Psychologist Ditches Therapy, Now Repairs Vintage Rolex

The Business of Watchmaking

For many professionals, a career in watchmaking may seem unconventional, but for Greg Petronzi, a licensed psychologist and professor at New York University, it has become his main gig. Petronzi’s journey into watchmaking began with an informal apprenticeship, where he learned the intricacies of vintage Rolex repairs from a seasoned watchmaker. This side hustle eventually turned into his full-time business, True Patina, which specializes in cosmetic repairs of vintage watches.

The Challenges and Rewards of a Watchmaking Career

Watchmaking is a challenging profession that requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and patience. The tools of the trade are expensive, and the formal education options are limited, making it difficult for individuals to break into the industry. However, for those who are passionate about watchmaking, the rewards are substantial. According to Petronzi, his income from watchmaking has surpassed his earnings from his psychology practice, a trend he attributes to the growing demand for high-end timepieces.

“Watchmaking has more often than not outperformed what the Ph.D and psychology have allowed me to earn, which I’m astounded by and grateful for,” Petronzi says. This success is a testament to the growing interest in luxury watches and the increasing demand for high-quality repairs and restoration services.

Financial Success and the Pursuit of Passion

As Petronzi’s business grew, so did his reputation in the watchmaking community. He began to work with prominent watch collectors and dealers, including Eric Wind of Wind Vintage and auction houses like Phillips. His commitment to preserving the originality of vintage watches has earned him a loyal client base and a reputation as one of the leading watchmakers in the industry.

Petronzi’s pricing strategy varies depending on the complexity of the repair and the value of the watch. However, he emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication with his clients, ensuring that they understand the costs and benefits of each repair. This approach has helped him build trust with his clients and establish a loyal following in the watchmaking community.

Pricing Strategies and Building a Clientele

One of the key factors in Petronzi’s success is his ability to balance pricing with the value proposition of his services. He understands that his clients are paying for a unique and high-quality product that requires a significant amount of time and expertise to produce.

“My pricing varies a lot based on how much time and expertise is required to complete the repair,” Petronzi explains. “I also take into account the value of the watch and the level of service required to restore it to its original condition.”

Petronzi’s focus on customer service and communication has helped him build a loyal client base, with many clients returning to him for repeat business and referrals. His commitment to transparency and honesty has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable watchmaker, which is essential in building a successful business.

• Watchmaking requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and patience.
• The tools of the trade are expensive, and the formal education options are limited.
• Watchmaking has become a lucrative career option, with many professionals earning more from watchmaking than from their primary profession.
• Petronzi’s pricing strategy is based on the complexity of the repair and the value of the watch.
• He emphasizes transparency and communication with his clients to build trust and establish a loyal following.

Balancing Act: Psychology and Watchmaking

As a licensed psychologist and professor at New York University, Petronzi has a demanding schedule that requires him to balance his work in watchmaking with his responsibilities in psychology. He has learned to prioritize his time and manage his workload effectively to ensure that he can meet the demands of both careers.

The Demands of Dual Careers

Petronzi’s dual careers require him to be highly organized and efficient with his time. He emphasizes the importance of prioritization and time management, ensuring that he can meet the demands of both careers without compromising his work or his family life.

“As a neurosurgeon, I work an average of 50 to 60 hours a week,” Petronzi says. “I’m also a mom of two, and I consider myself a kind, loving, and supportive mom. I try to get up at 6 a.m. and work out for 30 to 45 minutes. I get the kids up at 7 a.m. and take them to school so I can be at the hospital at 7:30 a.m.”

Prioritization and Time Management

Petronzi’s approach to prioritization and time management is centered around his family and his work. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations with his family and his clients to ensure that he can meet the demands of both careers without compromising his work-life balance.

“I try to get home for around 6 p.m., but it’s never predictable,” Petronzi explains. “If I know there’s no way I’ll be home for dinner, I’ll text Ray to let him know so he can plan to spend the evening with the kids as he desires.”

Finding Fulfillment in Both Disciplines

Petronzi’s dual careers have provided him with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in both his work in psychology and his work in watchmaking, which has helped him maintain a healthy work-life balance and achieve success in both careers.

“I love both disciplines,” Petronzi says. “I find that my work in psychology helps me understand the importance of preserving the originality of vintage watches, and my work in watchmaking allows me to apply my skills and knowledge in a unique and creative way.”

• Petronzi’s dual careers require him to be highly organized and efficient with his time.
• He emphasizes the importance of prioritization and time management to meet the demands of both careers.
• Petronzi sets clear boundaries and expectations with his family and his clients to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• He finds fulfillment and purpose in both his work in psychology and his work in watchmaking.

Cosmetic Repair: A Focus on Originality

Petronzi’s approach to cosmetic repair is centered around preserving the originality of vintage watches. He emphasizes the importance of restoring the watch to its original condition, rather than replacing parts or compromising the integrity of the timepiece.

Establishing Trust Through Community Engagement

Petronzi has established a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable watchmaker through his community engagement and commitment to transparency. He showcases his work on social media, building trust with his clients and establishing a loyal following in the watchmaking community.

“I started to showcase my work on Instagram and build trust in the community,” Petronzi says. “I ended up working with some really important watch collectors and dealers, like Eric Wind of Wind Vintage, and auction houses like Phillips.”

Scaling Up: A Workshop and a Growing Reputation

Petronzi’s growing reputation in the watchmaking community has led to an increase in demand for his services. He has invested in a workshop, allowing him to scale up his business and meet the demands of his clients.

“I built up my watchmaking workshop and started to develop a niche in cosmetic repair — dials and hands,” Petronzi explains. “Because I started as a watch collector, I understand the importance of preserving the originality of a watch.”

• Petronzi’s approach to cosmetic repair is centered around preserving the originality of vintage watches.
• He emphasizes the importance of restoring the watch to its original condition, rather than replacing parts or compromising the integrity of the timepiece.
• Petronzi has established a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable watchmaker through his community engagement and commitment to transparency.
• He has invested in a workshop, allowing him to scale up his business and meet the demands of his clients.