Do you dream of unlocking the mysteries of mechanical watches, but find the idea of going it alone daunting? Watchmaking is a passion often perceived as reserved for the initiated, yet it hides paths accessible to all. This article is for you! Together, we’re going to explore the different avenues of introduction to watchmaking, from the immersive experience of supervised workshops to practical tools for getting started at home, not forgetting the essential resources for deepening your knowledge. Thanks to our advice and the selection of precision instruments on ohselection.com, you’ll discover that this passion, far from being reserved for experts, can become yours in just a few steps!
Watchmaking for all: how to take your first steps?
The regular ticking of a mechanical watch, the subtle ballet of cogs and springs, evokes an almost palpable magic for many. Watchmaking, often perceived as a discipline reserved for the initiated, is in fact
Introductory workshops offer a tactile, guided approach, ideal for getting to grips with the basics in just a few hours. For the self-taught, learning at home represents an economical choice but requires a strong personal investment. Finally, complementary resources – manuals, forums and specialized tools – enable you to deepen your knowledge. Each path has its own specificities, requirements and rewards: it’ s up to you to choose the one that resonates most with your curiosity.
Guided immersion: workshops for an introduction to watchmaking
Objectif horlogerie: the specialist in introductory courses
Since 2011, Objectif Horlogerie has established itself as an essential reference. With workshops in France (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux…) and abroad (New York, London, Montreal, Chicago…), their network covers the major metropolises. The formula? A half-day course, alternating theory and practice. A detail that counts? Bergeon tools and white dung as if you were there. And for the curious from across the Atlantic, why not try an
Watchmaking at home: the self-taught man’s guide
Where do you start when you’re on your own?
Starting out as a self-taught artist is like tackling a jigsaw puzzle without a model. Don’t panic: the basics can be learned with a bit of practice. Choose simple movements, such as training calibres or inexpensive mechanical models (around ten euros). We recommend buying second-hand!
Equip yourself without breaking the bank: essential tools for beginners
A DIY screwdriver isn’t enough. The right tools are half the battle. Here’s the essential list:
- Magnifier (X3 to X5): to distinguish minute details.
- Precision screwdrivers (0.6 to 2 mm): professional quality, extreme precision.
- Antimagnetic tweezers: for handling sensitive parts.
- Nesting cushion: stabilizes the watch during handling.
- Bellows: remove dust without scratching components.
Find these tools on ohselection.com.
The challenges of the self-taught
Learning on your own is a cost-effective option for enthusiasts, but one that comes with risks. The main challenge? Lost screws, damaged pivots or complex error diagnosis.
Going further: how to feed your passion for watchmaking
From books to forums: a wealth of theoretical resources
After practice, books such as Théorie d’Horlogerie (CADEV) or George Daniels’ book (available via Watchprint) shed light on mechanical workings. These richly-illustrated texts break down the spiral balance or watch complications with a pedagogy suited to beginners.
The Forumamontres and WatchUSeek forums, bringing together active communities, offer practical advice and shared experience. Their
Watchmaking videos: learning through images
Visual tutorials turn theory into action. Internet guides explain how to dismantle a case or maintain a Unitas movement. Amateur videos or online workshops show these steps in detail, nuances inaccessible in text.
When passion turns into a professional project
Three key training courses:
- CAP Horlogerie (2 years): Mechanical and electronic base.
- BMA Horlogerie (2 years): Specializing in the restoration of antique timepieces.
- DN MADE (3 years): Watch design and creation, for creative people.
These courses prepare students for a profession that demands precision and creativity. Openings range from artisan workshops to luxury houses, with around 150 positions available each year. Motivated individuals can also be retrained via CQPs, thanks to intensive training in watch repair or complications.
So, are you ready to embark on a watchmaking adventure?
Between the immersion of an introductory workshop, the rigor of at-home learning or the wealth of online resources, watchmaking is available to you in all its forms. Each path has its own assets: the Objectif Horlogerie workshop for a tactile, supervised discovery, DIY to cultivate your autonomy, and the tools of www.ohselection.com to get you started with confidence. Far from being the preserve of experts, this passion is accessible from the very first gestures, provided you take the plunge. The hardest part? Taking the first step. But once you’ve felt the steady beat of a movement in your hands, there’s no doubt that the desire to continue will be irresistible. So what are you waiting for to seize this opportunity? Watchmaking has never been so close at hand!
