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Watch Repairers


At a Glance

  • Work with clocks, watches, and other timepieces
  • Work with a variety of precision hand tools
  • Work alone most of the time
  • Train through formal training programs or on the job

Career summary

Watch repairers test, adjust, repair, and clean watches, clocks, and other timepieces.

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:

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:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to watch repairers.

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, watch repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Watch repairers frequently:

It is important for watch repairers to be able to:

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

Skills and abilities

Watch repairers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

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

Other programs of study to consider

Training

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

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 (external link) 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:

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:

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 (external link)

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 (external link). 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:

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

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 (PDF file) 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 (external link) 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.

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

Wages

Watch repairers (SOC 49-9064)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States Hourly $11.17 $14.23 $19.19 $26.90 $32.93
Monthly $1,936 $2,466 $3,326 $4,662 $5,707
Yearly $23,240 $29,600 $39,910 $55,950 $68,500

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.

Watch Repairers (SOC 49-9064)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
United States 3,000 -30.0% 5.2% 200

National employment

About 13% of watch repairers are self-employed.

Major employers:

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 (external link)
701 Enterprise Drive
Harrison, OH 45030
866.367.2924
513.367.9800
Horological Society of New York (external link)
NorWest School of Horology (external link)
PO Box 25485
Seattle, WA 98165
Washington Business Week (external link)
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupation

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational cluster

COPSystem