Today we’d like to introduce you to Beau Goorey.
Introduced to collecting early on by his father, a GIA certified jewelry dealer, Beau always knew that his true calling was in the world of vintage watches. After years of collecting as a hobby and working in various other industries, Beau’s professional horological journey started over 15 years ago as he began working on restoring his own watches. Largely self-taught, Beau quickly realized that his skills were in much demand and opened an independent service center in downtown Los Angeles. There he further honed his skills in vintage watch case refinishing and repair and earned the reputation as one of the best in the industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s been peaks and valleys, not unlike most other small business I’m sure. Like everyone else we were pretty strongly affected by the financial crisis in 2008, but generally speaking, things have been moving steadily since then. We luckily cater to relatively niche market in vintage watch collectors and dealers, so close to ninety percent of our clientele are repeat customers.
Los Angeles Watchworks – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a service center specializing in the restoration, repair, and routine service of vintage Rolex wristwatches and other high-grade vintage and contemporary timepieces. A lot of our notoriety comes from our work on vintage watch cases. The value in vintage watches (especially Rolex) is almost entirely in the condition of the dial (watch face) and the casing components. There are VERY few people and or repair facilities with the ability to refinish and restore cases to their original finish and proper geometry.
The reason for this, in my opinion, is when it comes to that part of the repair procedure, people take a very cookie cutter approach. Just shine things up, much like polishing a ring or bracelet, in the process potentially ruining the original case geometry and devaluing the timepiece.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is tied in with not only business but very much my quality of life. To me that means balance, balance between focusing on my work, spending time with the important people in my life, and excelling in the sports and activity’s I enjoy outside of the shop.
I believe that “with discipline comes freedom” (Jocko Willink) How can you enjoy free time if you don’t work hard? How can you focus on your work if you have no free time or rest?
Work hard, enjoy life, and don’t make excuses. For me that is success.
Contact Info:
- Address: Los Angeles Watchworks
2108 East Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA. 91107 - Website: http://lawatchworks.com/
- Phone: 626-714-7288
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losangeleswatchworks/
