Watch Repairer

Watch repairers may specialize in either watch repair or clock repair, or work on all types of timepieces. They may provide retail services in a jewellery store or repair shop, or provide wholesale services (retail companies send time pieces to them for repair at wholesale prices).

In general, to locate and correct defects, watch repairers follow a set routine that involves:

• asking the customer about the timepiece's past performance
• examining the mechanism sometimes using a magnifying glass or loupe
• taking the timepiece apart, checking for defective parts, rust or misalignment of parts
• replacing or repairing worn or broken parts
• cleaning all parts using special cleaning and rinsing solutions and ultrasonic or mechanical cleaning machines to remove dirt and dried lubricants.

Watch repairers also may:

• test and change watch batteries
• make parts for old or discontinued time pieces
• keep records of serial and model numbers, work performed and charges for repairs.

After re-assembling a timepiece and before returning it to the customer, watch repairers use a timing machine to check timekeeping accuracy.

Watch repairers sit most of the time at well lighted benches. In retail shops such as jewellery or repair shops, they may work in a room at the back of the store or on an upper floor. They may be required to work some evenings and weekends. In wholesale establishments, hours of work may be shorter but the work may be less varied.

Watch repairers who repair large timepieces may make house calls.

Watch repairers need the following characteristics:

• mechanical aptitude
• good eyesight, with or without glasses
• good form perception
• steady hands and good finger dexterity
• good organizational skills and neat work habits
• patience.

They should enjoy using tools and instruments to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information to identify the causes of malfunctions and taking a methodical approach to their work.

Watch repairers are employed in:

• jewellery stores
• department stores
• repair shops that cater to the public or are associated with a factory
• wholesale repair shops.

Experienced watch repairers may specialize in unusual types of repair or advance to supervisory positions. In small shops, there is limited opportunity for advancement. Some experienced watch repairers set up their own watch repair shops or retail stores.

Watch repairers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6344: Jewellers, Jewellery and Watch Repairers, and Related Occupations. In Alberta, 91% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Other Services (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

British Horological Institute website: www.bhi.co.uk

National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors website: www.nawcc.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.