Independent watchmaker's workshop

Collectors, customers wanting a personalized or commemorative watch, and retailers or boutiques that stock independent makers.

Higher prices per watch for craftsmanship and scarcity, plus custom orders. Some makers add income from selling components or doing finishing work for other brands.

• Watchmaking or fine mechanical skills
• Precision tool use
• Design sense
• Dealing directly with collectors and retailers

• Rent, equipment and slow sales mean a longer wait before steady income
• Check zoning and lease terms with your municipality and landlord for workshop use
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for tools and stock
• If you use gold, silver or platinum, check Canadian marking and labelling rules for precious metals
• Luminous materials such as tritium may be regulated, check with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission before using them
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before hiring help

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your workshop space, equipment and stock of parts. Rent, equipment and slow early sales mean income may take a while to become steady.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many pieces you sell and whether you sell direct or through retailers. Expect a longer wait before steady income.

Check zoning and lease terms for workshop use with your municipality and landlord, and insurance for tools and stock. If you use precious metals, check marking rules; for luminous materials such as tritium, check with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.