I asked Ken Muggli, owner of Dakota Clock Repair, how he became a horologist.  This is his answer.

Horology is the art and science of timekeeping.  I’m a Horologist; I choose to repair clocks. 

Some folks practice the art of horology as an avocation.  Others, myself included, practice horology as a vocation.  Horology is my full time job.

The practice of Horology can be conveniently broken into two broad categories: watch repair and clock repair. I chose clock repair because I owned a couple of antique clocks that did not work. 

Like many activities, horology has different levels of participation.  Some folks prefer to collect clocks.  Others buy used clocks that only need the most basic repairs to put them in running condition.  Still others like the challenge of complete dissemble and repair of the clock or watch.

No matter what level you choose to participate in Horology, some formal training will be helpful and will enhance your enjoyment of the activity.

There are college degree programs available at four colleges located in the USA.  The program these colleges offer is equal to the best you can get in Switzerland.  Attending one of these programs will give you a very broad knowledge of every aspect of clock and watch repair with a very heavy emphasis on the artistic aspects of watch design, repair, and restoration.

Many folks develop an interest in Horology later in life when going off to one of the four colleges is not really an option. There are several different ways you can obtain the knowledge you will need to fully enjoy Horology.

You may be lucky enough to find someone who will serve as a mentor for you.  The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) have many local chapters scattered across the nation.  Joining the NAWCC and participating in a local chapter will expose you to many potential mentors.  The members of the NAWCC are enthusiastic about Horology and are willing teachers.

Another way is to apprentice with a master, but don’t count on finding many masters willing to give up their income to teach you their hard-earned trade so you can then go out and compete with them.  Of course if you find a master nearing retirement and can buy their business, you may find a willing teacher.

You can self-teach yourself using books.  This is definitely the hard and slow way to obtain the knowledge you need. But it can be done.  I did it this way.

When I decided to peruse clockmaking as a career I went to Barnes & Nobel and purchased almost every book they offer on clock repair.  After I read all the books I searched and found a mentor. I started working on my own clocks and clocks belonging to my friends and relatives.  As I slowly expanded my knowledge base, more and more people heard what I was doing and brought their clocks to me for repair.  The rest is history.

For those of us who live in the wide open spaces of North Dakota, places and people who can supply training are very few and far between. If you live in a remote or isolated area you may find the Internet helpful.  There are forums and chat rooms where you can mingle with other folks with the same interest you have.  Much advice is offered for free, but remember, many times free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.  Caveat Emptor!

If you have an interest in Horology and would like to talk with me, feel free to call me.

Tempus Fugit,

Ken Muggli

Dakota Clock Repair

(701) 348-9133