How to Become a Watchmaker

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Watchmaker

What does a Watchmaker do?

A Watchmaker repairs, cleans and adjusts watches. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Being a Watchmaker has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Additionally, Watchmaker works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

People's Opinions on Watchmaker responsibilities

Marcus Olsson is a Swedish watchmaker (also known as a horologist) at Danish watch brand Ole Mathiesen.

02/13/2020: Burlington, VT

At the time, not that many people wanted to become watchmakers, so the application process was really easy.

12/18/2019: Abilene, TX

Speaking to what the day-to-day of a watchmaker looks like, Marcus says that the “maker” moniker can confuse people.

02/25/2020: Canton, OH

But once you see that perspiration on the inside of a watch face, bring it in to a watchmaker immediately, because the movement will start to rust and then you won’t have a working watch for very long!”.

02/15/2020: Charleston, WV

A watchmaker typically works to make and repair watches and similar types of timepieces.

01/31/2020: Savannah, GA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Watchmaker

Best tips for those who want to become a Watchmaker

Here are some tips to become a Watchmaker.

People's Opinions on best tips

PROTECTING THE WATER-RESISTANCE OF YOUR WATCH.

02/16/2020: San Antonio, TX

Make sure that every two years you get your watch tested to check its water resistance, this is vital, as it is important to know how you watch fairs in a water resistance test.

01/16/2020: Las Vegas, NV

Have your watch serviced on a regular interval to avoid having watch parts replaced; this is more especially true on vintage watches as it avoids costly repairs such as having to make a part for the watch because there are no parts for it.

02/13/2020: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Service your bracelet, the bracelet is what the key to keeping you watch on your wrist and in good condition or ultimately ending up on the ground causing damage to your watch.

12/31/2019: Santa Rosa, CA

Although you might assume Breitling’s Chronomat watch was designed for pilots, its target audience was actually a bit less adventurous.

01/26/2020: Alexandria, LA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Watchmaker

Best colleges and universities for Watchmaker

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Watchmaker

Is being a Watchmaker Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

WatchMaker now supports Apple Watches - create your own faces, animations, GIFs, live photos and much more.

12/24/2019: Passaic, NJ

The refined materials coupled with the watchmaker’s strict aesthetic requirements evoke the House’s peerless couture identity in time-telling form.

02/04/2020: Columbus, GA

With price as no object, what’s the one watch you’d want to own? We posed this question to some of the best watchmakers working today, and, given their mechanical insight, you can bet these folks chose some complicated watches.

02/12/2020: Idaho Falls, ID

We also asked them to site their favorite personal watch, and like most people these watchmakers chose a timepiece imbued with personal meaning, one that marked a personal milestone, a gift, or which came to them seemingly through kismet.

01/17/2020: Corpus Christi, TX

A talented skateboarder and watchmaker, Jose graduated from Lititz Watch Technicum and now holds down a very busy bench at one of the North East’s most prestigious watch retailers.

01/24/2020: Providence, RI
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Watchmaker

What skills do you need to be a Watchmaker?

People's Opinions on Watchmaker skills

Modern watchmakers, when required to repair older watches, for which replacement parts may not be available, must have fabrication skills, and can typically manufacture replacements for many of the parts found in a watch.

12/20/2019: Lompoc, CA

However, the vast majority of modern Swiss brands do not sell parts to independent watchmakers, irrespective of the watchmaker's expertise, training or credentials.

12/31/2019: Kansas City, KS

Whereas, the idea is great, about exchanging movements- quality wise, Switzerland can then concentrate on servicing on a more uniform quality worldwide, but, the watchmaker’s skills and prowess are virtually eliminated! Rolex, on the other hand, need hands on experienced watchmakers, and no amount of BS’ing will do.

02/17/2020: Fayetteville, AR

There are plenty of watchmakers in the 6 figure range once you have enough experience that you can work on high end restorations and such.

12/08/2019: Nashua, NH

Your disability may make it harder to study watchmaking but if you can find a school which will accommodate you (any of the state sponsored schools, would probably have to) you could be a great watchmaker.

02/08/2020: Honolulu, HI
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Step 6: View average salary for Watchmaker

How much does a Watchmaker make?

The average salary range for a Watchmaker is from $36,985 to $45,688. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Watchmaker
$36,985 to $45,688

Average salary for Watchmaker jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Watchmaker jobs, and apply.

Looking for Watchmaker jobs?

Here are some Watchmaker jobs in the United States.

Search Watchmaker Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Watchmaker