THERE ARE ONLY 2 WAYS TO GET INTO WATCHMAKING
There are only two ways to get into watchmaking. Apprenticeship or Watchmaking School. Both of which are fine. If I had to choose though, I would go with an Apprenticeship. However, the chances of apprenticeship in today's day and age are extremely hard but definitely doable.
1. APPRENTICESHIP
1 on 1 training is the best form of learning in any endeavor. If you can ever learn anything on a 1-on-1 level, you will speed up the process and cut off years from your learning curve
Personalized and straight to the point. I've learned things during my apprenticeship that took several hours to a day meanwhile I've also attended courses that took a whole 5 days to get the same points across. It's a very hands-on approach in the sense that the watchmaker you're learning from will teach and personalize the issues to you.
There's a heavy emphasis on apprenticeships to just do. It's akin to being street smart vs book smart. Apprenticeships will often focus on you being able to get the job done versus in a school setting where you need to thoroughly understand all the levels via written and theoretical aspects.
Apprenticeship was really how watchmaking was originally taught back in the olden days. Watchmaking was taught to close friends, family, and relatives. There wasn't a certifying body to declare that you were a "watchmaker". Your results spoke for themselves. It was only when the industry needed more watchmakers that certifying bodies had to be created to facilitate qualified watchmakers.
Often deals with common repair aspects you'll come across in watchmaking vs the micromechanics and lathe work you may seldom come across. You'll do more battery and strap changes, and common overhauls rather than creating a barrel bushing with a lathe.
Quick ROI. You'll find that the stuff you learn is extremely applicable in every day repairs. This will mean more profits on the front end because you're able to repair common things.
Extremely hard to find a watchmaker today to agree to an apprenticeship.
No income. You will not get paid to apprentice. You will actually have to find another job to pay the bills if you decide to apprentice full-time. Part-time apprenticing is your best bet.
One of the issues I have with the apprenticeship is that you're tied to the watchmaker teaching you the skills. There's no quality assurance that the technique and skill they're teaching you are up to industry standards. As you get deeper into the field, you'll find that the industry is plagued with old-school watchmakers who refuse to get updated training.
2. WATCHMAKING SCHOOL
Group setting with fellow aspiring watchmakers will usually help you in the grand scheme of things.
Lots of theoretical and hands-on work. I like to think that Watchmaking school is more of a complete learning experience. You'll understand the underlying reasons why certain things work and that's extremely important the deeper you get into watchmaking. Extremely structured and organized.
Watchmaking school will teach you updated industry standards so you won't have to worry about the l