This is a serious talk. I get asked all the time “Why do you consistently provide free content” over and over again. I get asked that by enthusiasts. I get asked that by my own watchmaking peers. It’s a valid and serious question I feel that I have to address now before it gets out of hand.
Let’s address some things first. I don’t want anything from you. I don’t care if you think I’m sharing watchmaking secrets. I don’t care if you think I’m exposing the side of watchmaking that brands don’t show you. I don’t care if you think I go against the grain. If you think I’m stealing food from your table by sharing what I share publicly and for free then perhaps you should reevaluate your line of work.
You know what I want from you? Absolutely nothing. Zero. Sure, I came out with a book. That’s a condensed and jam packed version of me that’s portable and written in physical writing. It’s just another outlet. Great.
Now that we got that out of the way. Let’s take a look at what I’m aiming for. I write and share everything I do so that in a couple months, years, or even decades later, you’ll be contacting me telling me that I was your inspiration to do what you did, that I told you the truth, that I told you it wasn’t going to be easy. Whether that’s taking that watchmaking position, getting into watchmaking, getting into watches, getting OUT OF watchmaking, etc. I do it so that I can pay it forward. I do it so that I can help people.
Hell- If I can help just ONE person, I feel like my job is complete. It just so happens that my current reach is ridiculous and I’m actually touching more and more people each day. And for that I’m eternally grateful.
So here’s the drill down. I do it because I can and because I’m selfish (more on this in a minute). There’s not enough light on watchmaking. Not enough information readily available. Not enough educators (without spending the big bucks). I pay it forward by sharing my knowledge so that someday you’ll contact me telling me that I made a difference in your life (dead serious). I want to be the guy that I wanted in my life when I started this journey. Plain and simple.