DesignISCO 7311
Watch and clock repairer
Watch and clock repairers maintain and repair wristwatches and clocks. They identify defects, change batteries, fit new straps, oil and replace damaged parts. They may also restore antique clocks.
Check yourself in a minute: watch and clock repairer
Rate 5 of the 22 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
apply company policies
inspect clocks
repair clocks
demagnetise watches
use watchmaker's tools
About watch and clock repairer
As a watch and clock repairer, you will specialize in the maintenance, repair, and restoration of timepieces ranging from modern wristwatches to antique clocks. Your work involves diagnosing mechanical and electrical defects, replacing components, changing batteries, fitting new straps, and performing precision oiling of delicate mechanisms. You will use specialized watchmaker's tools and repair manuals to restore timepieces to full working order, often requiring meticulous attention to detail and steady hands. This is a craft that blends technical knowledge with artistry, particularly when restoring valuable antique pieces. The career offers good job security and the satisfaction of working with intricate mechanisms; advancement can lead to owning your own repair shop or specializing in high-end timepiece restoration.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a watch and clock repairer.
1
Diagnosis and Inspection
- Inspect watches and clocks to identify defects, wear, and malfunctions
- Test electrical components using battery test equipment and specialized diagnostic tools
- Consult repair manuals and technical documentation to understand complex mechanisms
2
Repair and Component Replacement
- Replace defective watch and clock components including springs, gears, and bearings
- Change watch batteries and ensure proper power supply to electronic components
- Fit new watch straps and secure casings to completed repairs
- Demagnetize watches to restore accuracy and eliminate mechanical interference
3
Precision Maintenance and Calibration
- Oil and lubricate delicate clock mechanisms using specialized oils and techniques
- Mount and adjust clock wheelwork for optimal performance and timing accuracy
- Maintain and calibrate equipment used in the repair process
4
Restoration and Specialization
- Restore antique clocks and timepieces to original condition and functionality
- Work with mechanical and electric clock systems, adapting repair techniques as needed
5
Customer Service and Consultation
- Provide customers with detailed information about repairs and restoration work performed
- Offer follow-up services and maintenance advice to ensure customer satisfaction
- Apply company policies and standards consistently across all repair work
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (22)
electric clockselectric clocksClocks and watches that use electrical power to measure the passing of time, such as electric, electronic, digital or quartz clocks and watches.mechanical clocksmechanical clocksClocks and watches that use a mechanical mechanism to measure the passing of time.apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.inspect clocksinspect clocksInspect clocks and watches and their components for any defects, deterioration or damage. Check electronic timepieces with measuring and testing instruments.repair clocksrepair clocksIdentify problems on clocks or watches, check for deterioration, disassemble parts, regulate, adjust, and replace deficient components.demagnetise watchesdemagnetise watchesUse a demagnetiser to remove magnetism from watches that have obtained these magnetic properties because of the presence of metals at a close distance.use watchmaker's toolsuse watchmaker's toolsUse tools commonly used for watchmaking and repairing. Common categories include band tools, watch battery tools, cleaning tools, screwdrivers, brushes, flex shaft, loupes or magnifiers, tap and die s...change watch batterychange watch batterySelect a battery for a watch based on the brand, type and style of the watch. Replace the battery and explain to the customer how to preserve its life.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.use repair manualsuse repair manualsApply the information, such as periodic maintenance charts, step by step repair instructions, troubleshooting information and overhaul procedures to perform routine maintenance and repairs.attach clock casesattach clock casesAttach clock or watch case to enclose and protect the clockwork or module.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...operate battery test equipmentoperate battery test equipmentOperate equipment used for battery testing, such as a soldering iron, a battery tester, or a multimeter. Detect flaws affecting the battery's performance, test the battery's capacity for accumulating ...replace defect componentsreplace defect componentsRemove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.mount clock wheelworkmount clock wheelworkMount the wheelwork components of clocks and watches and attach with screws.provide customer information related to repairsprovide customer information related to repairsInform customers about necessary repairs or replacements, discuss products, services and costs, include accurate technical information.provide customer follow-up servicesprovide customer follow-up servicesRegister, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.maintain clocksmaintain clocksClean and remove grease from clock and watch components, apply oil to hinges, adjust components, and store them in a waterproof space.components of clockscomponents of clocksComponents present in clocks and watches, such as the wheelwork, battery, dials, and hands.attach clock handsattach clock handsAttach the hour, minute, and second clock or watch hands to the clockface using hex nuts and wrenches. Ensure that the hands on the clockface are parallel and aligned.attach clock dialsattach clock dialsAttach dials or clock faces to clocks or watches.use precision toolsuse precision toolsUse electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.
Optional (17) — show
manage schedule of tasksmanage schedule of tasksMaintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.advise customers on jewellery and watchesadvise customers on jewellery and watchesProvide customers with detailed advice on watches and pieces of jewellery available in the store. Explain about different brands and models and their characteristics and features. Recommend and provid...order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.handle jewellery and watches insurance claimshandle jewellery and watches insurance claimsProvide assistance to customers whose watches or jewelleries have been stolen or damaged. Communicate with insurance companies in order to quickly replace or refund items.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.attach clockworkattach clockworkInstall clockwork or module in clocks or watches. The clockwork includes all mechanisms, movements, motors, and wheel work present in clocks and watches. In mechanical timepieces, in which clockwork m...attach pendulumsattach pendulumsAttach clock pendulums to the pendulum guide behind the face of the clock.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.apply precision metalworking techniquesapply precision metalworking techniquesComply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...negotiate supplier arrangementsnegotiate supplier arrangementsReach an agreement with the supplier upon technical, quantity, quality, price, conditions, storage, packaging, send-back and other requirements related to the purchasing and delivering process.restore antique clocksrestore antique clocksBring back antique clocks to their original or a refurbished state, by repairing or replacing defect components, cleaning and oiling parts and checking for accuracy of time-keeping.issue sales invoicesissue sales invoicesPrepare the invoice of goods sold or services provided, containing individual prices, the total charge, and the terms. Complete order processing for orders received via telephone, fax and internet and...sell clockssell clocksSell clocks, watches, or related accessories according to the customer's preferences.keep stock recordskeep stock recordsKeep written records of the amount of stock in storage, incoming and outgoing products required for the proper operation of services, repairs and maintenance tasks.maintain relationship with suppliersmaintain relationship with suppliersBuild a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.ensure compliance with warranty contractsensure compliance with warranty contractsImplement and monitor repairs and/or replacements by the supplier in compliance with warranty contracts.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a watch and clock repairer do?
Watch and clock repairers maintain and repair wristwatches and clocks. They identify defects, change batteries, fit new straps, oil and replace damaged parts. They may also restore antique clocks.
What skills does a watch and clock repairer need?
A watch and clock repairer needs 22 essential skills, including electric clocks, mechanical clocks, apply company policies, inspect clocks, repair clocks.
Will AI replace watch and clock repairer jobs?
The AI disruption score for watch and clock repairer is 39/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: issue sales invoices, keep stock records, manage schedule of tasks. Most resilient: mechanical clocks, use watchmaker's tools, restore antique clocks.
AI Replacement Risk
39/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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