Late father-in-law started out as a watchmaker in NYC. Worked in the diamond district. Surreal place where people walk around with a million dollars worth of stones in their pockets. Did that for many years till doctor told him he had to give up the stress and the hunched-over position. He moved west to N.Ky in the 50's, working at the airport. Wound up being high up in freight operations. Died from cancer from asbestos (think red hot brakes on just landed freight planes in the 50s and 60s). Work (and having 12 kids to feed) was just gong to get him one way or the other. Screwy thing is, I don't ever recall anyone of his kids having a neat watch! He widow did keep a kit of his that had more watch parts than I could have ever imagined.
Me, Ijust have a few neat old clocks (and, like MBs, want more!)