Watchmakers are responsible for the maintenance, repair and setting of digital and analogue watches.
Watchmakers receive broken or defective watches, listen to customers' complaints and trace faults. They dismantle watches, repair or replace broken or worn parts and assemble the watches again. They adjust, set, where applicable, wind them up and test them.
Watchmakers also clean, service and oil clocks. When parts are unobtainable watchmakers may manufacture them.
Watchmakers employed in the manufacturing industry, assemble watches, adjust, and set them. Watchmakers may also repair jewellery, silverware and other items.
Watchmakers, who own their own shops, supervise employees, keep records, order parts and supplies and perform other managerial duties.
Watchmakers usually work in quiet, clean and pleasant workshops. They use fine and delicate instruments. They may also work in the workshops of large jewellery manufacturing firms under similar working conditions.
Satisfying Aspects
- the challenges that the job presents
- job stability and relatively good wages
- working with fine, delicate mechanisms
- tranquillity of the work situation
- prospects of a private business
Demanding aspects
- long hours of concentration
- having to deal with people who may be unreasonable
- the long training required for this occupation
Requirements
A watchmaker should:
- have high personal standards of craftsmanship;
- have mechanical insight and aptitude;
- be honest in dealing with customers;
- be able to concentrate
- pay attention to fine detail;
- work accurately;
- have patience and perseverance;
- have very definite finger dexterity;
- have very good eyesight;
- have good eye-hand coordination and orientation as well as excellent depth perception.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Graphic Design, Electrical Technology
Training
Watchmaking is not a designated trade. A training course is run at some FET Colleges. Practical as well as theoretical training is provided. After completing the full-time training, trainees write a trade test and if successful, receive a Trade Training Certificate.
Experienced watchmakers may also train aspirant watchmakers. Further training is available for workers who are interested in management and who show leadership qualities.
Employer
- jewellers
- manufacturers of watches
- wholesalers of watches
- self-employment, a skilled and entrepreneurial watchmaker can start own workshop
Contact
The Rector
Thuto-Matlhale Technical College for Vocational Education
Private Bag X002
Mamelodi, 0101