Choosing a watchmaker
can be a confusing process for many collectors, as it can be difficult
to judge a watchmaker's competence and ability. When choosing a doctor,
auto mechanic, or accountant, you always look for an MD, ASE Certification,
or a CPA, in combination with a solid reputation. You should do the
same for your watchmaker to assure that you are getting top-notch
professional service.
There are only
a few professional certifications that a watchmaker can get in the
United States. These are available through the American Watchmaker's
Institute (AWI) in Harrison, Ohio. The two certifications that apply
to mechanical watch repair are Certified Watchmaker (CW) and Certified
Master Watchmaker (CMW), with the CMW being the more difficult of
the two. There is an extensive testing process which needs to be completed
successfully before acquiring either one of these certifications.
The test includes a 600 question written examination, the repair of
two wristwatches, and the manufacture of 2 watch parts to a very high
standard. My testing procedure took about 3 months in total. In 1999
(when I took my exam),
only 2 watchmakers in the entire United States earned status as a CMW.
The group of
genuinely certified watchmakers is very small, and sometimes people
use similar sounding (but not genuine) terminology in their
advertisements. Take, for example, someone who claims to be a "Master Watchmaker".
It sounds official, but it is merely a self-appointed title. There
is no official body in the US which grants such a title, and to an
educated consumer it should be meaningless. To help clarify such problems,
the American Watchmaker's Institute recommends a specific notation
for one's certifications, such as Certified Master Watchmaker, AWI.
For more information on the certification process, see the AWI's web
site at www.awi-net.org
I also have a
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, which demonstrates an
understanding of mechanics, mathematics, theory, and excellent problem-solving
skills.
I am also a
published author in various newsletters and magazines. Currently, I
am a contributing editor for International Wristwatch Magazine. One
or more of these articles is available on my web site, under the
'recently published articles' page. I have also contributed to Bruce Shawkey's
Vintage Wrist Watch Report, the newsletter of the Society of Military Horologists,
the newsletter of the International Watch & Jewelry Guild, and
the Horological Times, a publication
of the American Watchmaker's-Clockmaker's Institute.
Testimonials
Here is a sampling
of some of the things my customers have to say about my work. These
are just a few of the many letters I have received. For
before/after photos, see the 'restoration photos' section.
"Tom: EXCELLENT
WORK! Your diligence and knowledge of vintage watches really shows!
No doubt be sending you some more stuff." Bruce, Wisconsin.
"Breitling
just arrived - while not a word my generation uses on a regular basis,
I think ‘awesome’ pretty well says it all." Dan, Nevada.
"I am extremely
pleased with the work you did. The watch looks great! Thank you for
your expertise and attention to every detail. You are the most honest
watchmaker I have dealt with; you now have a customer for life."
Angel, Illinois.
"The Longines
arrived and it seems you did an excellent job overhauling it."
Michael, Vermont.
"You did
it. The Omega arrived beautifully protected and has been right on
time... It’s nice to know there are people around with skill
& integrity." Bob,
Massachusetts.
