Watch Or Clock Repairer

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £40,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

weekends on a rota

How To Become a Watch Or Clock Repairer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
specialist courses run by private training organisations

College / University

The following courses are available at a very small number of universities in England:

a degree in horology
a foundation degree in historic craft practices - clocks

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could start by doing a part-time course in watch and clock repair at a local college. After completing a basic repair course, you could move on to more in-depth training like:

Level 3 Diploma in Clock or Watch Servicing
Level 4 Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks and Watches

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

Level 3 Clock maker
Level 3 Watchmaker

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could try to find a trainee position with a watch or clock repair firm who would then put you through their own training programme.

Other Routes

You could take training through the British Horological Institute. They offer short courses for beginners along with more advanced qualifications.

You can also study for a professional qualification on the Watchmaker Training Programme at The British School of Watchmaking.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with your hands
persistence and determination
the ability to use your initiative
analytical thinking skills
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
customer service skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

inspect and take apart watches or clocks to identify faults
replace batteries
clean and oil parts
make new parts to replace worn ones
check for accuracy
fit new watch straps
etch or engrave designs onto a watch face
maintain and repair equipment and ensure cleanliness of workshop
liaise with customer and sales team regarding specific orders or repairs

Working Environment

You could work in a workshop.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could manage a workshop or retail jewellery outlet, or run your own business repairing or designing watches. Some clock and watch makers specialise in working with luxury brands.

If you specialise in antique clocks, you could work in a museum conserving antique clocks, or work at an auctioneers as a valuer.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Horological Institute and The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers for training opportunities and professional development.

Further information

You can find out more about watchmaking careers from the British Horological Institute.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.