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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Watch Inspector

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingQuality AssuranceHorology

🎯 Role Definition

The Watch Inspector is a hands-on quality control professional responsible for ensuring mechanical and quartz watches meet strict quality, performance and aesthetic standards. This role performs precision dimensional and visual inspections, functional and timing tests, pressure/water-resistance testing, documentation and traceability, non-conformance management, and supplier/incoming inspection. The Watch Inspector collaborates with production, engineering, suppliers and quality teams to sustain high first-pass yield, reduce defects per million (DPM/PPM) and maintain compliance with internal and industry standards (COSC, ISO). Ideal candidates demonstrate micro-mechanical skill, acute attention to detail, strong documentation discipline, and experience with timing machines and inspection metrology.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Watch Assembler / Movement Assembler
  • Watchmaking Apprentice / Horology Technician
  • Quality Technician (micro-mechanical or electronics)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Watch Inspector / Senior Quality Inspector
  • Quality Engineer (manufacturing or metrology)
  • QA Supervisor / Quality Manager
  • Master Watchmaker / Technical Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Calibration / Metrology Technician
  • Repair & Service Technician (after-sale service)
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform precision visual and dimensional inspection of watch movements, cases, dials, hands, crowns, gaskets, crystals and straps using stereoscopic microscopes, optical comparators and measuring tools to verify compliance with engineering drawings, tolerances and aesthetic standards.
  • Operate and interpret timing machines (e.g., Witschi, Timegrapher, Vibrograf) to measure rate (sec/day), amplitude, and beat error; adjust/regulate movements within specification and document timing certificates.
  • Conduct functional testing of all watch functions — timekeeping, winding, date change, quickset, chronograph start/stop/reset, GMT/dual-time, alarms, power reserve — and record pass/fail outcomes and detailed test notes.
  • Execute water-resistance and pressure testing (static and dynamic pressure testers, vacuum leak tests) to verify sealing and conform to ISO and brand-specific water-resistance ratings; document and trace results to serial numbers.
  • Perform incoming inspection of vendor-supplied components (movements, cases, crystals, springs, screws) using defined sampling plans; produce incoming inspection reports and material disposition recommendations.
  • Inspect surface finish quality: polishing, brushing, plating, PVD/DLC coatings and printed or applied indices; verify color, adhesion, uniformity, edge break and finish specifications.
  • Use precision hand tools and gauge sets (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, pin gauges) and record measurements to ensure parts meet dimensional tolerances and GD&T requirements.
  • Identify, segregate and document non-conforming materials and finished goods; generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and route parts for rework, repair or scrap per QMS procedures.
  • Perform first article inspection (FAI) and sample inspection plans (SIP); update inspection checklists and maintain records for traceability by lot and serial number.
  • Maintain instrument calibration records and perform routine calibration verification for timing machines, pressure testers, micrometers and other inspection equipment; escalate calibration needs to metrology.
  • Enter inspection data, serial numbers, and quality records into ERP / QMS systems (e.g., SAP, MasterControl, Tracker) and support digital traceability and auditability.
  • Execute COSC or external chronometer certification testing when applicable; prepare and maintain certificates and compliance documentation.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, CAPA) for recurring quality issues; collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to implement and verify corrective measures and design improvements.
  • Support supplier quality activities including vendor audits, corrective action follow-up, and improvement projects to reduce incoming defect rates and improve supplier performance metrics.
  • Train and mentor junior inspectors and assembly staff on inspection methods, acceptance criteria, handling of micro-mechanical components, and quality awareness best practices.
  • Manage rework and watch repair triage: diagnose defects, estimate rework steps, execute or route for appropriate corrective service, and update repair logs and warranty records.
  • Prepare daily/weekly quality metrics and inspection reports including first-pass yield, PPM/DPM, defect Pareto charts, and trends; present findings in production/quality reviews.
  • Maintain clean, ESD-safe work areas and follow handling protocols for delicate movements and lubricated components; enforce contamination control and clean-room procedures as required.
  • Support internal and external quality audits (ISO 9001, customer audits, regulatory checks): provide inspection evidence, explain inspection methods, and implement audit findings.
  • Participate in cross-functional problem-solving, New Product Introduction (NPI) quality planning, and production ramp-up reviews to ensure product quality targets are met during scale-up.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering with tolerance reviews, measurement method validation and fixture development for improved inspection repeatability.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives focused on inspection throughput, defect reduction and ergonomics on the inspection bench.
  • Help define and update sampling plans and statistical process control (SPC) rules in collaboration with Quality Engineering.
  • Support after-sales service center by validating returned-watch failures, providing expertise on recurring failure modes and recommending preventive actions.
  • Maintain spares and inspection consumables inventory, request tooling and gauge replacements, and liaise with procurement for critical metrology supplies.
  • Participate in cross-training programs to broaden inspection coverage across multiple product lines and test stations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in stereoscopic microscope inspection and microscopic defect identification (scratches, burrs, hairlines, oxidation).
  • Operation and interpretation of mechanical and electronic timing machines (Witschi, Timegrapher) including adjustment/regulation of movements.
  • Practical experience with pressure and vacuum water-resistance testers and leak detection equipment.
  • Skilled in precision measurement using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, pin gauges and optical comparators.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection drawings.
  • Familiarity with COSC chronometer testing criteria and chronometry best practices where applicable.
  • Experience with QMS and inspection data systems (SAP, MasterControl, Arena, or equivalent ERP/QMS).
  • Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), sampling plans (AQL), capability studies and use of basic QC tools (Pareto, fishbone, 5 Whys).
  • Competence performing root cause analysis and CAPA, including 8D methodology and corrective action verification.
  • Experience with surface finish assessments, plating/PVD/DLC inspection and aesthetic acceptance criteria.
  • Good manual dexterity and fine-motor skills for handling tiny components and conducting hands-on adjustments.
  • Instrument calibration awareness and ability to perform basic verification checks on metrology equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and visual acuity for micro-mechanical inspection.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare inspection reports, NCRs and interact with suppliers and engineers.
  • Problem-solving mindset and persistence in debugging recurring defects.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate across production, engineering and supplier organizations.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance inspection throughput and quality rigor.
  • Patience and steady hand for repetitive fine-detail tasks under microscope.
  • Training and coaching capability for mentoring junior technicians.
  • Adaptability to new test methods, tooling and product designs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Professional attitude toward confidentiality and product security (handling proprietary movements).
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and willingness to participate in Kaizen/lean initiatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certificate in Horology, Precision Mechanical Technology, Mechatronics or a related technical field.
  • Formal horology/watchmaking school certification (WOSTEP, AWCI, British Horological Institute) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horology / Watchmaking
  • Precision Mechanical Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Metrology / Instrumentation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of watch inspection, watchmaking, or precision mechanical/electronics quality inspection.

Preferred:

  • 3–7 years in watch inspection or watch assembly environments, with documented experience operating timing machines and water-resistance testers.
  • Prior exposure to COSC certification, luxury watch finishing standards, or medical-grade precision inspection is a plus.
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