Now that I have Graduated From Foley Belsaw, What's next

On 5 Apr 2005, Paddy McCrocket

buttuming that you are not a troll, I will try to give the best advice I can: have you considered getting into clock and watch repair? Keep all your locksmith stuff, in case this type of job still comes up; also, you might need it if you take up clock and watch servicing (e.g. the files and the key machine). I am a Foley Belsaw graduate (graduated 10 years ago) who made some money in locksmithing, but very little. The course is good for self improvement purposes, and is a good activity for those who have basic mechanical apbreastude. This probably also goes for clock and watch repair courses but more so.

The trouble with locksmithing is that it is tied in with security, which ultimately becomes a "political" issue. It is perfectly legal to break in to a safe, locker, house, etc.--as long as you are the government. I am sure that if you think about what I have said, it will start to appear less far fetched and absurd than it does at first. I cannot think of an occupation farther removed from politics than watchmaking. For my part, I have seen and experienced enough of politics to want to get as far away from "political" events, forces, and influences as possible.

There are correspondence schools which teach clock and watch repair; also, there are watch repair tools available on Ebay. It is probably advisable to start small, e.g. with changing batteries. Hit the local new and used bookstores for books about clocks and watches, like I did.

There is a need for clocks and watches in today's society (not that I can guarantee that you will be able to make a living at servicing them). People find it convenient to synchronize their activities by means of clocks, etc. Good luck.