Mechanical watch and clock repairer

Watch collectors, owners of heirloom pieces, antique clock owners, and jewelers or dealers who outsource servicing.

Per-service pricing for full movement servicing, plus parts and restoration work. Trade work from jewelers brings steady volume at lower per-job prices.

• Mechanical watchmaking skills from training or apprenticeship
• Precision and patience
• Sourcing parts and keeping records

• Check your city or county for a business license, and zoning if you rent a workshop
• Ask about insurance that covers customers' items in your care, plus general liability
• Skill takes years to build, so quote cautiously and decline jobs beyond your ability
• Parts for some brands are restricted by manufacturers, so check availability before promising repairs
• Check sales tax rules in your state

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the tools, timing equipment, parts stock and workshop space you need. Costs vary with the type of movements and clocks you plan to service.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, your pricing and whether jewelers or collectors send you work. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Skill takes years to build, so quote cautiously and decline jobs beyond your ability. Also check parts availability for restricted brands, your city or county business license and zoning, insurance for customers' items, and state sales tax rules.