Watch and Clock Repairers
What is a Watch and Clock Repairer?
Watch and clock repairers are skilled artisans who specialize in repairing, restoring, and maintaining timepieces such as watches, clocks, and other timekeeping instruments. Their work requires a deep understanding of the mechanical and electronic components of these devices, as well as a keen eye for detail and precision. Repairers may work on a variety of timepieces, ranging from antique grandfather clocks to modern quartz watches. Their tasks often involve disassembling timepieces to diagnose issues, replacing or repairing broken parts, cleaning and lubricating mechanisms, and calibrating the timekeeping accuracy. Some repairers may also engage in customizations to enhance the aesthetic or functional aspects of timepieces. The role of a watch and clock repairer combines technical knowledge with artistry, as they often work with delicate materials and intricate designs. This career requires a strong foundation in mathematics, a good understanding of physics, and proficient manual dexterity to handle small components effectively. Many watch and clock repairers gain their skills through apprenticeship programs or technical schools, often leading to certifications that validate their expertise in the field. As technology evolves, repairers increasingly need to adapt to new electronic timekeeping technologies while preserving traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Tasks
- Clean, rinse, and dry timepiece parts, using solutions and ultrasonic or mechanical watch-cleaning machines.
- Adjust timing regulators, using truing calipers, watch-rate recorders, and tweezers.
- Reassemble timepieces, replacing glass faces and batteries, before returning them to customers.
- Disassemble timepieces and inspect them for defective, worn, misaligned, or rusty parts, using loupes.
- Oil moving parts of timepieces.
Technology Skills
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Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Sage Software Sage50
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Project management software
- GrenSoft WorkTracer
- Upland Consulting Group Repair Traq
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- IBM Lotus Notes
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
Tools Used
- Watch or clock repair kits
- Pullers
- Mechanical or ultrasonic metal cleaner
- Watch or clock case openers
- Bench vises
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills
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Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Abilities
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Reassemble equipment after repair.
- Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
- Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28390.0 - $79150.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.