Hello

[Paulvar49]

I have been making custom fishing rods for the last few years. But, the market is drying up with cheap China imports. I'm thinking about making clocks now. I need to check out the market and demands. Anybody got an opinion or advice

Paul

[Moby Duck]

I thought that China had taken over the clock market too. I have a $7.00 Chinese LED alarm clock that is at least 15 years old and it keeps better time than my Rolex Oyster Submariner Superlative Chronometer. I have also had cheaper Chinese mechanical/battery clocks that died before their first battery was worn out.
It would take many valuable hours to make a clock mechanism and I doubt that you would be able to make much money from that. If by making clocks you mean putting a purchased mechanism into a fancy case of some sort then that might get you some money. Perhaps you could target styles that reflect your local area that might appeal to locals or tourists. e.g. Hunting, shooting, fishing, patriotic, military, reb., religious, redneck,woodsey etc etc, but I would first check if there are similar items already on the market, (probably Chinese), and how much they sell for, to get an idea how much you could sell a custom clock for. Another idea might be in restoration of antique clocks - prices seem to be going up on old things like this, especially the wooden cased ones.
On the down side, do clocks and watches really have much of a future left. There are so many digital clocks already in my house, e.g. fridge, microwave, oven etc., that there is no longer a need for a clock on the wall, and of course if you are one of the newer generation you would use your phone, which is always with you.

[Frank S]

horology is an art much like gunsmithing It takes a lot of dedication to be a good one. I made a 12 chime cuckoo clock from a kit for a 6th grade crafts project, but I doubt that qualifies.

[Jon]

Hi Paul - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

I would look on Etsy to see what kind of related projects are selling at a good price. There are various sweet spots for certain niches of handmade goods.