Watch or clock repairer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a watch and clock repairer, or horologist, you would service, repair and restore clocks and watches.

You would usually specialise in either watches or clocks, as each involve different skills and techniques. Your work would vary depending on your specialism, but would typically include:

• inspecting and dismantling watches and clocks to identify faults
• replacing batteries
• cleaning and oiling parts
• removing worn and damaged parts and replacing them from stock or with parts you have made
• fitting new hands and dials
• checking for accuracy of time-keeping
• fitting new watch straps.

You could work in a jewellery shop or other retail outlet, where you may serve customers as well as doing repairs.

As a specialised clock repairer, you could be involved in repairing and restoring old or antique clocks, and may also make clocks to your own designs.

Hours

You would usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, or sometimes on Saturdays. Part-time work is possible.

You would usually be based in a workshop. Most of your time would be spent sitting at a bench and using specialised tools and optical aids.

Income

• New entrants can earn around £15,000 a year.
• Experienced watch and clock repairers can earn around £30,000 a year.

Earnings for self-employed watch and clock repairers and horologists vary depending on the type and amount of work they have.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You can gain skills in all aspects of watch and clock repair by completing qualifications including:

• EAL Level 3 Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks and Watches
• EAL Intermediate Certificate in Clock and Watch Servicing
• British Horological Institute (BHI) Preliminary, Intermediate and Final Certificate in Clock and Watch Servicing.

You can complete the BHI courses at Birmingham City University. They are also available by distance learning – visit the BHI website for details of this option.

You could also take other qualifications including:

• BTEC HND in Horology at Birmingham City University
• Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation and Restoration of Antique Clocks at West Dean College in Chichester.

Check with the course providers websites for details:

• Birmingham City University
• West Dean College

You could begin by attending part-time day or evening courses in watch and clock repair at a local college or adult education institute and gain experience of horology as a hobby before starting work.

Training and development

If you have started work as a watch and clock repairer without any qualifications you could complete British Horological Institute (BHI) qualifications part-time or by distance learning.

You can also attend short BHI seminars in Newark. Many of these are residential. The seminars last from one to five days, and cover both basic and advanced topics. Visit the BHI website for details.

Skills and knowledge

• an interest in mechanical gadgets
• the ability to carry out intricate and delicate work
• good practical skills
• patience and attention to detail
• accurate measuring skills
• the ability to schedule your own work
• financial and administrative skills if you are self-employed.

More information

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
www.clockmakers.org

British Horological Institute (BHI)
Upton Hall
Upton
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG23 5TE
Tel: 01636 813795
www.bhi.co.uk

Opportunities

Most watch and clock repair is done by small firms, often employing only one or two staff. There are some larger workshops, however, which provide a service for jewellery shops or watch houses.

Some jewellery shops have their own repair facilities. If you work in one of these you may also have to serve in the shop. You could have the opportunity to progress to management on the retail side.

You could become self-employed, running your own business or one of the franchises which operate in department stores or shopping centres.

You could also find opportunities to work in some museums, either repairing antiques or providing educational facilities.