Rolex Repair: Psychologist’s Side Hustle Success
Greg petronzi, a licensed psychologist, found a unique side hustle: vintage Rolex repair. He seamlessly blends his expertise in psychology with a passion for horology, focusing on cosmetic repairs in watchmaking. Petronzi’s journey began with an informal apprenticeship, evolving into a thriving business specializing in Rolex repair—a testament to his skill and dedication. His commitment to originality has garnered acclaim among collectors and auction houses alike. The demand for his services is a clear indication of his success.Discover how Petronzi’s focus secured him a niche in the competitive world of vintage watches. News Directory 3 notes how Petronzi’s work has resulted in him working with some of the most prominent figures in the watch industry. What will Petronzi’s next move be?
Watchmaker balances time with psychology
Updated May 31, 2025
Greg Petronzi of True Patina is a watchmaker specializing in vintage Rolex repairs.he’s also a licensed psychologist and professor at New York University. Petronzi has been fascinated with watches since middle school, when he owned a Swatch with a see-through case that revealed the inner workings.
He pursued psychology in college, earning a master’s and a Ph.D. But his interest in watches never faded. After finishing school, watchmaking became his primary occupation, with psychology becoming a part-time pursuit.
An informal apprenticeship
Petronzi’s entry into watchmaking was unexpected. as a graduate student, he connected with other watch enthusiasts through online forums and meetups. He befriended Rik Dietel, a watchmaker with over 35 years of experience, specializing in vintage Rolexes. Dietel taught Petronzi remotely, leading to an informal apprenticeship.
Over several years, while working as a psychologist and professor, petronzi’s skills developed. he began working on his own watches, then those of friends, and eventually strangers. This prompted him to take watchmaking more seriously.
During the pandemic, Petronzi’s psychology work shifted to remote, allowing him to dedicate more time to watchmaking. He invested in specialized tools,including one costing $15,000 for nuanced repairs.
He built his workshop and developed a niche in cosmetic repair,focusing on dials and hands. As a watch collector, Petronzi values preserving a watch’s originality, prioritizing restoration over replacement.
Petronzi showcased his work on Instagram, gaining trust within the watch community. He collaborated with prominent watch collectors and dealers, as well as auction houses like Phillips.
Petronzi realized he had made a name for himself when he saw an eBay listing stating, “Watch just serviced by True Patina.”
What’s next
Petronzi plans to continue balancing his work as a watchmaker with his psychology practice, finding fulfillment in both disciplines.