. Please tell her thank you.
All the best,
Norm in Arizona
Great video from Los Angeles, California. I have watched several of your disassemble videos. How about some cleaning and reassembly videos? Also, would you consider discussing how the cylinder escape wheel was actually made? George Graham perfected it in the late 1700's. That was a long time ago for an escapement that needs to be so precise.
Such a fantastic eye opening video. I started my watchmaking journey being fascinated with watch restorations and am glad i found your page. I'm 45 amd wish I had found this profession sooner. Without a doubt, my own clients and restorations would be the crux of my business. Who knows, maybe a hobby can turn into something. Thanks for sharing!
Kalle, I've met your channel less than a month ago... And, you've been a very good teacher and mentor already. It's really a good time spending watching your videos and learning about a so beautiful profession. Realy thank you so much and keep pushing us.
P.S.: What kind an advice can you give to a beginner watchmaker in relations a parts of vintage watches that cannot be found but need to be build as a new one.?! In respect to what tell the client if you cannot repair or construct as well buy yourself?!
Marry Christmas!
from a brazilian friend.
Thank you so much for this. Your workshop is the shining beacon of hope in this field. I truly feel that the preservation of knowledge and passing on of skill in the philosophy of horology is universally crucial. In an age of digital everything, it's easy for the favts of the universe to get lost, and for people to begin to believe that some technological device is superior and to be served. Honestly, that's how I see it. The passing of time is not digital, and it's not exact or perfect. It's a mean and an average. Keeping our fingers in the mechanics of physical timekeeping reminds us that absolute perfection cannot truly be measured. It's not only a swinging pendulum. It's a philosophy, and should be treasured and passed on as you are doing. God bless you, Kalle.
Good stuff as always .
As always. You give advice without bias. It's up to us what we do with that information. What comes over is the care and affection you have for all. Thank you. Take care. You and your staff.
Really excited to hear that you're writing a book! I've just now been dipping my toes into watchmaking after years of interest -- and loving it so far.
Great thoughts and stories many of us have had. Good to share how to work with clients on a level field as it is quite important not to make an honest mistake in front of the criminal type.
Love the videos and content. Being honest is always the best way to be. Some people don't like blunt honesty because it goes against their perception of a situation. Keep up the amazing work, and I can't wait for the book to be published.
Thanks for the information. Who would have thought that humans could be so difficult? Some really good thought provoking information.
Consider this a preorder for your book! Thank you for this advice. Answers and raises many questions. I will ask during your live streams. Thank you for all your hard work and time spent sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated.
My condolences, love and support to you and your family.
Very honest video thanks
I get it! ……. it’s just like being an actual car mechanic of let’s say enthusiast cars? Every profession or business is always so unlike right? . 😂
I know the feeling and thank you Sir for your videos and your approach 👍
Great and informative video as usual, especially enjoyed the story about the sauna.
Thanks Kalle for your wise words. I look forward to the publication of your book. All the best. Simon, Falmouth Cornwall.
Thank you Kalle! Btw, I would never say it is a fake after opening it without the customer seeing what I'm doing. I would just say I can't take that watch because it is beyond my repair skills :p
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I started my own workshop half a year ago in northern germany. I really like the contact to the clients, only had two bad encounters in this time.
It´s a nice start when someone says someone else recommended me to them. And I like to see the joy too when I hand over the watch after finishing it :)
Excellent video! Thank you for sharing. 🙏❤️ I am not a watchmaker of any kind. I only learned how to remove spring bars and adjust bracelets a couple of weeks ago… by watching CZcams of course! 😄
Like always Kalle, you’re a great inspiration to those who have an interest in horology and all things mechanical!!!
My condolences for your fathers passing…. He’ll be greatly missed I’m sure!
I always look forward to your informational videos!! Keep up the great work as you’re a natural excellent teacher!! Cheers!!
Steve in California.
I've worked in service for many years. Dealing with the customers is definitely the hardest part of the job. Unrealistic expectations, bad attitudes etc. all can contribute to a bad day. I'm sure that you are working on very expensive property which adds to the mix.
:) I have an Omega with One Jewel :) It is unique, it runs 20 sec per minute, and yes, It came from Indonesia :)
Great advice
Thank you for your honesty and clear insights! Such a great channel I hope I had discovered it earlier.
Perhaps the most important attributes of a watchmaker are Discipline and Ethics.
This video is really relevant and so interesting, I'm in the middle of wondering if I'm going for it or not, thank for sharing this one, that’s will help me in my future decision as a watchmaker hobbyist ! Best regards Kale !🙏
Thankyou so much for this video and please more fatherly advice for new watchmakers
Thank you for this so eye opener video, as you mentioned there is no good or wrong, I'm in my late 50's and and this relatively new part time (hobby) of watch maker keeps me exited for all this new possibilities enjoying something different. I been following you for this last year and ... what an experience. Looking forward to read your book.
Thanks Kalle.
Excellent and honest video Kalle, thanks. I've the knowledge , skill and workplace for the watchmaker I want to be, just need the clients now.... :)
Perfect 👍👍
Wise advices! 👌❤️👍
Same tips are useful, for a shoe maker, or for a sidewalk astronomer :)
Hello Mr Cronoglide...
I am a retired carpenter in the UK...
Over the years I have had an interest in metal work... That has lead to a serious interest in watches!
