How Far Can One Idea Go?
It’s hard to say, but at Keystone Chrono Works, we believe the possibilities are endless. The journey from a simple thought to seeing my name on a shirt has been long and rewarding, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been part of it. What began as a passion has now become a business specializing in luxury watch repair, high-end watch restoration, and precision watch movement servicing for brands like Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Panerai, and Tudor.
Early Days on the Race Track
In the late 1990s, I spent a lot of time on the race track with friends in a driving club and fellow European car builders. My peers owned expensive cars and luxury watches, and while I could build and buy fast cars, I was fascinated by luxury wristwatches. The cost of high-end watches like Rolex and Omega seemed excessive—the price of one could match the cost of adding a turbo to my car. Determined to own a luxury timepiece, I sought a way to make it happen without breaking the bank.
Learning the Art of Watch Repair
As someone with a mechanical mindset, I started buying broken watches from brands such as Breitling, Omega, and Tudor, with the goal of learning how to repair them. The first one I tried to fix was a 7750 chronograph movement, but that effort didn’t go as planned. In the pre-internet era, watch repair information wasn’t readily available, so I had to rely on trial and error. Slowly but surely, I began to understand the intricacies of watch movements.
Over the next decade, my knowledge grew as I continued to repair luxury watches as a hobby. What began as a passion turned into a valuable skill, and I soon began accepting paid projects while still holding down a full-time job. Each watch I repaired—from Rolex to Panerai—added to my experience and confidence in high-end watch restoration.
Turning Passion into Keystone Chrono Works
As time went on, my side hobby of repairing watches took more time than my full-time job. It became clear that one of them had to go. With the support of my wife and family, I made the decision to leave my job and focus on my passion: luxury watch repair and restoration.
In May 2023, Keystone Chrono Works LLC was officially established, specializing in expensive watch repairs and the restoration of high-end watch movements for esteemed brands like Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Panerai, and Tudor. This leap into self-employment was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I believed in what I had to offer, but I wasn’t sure if there would be enough consistent demand. With continued investment in education and tools, the business began to grow.
Keystone Chrono Works: A Name in Luxury Watch Repair
Over the next 17 months, the demand for Keystone Chrono Works’ services increased, as did my investment in new tools and furthering my knowledge of luxury timepieces. The business quickly earned a reputation for precision and meticulous attention to detail, especially with brands like Rolex, Panerai, and Tudor. Word-of-mouth referrals became my most valuable marketing tool, building Keystone Chrono Works into a trusted name in the luxury watch repair industry.
A Name Built on Passion and Precision
Seeing my name on clothing isn’t just about branding; it represents the dedication and care that goes into every watch I repair. Keystone Chrono Works symbolizes transparency, precision, and a passion for luxury watch restoration. This name came from an idea fueled by the determination to turn the seemingly impossible into reality.
While we are still in the early stages, I am proud of the growth of Keystone Chrono Works, and I’m excited to see where this journey will lead. The name on the shirt is more than just a brand—it’s a reflection of hard work, commitment, and a pursuit of excellence in luxury watch repair.
