Watch or clock repairer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• specialist courses run by training organisations

University

There is a small number of university courses in England, covering this subject, for example:

• a degree in horology
• a foundation degree in historic craft practices - clocks
• a diploma in conservation studies - clocks

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You may be able to do a part-time course in clock or watch servicing, which could help you to get a trainee position with a watch and clock repair company.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Watchmaker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship takes around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

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

OtherRoutes

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

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

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers also has details about full-time and part-time training courses.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• persistence and determination
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• analytical thinking skills
• problem-solving skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• customer service skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• active listening skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Watch and clock repairers fix, service and restore customers' timepieces and those held in collections.

As a watch or clock repairer, you'll:

• talk to customers and sales staff about repairs and give quotes
• take apart and inspect timepieces to identify faults
• clean and oil mechanisms
• make new parts to replace worn ones
• fit new watch straps and batteries
• etch or engrave designs onto a watch face
• maintain and repair tools and keep the workshop clean

Location : You could work in a workshop.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could manage a workshop or retail jewellery outlet, or run your own business repairing or designing watches.

You could specialise in working for luxury clock and watch maker brands.

If you specialise in antique watches or clocks, you could work with museums, conserving and restoring their collections. You might also work for auctioneers as a valuer.