Right now I am in the stage of designing my watch... I have had a great deal of design changes, and it has proved difficult, I have made many minor changes,
but now I think I'm ready to start making the prototype... In fact I'm now waiting for materials to arrive !
My main worry has been getting the right mineral crystal, and what movement to use!
At 70, I have probably left it a bit late as my eye sight is not as good as it was...
I have always wanted a nice watch, but never been able to afford one...
I have to say I'm so pleased to find your YT vids... I am working my way through your tutorial series I'm on number 3...
Would you be interested in my progress? If yes I will keep you updated on how I am doing... It's scary ... lol
Thank you so much, I am learning so much from you!
Frank...
Sounds like you are making a case for a movement.
Brilliant ! Sound advice & information frankly delivered , thoroughly enjoyed it... who knows i may even get the book , cheers .
There are Rolex people in many professions - I am working with one or two now who are suffering from memory loss or scope creep - thanks for the advice !
21:41 i'm a beginner hobbyist buying broken watches (mainly seagull 1963 ST19 / seiko 4R35 or cheaper NH35 to start) in France 🇫🇷 mainly ... & sometimes in Europe 🇪🇺. i'm not feeling in concurrence with professionals since the watches i'm working on are
Amazing ! I hope your book will be in English!
When I started, I discovered early on that I mostly just wanted to buy my own broken watches to restore and sell. A local watchmaker agreed with my idea. But now I’m finding that I have over fifty watches and no sales. Hahaha. I’m half way through building a website. Seems that fb marketplace is a joke, and eBay seems to maybe make me look untrustworthy and illegitimate. According to some of my existing regular clients.
That was a fantastic video. I loved it .i no I’ve only just started out but I really do learn a lot from these videos thank you so much
Absolutely love your channel Kalle. Best anywhere. Can you tell me when your book is due to release? Can I preorder directly from you?
Can’t wait to read it.
Continued success Kalle
All very good advice. Thank you Kalle.
I'm turning 40 next year and are going to try and get accepted to the watchmakerschool we have here in Sweden.
I have had a career in 3D Visual effects and then CAD, 3D Printing. But also have some industry knowledge like CNC, turning, milling and all that.
So hope some of that can be helpful.
I appreciate your setting a goal and finding a way to achieve it! I wish you the best of luck!
My brother in law was showing his recently purchase of an omega seamaster. He didnt know that I have knowledge how to spot the fake ones and I myself never, make a. Fiesta of a high end watchSimple test, the brazalete make noise as a rattle snake. No need to open it. Worst thing worst…made the point in front of “a proudly” wife. I call it “karma”.
I love your stories!
All very good advise. You left out that you should never accept a Chinese clone for repair. It can only go terribly wrong. No parts available, and even swapping the movement for another clone, can be a nightmare. Ask me how I know.
Excellent advice. Thank you.
bedankt kalle ik moet idd gaan nadenken wat ik echt wil het is nu alles maar ik moet nu leren nee zeggen ....wat wel en wat niet ...
It's just curious, I know a old watchmaker retired ( of the shop) he will work until the day of his dead, and he says the same or very similar anecdotes, the broken watch by the inadequate use by the client and the client tied to blame the watchmaker, the client who magnetised his watch every two weeks. The client who said that not my watch.... Etc etc...
Hi Kalle, Thank you for the insight. Is there any project time, for the book? Regards George
I would love to know when the book is coming out and would it be offered in a nice hardcover ? after watching many of your watchmaking clips (technical and less technical) would love buying a book with like-minded content. greetings from your neighbor in Germany
Aww, looks like we can't watch the replay. Sorry I had to miss the stream 😔
Oh awesome it's working now!!! 👀
And why is the watch loosing half second day?(workings for jewelries)
You should do a video on a the absolute best ways to spot a fake Rolex. Is there something in a Rolex which no counterfeiter could fake? Not even the best?!
This is the type of advice I need to nudge me in the right direction. 😍
Soo when can I buy your book? 😜
Goede uitleg, dank je wel! Ff off topic: het is net of je lens een vlekje heeft, precies bij je ogen, voornamelijk de rechter 😉
I didnt take in clients! I went to flea markets And collectors marts,bought watches,then resold them somewhere else!
Kalle one of the biggest problems these days is dealing with fraudsters
Very interesting topic. What about specialising in one or two brands? Do you open mail in front of the camera? I recently looked for Omega parts at a UK supplier, they were all tagged "restricted" so should the availability of parts influence your decision? How do you arrive at a price for a quote, what would a typical price be?
How do I become a client of yours. I don’t have a way to communicate with you other than here. Thanks for your videos
Customers /clients I dropped them and do only quartz and only trade work that means NO problems or minimal issues. I repair mechanicals for friends / myself and Only Seiko. Your diatribe your says your questioning your profession and or your choices. Good luck 🤔🤔🤔
Can I have your sweater?😊
I really like your vids although they can be very slow and repetitive. Maybe make a fast edit for ADHD's like me. Oh and please clean your lens.
Play it at double speed. Everything in these videos are important.
If I would ever give my watch over to someone who got all their " knowledge" from the Innternet,the next thing I would do is shoot myself! Also, The time frames you mentioned a few times, eight years nine years might not even register to Internet consumers! For example, How long did it take you to aquire your knowledge And gain enough experience to do what you are doing?
Knoflook :)
Rolex people.......well there is your problem😅