What does a Watchmaker do?
Published 3 min read
A watchmaker is a person who designs, builds, and repairs watches.
Watchmaker job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, or design specifications to determine the methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate a product
- Select tools, machines, or equipment needed to perform the required operations
- Set up and operate lathes, drill presses, grinders, milling machines, or other machine tools to cut, shape, or form parts as specified by blueprints, drawings, or templates
- Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and then decide on the best way to correct the problem
- Inspect completed workpieces for conformance to blueprint specifications and tolerances using precision measuring instruments
- Adjust functional parts of devices or machines using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges
- Repair broken or damaged parts of devices by welding them together or replacing them with new parts
- Assemble finished products from purchased components using hand tools and small power tools
- Calibrate watches according to factory standards
Watchmaker Job Requirements
A watchmaker is a person who makes, services, and repairs watches. Watchmakers must be able to work with small tools and have a good eye for detail. Many watchmakers learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Some watchmakers may also have a degree in horology from a technical school. In order to become a certified watchmaker, one must pass an exam administered by the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI).
Watchmaker Skills
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Fine motor skills
- Hand-eye coordination
- Interpersonal skills
- Math skills
- Patience
- Physical stamina
- Spatial awareness
- Technical skills
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How to become a Watchmaker
A watchmaker is someone who designs, makes, repairs, and sells watches. Watchmakers use a variety of tools to make and repair watches. They must be able to work with small parts and have good eye-hand coordination.
Most watchmakers learn their trade through a four-year apprenticeship. During their apprenticeship, they learn how to use the various tools and how to make and repair watches. They also learn about the different types of watches and how they work. After completing their apprenticeship, watchmakers may take a certification exam to become a certified watchmaker.
There are several schools that offer watchmaking programs. These programs typically last two years and include classroom instruction as well as hands-on training. Students in these programs learn about the different types of watches, how they work, and how to repair them.
If you are interested in becoming a watchmaker, you will need to have good eye-hand coordination and be able to work with small parts. You may also want to consider completing a watchmaking program at a school or through an apprenticeship.
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