Duties of a Watch Repairer or Watchmaker
The watch is a complex machine with many small parts, and to repair one requires precision and delicacy. The ability to locate and correct defects in the watch is an important skill for a watch repairer with means tracing the defect in a systematic manner. Watch repairers or watchmakers’ job is to repair, adjust, clean, and regulate watches, clocks, chronometers, electromechanical, and other kinds of timepieces. Asking a customer for the past history of a watch may provide information regarding previous repairs. At times, the defect comes from incorrect replacement or improper fitting of parts. Pushing, pulling, and turning the winding stem may show binding, or dirty hands of the watch, or looseness that may permit dust to enter the mechanical parts.
The next step requires the opening of the case and the removal of the dial so that the mechanism can be examined with the aid of a magnifying eyeglass, or loupe. Watch repairers check for defective parts or signs of fouling and inspect springs for rust and alignment of parts. During the process, they may repair or replace such parts as the mainspring, hairspring, jewels, pivots, and escapement. With older watches, they may have to make a part for the watch to function properly. They may clean the watch by means of cleaning solution or, in the larger repair shops, with supersonic sound waves. Oiling of parts requires a delicate touch, for excessive amounts of oil or oil in the wrong spots cause the watch to operate improperly. The watch must be reassembled so that parts fit properly.
In this kind of retirement employment, a retired one who opts to do this job must have complete tools, too. Being a watch repairer, he must use several devices to assist in the completion of his delicate work. A timing machine is used to check the accuracy of the watch. If the watch is inaccurate, appropriate adjustments are made. A watch showing erratic time-keeping is checked for magnetism and demagnetized in a demagnetizer. When repairing electric or electronic watches, various electric meters or oscilloscopes may be used by watch repairers to make repairs or adjustments. They must also be able to use various tools such as pliers, pillar files, pin vises, tweezers, turns, and lathes.
In addition to repair work, many watch repairers in their retirement job also do jewelry repair work, and sell various items like clocks, watches, jewelry, china, and silverware. This is especially true if they are self-employed or work in a retail store. In large store or shops, they may have managerial or supervisory duties. If self-employed, they will order parts and merchandize, keep accounts, arrange for advertising, and perform tasks required to maintain an efficient and profitable business.
Requirements
Watch repairers must be able to work independently with a high degree of precision and care. They must be able to make visual comparisons and discriminations and have the ability to perceive pertinent details in objects. They must work with their hands in placing and turning motions. They must make judgments, using set standards, and have the ability to feel and finger objects with deftness. Clarity of oral expression, orderly work habits, and good vision are also desirable. The owner of a shop must be able to manage other employees, be able to deal with the public, and have a basic business background.
The best way to become a watch repairer is to acquire training at a watch repair school. The typical training period is about one to three years or even more. Training in engraving, jewel repair, and stone setting may add an additional period of study or schooling to the basic course work. The course of study contains work in disassembling and reassembling, cleaning, oiling, and replacing or repairing parts in various kinds of time-pieces. The student receives instruction on the use of such devices as demagnetizers, watch maker’s lathe, and electronic timing equipment. Additional training may be obtained in servicing electronic watches, calendars, chronometers, and timers. A student is usually required to purchase a set of hand tools. Refresher courses are offered as new products come on the market. Note that methods of entering this occupational field are rather restricted. Upon completion of a watch repair school program, the individual may secure help in finding a job from the school’s placement department, or any government department or private agencies.
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