Watchmaker

Job overview
Watchmakers repair, service and set watches and clocks.

What do people do in this job?
Watchmakers work on both quartz and mechanical watches.

With mechanical watches the main spring supplies the energy while the wheels and cogs regulate the hands which indicate the time on the dial.

With quartz watches the batteries are the source of energy.

When a mechanical watch needs to be repaired, the watchmaker uses pliers, screwdrivers and other equipment to remove the mechanism.

This is then cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning tank.

If it still fails to work, it is dismantled.

Watchmakers then find and replace the faulty parts.

To repair quartz watches, a special electrical testing apparatus is needed.

Meters indicate which parts are damaged and need replacement.

Watchmakers also change batteries in quartz watches.

Watchmakers use a magnifying glass or a microscope to assist them with their tasks.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Watchmakers need patience and the ability to concentrate.

They should also have well developed perception of depth and good eye-hand co-ordination.

What qualifications are needed?
Watchmakers normally serve an apprenticeship, formal or informal.