You could do a (Hons) Degree in Horology at Birmingham City University.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Watch or clock repairer
Alternative titles for this job include Horologist, clock maker
Clock and watch repairers mend and restore clocks and watches.
Average salary (a year)
£16,000 Starter
to£40,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42 to 44 a week
You could work
weekends on a rota
How to become a Watch or clock repairer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
University
College
You could start by doing a part-time course in watch and clock repair at a local college. After completing a basic repair course, you could move on to more in-depth training like the Level 3 Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing, which can take up to 12 months.
The Diploma may be offered by the same training provider that offers basic courses. or you could do it by distance learning through the industry’s professional body, the British Horological Institute (BHI). The BHI also offers short introductory courses at its site at Upton Hall in Nottinghamshire.
Work
You could try to find a trainee position with a watch repair firm who would then put you through their own training programme.
Other routes
Other providers offer formal training, which takes between one and three years to complete. Courses include:
- Watchmaker Training Programme at the British School of Watchmaking in Manchester
- Diploma in Clock Conservation at West Dean College near Chichester
Check with the course providers for more details and course entry requirements.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative
- analytical thinking skills
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- customer service skills
- Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- inspecting and taking apart watches or clocks to identify faults
- replacing batteries
- cleaning and oiling parts
- making new parts to replace worn ones
- checking for accuracy
- fitting new watch straps
- etching or engraving designs onto a watch face
Working environment
You could work in a workshop.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could manage a workshop or retail jewellery outlet, or run your own business repairing or designing watches.
If you specialise in antique clocks, you could work in a museum conserving antique clocks, or work at an auctioneers as a valuer.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Watch or clock repairer right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
Clock Repair
- Provider: COMMUNITY LEARNING AND SKILLS
- Start date: 24 April 2019
- Location: Sevenoaks
Clock Repair & Horology
- Provider: SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
- Start date: 16 January 2019
- Location: WEST MOLESEY