Wow! Thank you all so much for the support and constructive criticism! I’m still new to all of this, so I’m definitely in the learning process, but I look forward to producing more content with all of this advice in mind. To answer a common question, Paris Junior College is in Paris, Texas… not France haha. I’ve gotten so used to saying Paris and the people around me knowing what I mean that I didn’t even consider it, sorry about that. Onward and Upward!
Great Video Garrin, You definitely made the right choice. Time to move on and learn something new to expand your knowledge. I'm an independent watchmaker as a self-employed, I enjoy working on my own and with two colleagues of mine, it is more of a freedom and it's good for your mindset at the same time, not to mention, better wages as well. I can't just work for one company forever; it gets tedious over time and I feel trapped, doing the same calibre repeatedly, worrying and stressing about targets and deadlines and letting your boss down. I do watch service and watchmaking for many years and yet, I still have so much to learn especially making the parts, things like that keep me going and excited for new things to learn. I wish you all the best Garrin.
Great to hear you are at PJC! I went through the program there right before Poye transitioned out. A limitation of the program there was that there was only one instructor which extremely limited both the program at PJC and the potential for actually learning Watchmaking. You were for the most part left to work things out on your own. Very frustrating, since there were many things that I struggled greatly with where some proactive mentoring would have been so meaningful (looking at you KIF springs!)
well, can you spill the beans with the 32,xx series movements and their issues since you're not working on them anymore..would be great to finally have someone be vocal about it, especially someone with your background, feel like it should be spoken about besides the chatter on the forums..
Hey, a watchmaking channel I wasn’t subbed to. 😮 I just fixed that and liked the video. 😄 Best of luck on the career change and FWIW I think you made the right call! We desperately need more watchmaking educators in this country, very happy you chose that path and will help be teaching others. I don’t live anywhere close to PJC, but I’d love to do some traveling and attend workshops etc. Anyway, can’t wait to hear more about the new job - I’m sure you’ll love it! 👍
Wow good on you. Happy to hear that you are looking to expand your knowledge and expertise. No doubt leaving a position like that is not an easy one. Very happy for you and I hope you continue to grow your channel
Hey Garrin, something for next time, it would be worth explainning what Halton's is, where they are etc. Not everyone is from the US. Likewise you keep saying Paris, now I assume there is a place is the US called Paris? Again, something to clarify for your audience. Always worth erring on the side of caution and assuming your audience is blissfully ignorant and hungry for knowledge than assuming they already know exactly what you're talking about all the time. Just my two cents. Great video and all the best in this new journey!
I quit as a watchmaker many years ago. It's nice watching tubes where watchmakers spend days working on jobs. The truth is it's about speed. You are often paid on a bonus scheme where your pay is based on the number of jobs you complete and this means cutting corners and racing work to make a living wage.
I had my Rolex day date 18238 serviced but it didn’t pass water tester and ask if I want a new case but would be very expensive I ask is my watch in good working order they said yes but do not merge in water, question to is this something to be concerned I do not plan on swimming/beach ocean
I am at the same crossroads in my career. This is the nth time for me. I have opted for early retirement from a well known accounting firm and now looking for something different.
I assume you are referring to Paris, TX? I lived in Plano for 35+ years and knew of the program there. The program in OK ST I believe shutdown, but not sure. Good luck on your new adventure. Pocket watches...Hmmm...Not sure that is a direction I would take, but whatever makes you happy.
I would like to be a watchmaker but economic realities being what they are, I'd want to do it out of my own shop, also selling watches, clocks, and similar products.
The real fact I am also a watchmaker but problem is even you can repair tourbillion or other complication but in the end of the day how much can you bring back home to feed the family. Passion the time amount you spend end up suffer still the family.
Pretty trolling tittle, lame manipulation. But yeah, working on mostly replicas and restorations is a lot more interesting, but good luck in accordion repair! 😊
How a learning and growth life philosophy settles on vintage pocket watches is almost as quirky as it gets, man. Why not go all the way, and focus on extinct musical instrument restorations? lol
Hey! Some constructive criticism. You need to figure out how to balance audio levels. Your mic audio is really soft, and your starting intro was really loud. Great content though.
So you have been working/servicing Rolex products at an independent (but presumably Rolex Authorised Dealer?) jeweller in America. Forgive me, but that's not a 'Rolex Watchmaker'. A Rolex Watchmaker makes Rolex watches for Rolex. That said, it sounds like you're taking a sensible step - broadening your expertise so that you can understand and work with timepieces of all manufactures and periods is the mark of the true horologist. The very best of luck to you.
So… with that thinking, a “real” Rolex Watchmaker working at Rolex is the guy who pushes the button to turn on the machine. (just having a bit of fun here) Garrin, good luck in your new persuits. 👍
Respectfully, the definition of watchmaker encompasses both of those who make and/or those who service watches. It’s a pretty all encompassing term, and I’m curious as to why you’d try to correct someone who’s worked in the industry for years on that.
