Watch Repairers

Career summary

Watch repairers talk to customers about the watch or clock's problem and its service history. They estimate how much it will cost to fix the piece.

Repairers take apart timepieces and look for dirt, rust, or worn parts. They clean parts using special solutions or ultrasonic cleaning machines. Watch repairers replace worn or broken parts with new parts.

After repairs, watchmakers check the accuracy of timepieces, using timing machines. They use a special machine to demagnetize watch parts and cases which can increase accuracy. Watch repairers also use other specialized tools, such as:

• Tweezers
• Pin vises
• Micro-lathes
• Files

Watch repairers who work on electric and electronic timepieces replace batteries and clean and replace parts. They use meters and other electronic instruments to test timepieces for correct performance.

Watch repairers who work in jewelry stores may also clean and repair jewelry. They sometimes sell clocks, watches, jewelry, or silverware.

Self-employed watch repairers order supplies, parts, and merchandise. They plan advertising, keep books, and supervise employees.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
• Electric Motor Repairers
• Jewelers
• Lens Grinders and Polishers
• Locksmiths
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
• Precision Assemblers
• Shoe and Leather Workers
• Tool and Die Makers

Military careers

• Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to watch repairers.

• Check watch mechanisms, cases, and bands for problems, using a magnifier.
• Remove mechanisms from cases and take apart parts using hand tools.
• Test accuracy of balance wheels and adjust timing regulators, using a variety of tools.
• Repair or replace broken, damaged, or worn parts, using watchmaker's lathe, drill press, and hand tools.
• Test and replace batteries and other electronic components.
• Repair watch cases, surface defects of clocks, and watchbands.
• Clean, rinse, and dry parts, using watch-cleaning machine.
• Oil moving parts of watches.

Common work activities

Watch repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform for or work with the public
• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Monitor and control resources
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Think creatively
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, watch repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk with customers in person throughout the day, but also spend time working by themselves.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other repairers or assistants.
• Communicate with others by telephone or in person.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that might produce cuts or scrapes.
• Are occasionally exposed to contaminants.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. This is to be sure timepieces keep accurate time.
• Make decisions often that greatly impact customers and their company's profits. They rarely, if ever, consult another before making a decision.
• Set their daily tasks and goals without consulting another.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 35 to 40 hours per week.

Physical demands

Watch repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for watch repairers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for watch repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Watch repairers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with things

• Repair machines or systems.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Precision Crafting and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs

Training

To work as a watch repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some watch repairers complete a formal training program in horology (the study of watchmaking and repair). Watch repair programs take up to two years to complete. Programs award certificates or degrees. There are only about ten of these programs nationwide and a few home study courses.

Apprenticeship positions are available, but difficult to find. Apprenticeships include a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job work experience. They generally take longer than school-based programs. Watch repairer apprenticeship programs typically take 8,000 hours to complete.

To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities in your area, consult the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information  website.

On-the-job training

Most watch repairers learn their skills on the job from an experienced repairer or watchmaker. You begin as a helper and work on more complex tasks as you gain experience. Training includes:

• using equipment and tools;
• making repairs; and
• providing customer service.

Training may last up to three years. Watch manufacturers also provide training for repairers.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be precision instrument and equipment repairers. Training lasts seven to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job. While this training is not an exact match with watch repair, you can learn some skills that will prepare you for this occupation.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, entry requirements for apprenticeship training usually include:

• being at least 17 years old;
• a high school diploma or equivalent or sufficient education to meet trade requirements;
• the ability to physically perform the work of the trade;
• completion of pre-employment safety and orientation procedure;
• reliable transportation to job sites; and
• an interview with the apprenticeship committee may be required.

Union apprentices and journey-level workers are often subject to random drug testing.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added 1/18/10 due to apprenticeship program in ed prog section, lh. General apprentice info still the same, 5/8/13, 4/27/15, 2/28/17 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

Many watch repairers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire graduates of formal training programs. They look for people with good problem-solving skills, hand and finger control, patience, persistence, and good eyesight.

Costs to workers

Some workers join a professional association, which may have annual dues. A complete set of watch making and repairing tools can cost around $5,000.

#from the North Seattle CC watch technology institute site. https://northseattle.edu/programs/watch-technology-institute/application-fees  lh 1/26/11. Tool cost still listed as above on NSCC website 4/27/15 & 2/28/17 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Watch Repairers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Watch repairers work full time for a business often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 13% of watch repairers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Jewelry stores
• Watch repair shops
• Watch manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline. During the 1970s, inexpensive electronic watches were introduced. Many people began buying new watches instead of repairing their watches. Today fewer people wear watches than in the past. Instead they use a cell phone or other mobile device. If this trend continues, the number of watches bought and repaired may decline.

Many watchmakers will retire soon. Job openings will occur as this happens.

Other resources

American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute 
701 Enterprise Drive
Harrison, OH 45030
866.367.2924
513.367.9800

Horological Society of New York 

NorWest School of Horology 
PO Box 25485
Seattle, WA 98165

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Watch Repairers (49-9064.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Repairer, Auto Clocks (715.584-014) 
• Watch Repairer (715.281-010) 
• Watch Repairer Apprentice (715.281-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled