Watchmaker Career Description
The maintenance, repair and setting of watches are performed by watchmakers.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
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.
If a mechanical watch needs to be repaired, the watchmaker uses pliers, screwdrivers and other equipment to remove the watch mechanism. The mechanism is then cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning tank. If the mechanism 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 often make use of a magnifying glass or a microscope to assist them with their tasks.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Watchmakers need patience and an ability to concentrate. They should also have well developed perception of depth and good eye hand co-ordination.
Where can I work?
Watchmakers are usually employed by jewelers, wholesalers of watches or manufacturers of watches.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
This career offers the opportunity to start an own business either from home or from a workshop.
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