Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Watch Repair Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Watch Repair Technician (Watchmaker / Horologist) is responsible for hands-on repair, overhaul and maintenance of mechanical and quartz watches, ensuring timekeeping accuracy, water resistance, cosmetic restoration and brand-standard service. The role combines precision benchwork (movement disassembly/reassembly, timing adjustments, lubrication), case/bracelet refurbishment, parts identification and ordering, quality control using timegrapher and pressure test equipment, and professional customer communication. Ideal candidates bring formal horology training or equivalent bench experience, familiarity with complications (chronograph, calendar, GMT, tourbillon), and a commitment to brand quality and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Keywords: watch repair technician, watchmaker, horologist, movement overhaul, quartz service, timegrapher, water resistance, case polishing, battery replacement, watch servicing.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Watchmaking apprentice or horology school graduate (WOSTEP, BHI or equivalent).
Jewelry repair technician or bench jeweler with micro-mechanical experience.
Retail watch sales associate transitioning to in-house repair bench.

Advancement To:

Senior Watchmaker / Lead Watch Technician overseeing bench operations.
Workshop Manager or Service Center Supervisor responsible for quality and turnaround time.
Brand Service Manager or Technical Trainer for retailers and boutiques.
Independent Master Watchmaker / Horologist or business owner.

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector (watch restoration and inspection).
Parts/Procurement Specialist for watch brands or service centers.
After-sales Support / Warranty Claims Specialist.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Diagnose timekeeping, power reserve, winding and functional issues across quartz and mechanical movements by performing visual inspections, movement tests, and diagnostic runs on a timegrapher to determine root cause and recommended service.
Fully disassemble, clean (ultrasonic and pegwood methods), inspect, repair or replace components, and reassemble mechanical and automatic watch movements to brand and COSC-level tolerances when required.
Perform complete overhauls including mainspring replacement, gear train servicing, pallet and escapement adjustments, lubrication with correct oil types and quantities, and beat error regulation to achieve specified amplitude and rate.
Service and repair quartz and electronic movements including battery replacement, coil and circuit diagnosis, module replacement, and ensuring proper electrical contacts and end-of-life handling.
Calibrate and test chronograph, calendar, GMT, moonphase and other complications; diagnose synchronization issues and repair component-level faults or replace modules per manufacturer procedures.
Use a timegrapher to evaluate rate, amplitude and beat error pre- and post-service, documenting measurements and adjustments to ensure accuracy within tolerance.
Perform water-resistance testing and pressure testing (dry and wet), replace gaskets, crowns and pushers, and document test results; advise customers when resealing cannot meet manufacturer water-resistance standards.
Conduct case and bracelet refurbishment: polishing, brushing, bezel replacement, link repair, end-link fitting, and restoring surfaces to manufacturer finishes while controlling metal removal and preserving serial numbers and hallmarks.
Replace hands, dials, crystal/caseback installation (sapphire, mineral, acrylic), and verify dial/hands alignment and luminous application integrity where applicable.
Troubleshoot and repair winding systems including rotor, winding stem, clutch wheels and barrel/pinion interfaces to restore power transfer and automatic winding efficiency.
Source, identify and order genuine replacement parts, movements, crowns and crystals from authorized distributors and brand parts programs, maintaining accurate parts inventory and lead-time expectations.
Maintain complete and accurate service records, photographic documentation and customer work orders; ensure traceability of parts and serial numbers for warranty and insurance purposes.
Follow brand-specific technical service manuals, repair protocols and service bulletins; adhere to manufacturer warranty policies and post-service testing requirements.
Perform micro-soldering, spring and pin replacement, hand-setting and delicate component solder repairs under microscope using appropriate heat control and flux techniques.
Manage turnaround time (TAT) and prioritize repair queue to meet service-level agreements, ensuring high-quality output without sacrificing speed or safety.
Collaborate with customer service, sales and warranty teams to provide technical explanations, repair options, cost estimates and timeframes; present transparent, professional communications to retail customers and third-party clients.
Maintain a clean, dust-free bench environment and preventive maintenance on bench tools (timegrapher, lathe, staking set, Ultrasonic cleaner, demagnetizer, blower) to ensure consistent service quality and equipment longevity.
Train and mentor junior technicians or apprentices on bench techniques, timing procedures, and brand-specific repair standards to build bench capability and knowledge continuity.
Assess vintage and heritage timepieces for restoration feasibility, recommending conservation vs. replacement strategies to preserve integrity and value while meeting customer expectations.
Ensure compliance with safety, hazardous waste disposal (old lubricants, batteries), and regulatory requirements; maintain CE/UL documentation where required for service equipment.
Provide after-service follow-up for quality assurance, handling customer feedback, rework requests and warranty repairs in a timely, professional manner.

Secondary Functions

Assist retail teams with sizing, basic on-site adjustments and battery replacements to improve walk-in customer satisfaction.
Participate in inventory audits and parts procurement planning to reduce lead times and minimize out-of-stock service delays.
Contribute to shop process improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce rework and improve service consistency.
Support marketing and e-commerce by providing technical copy or photos for watch care guides, service pages and repair turnaround estimates.
Maintain training records and recommend external training or certifications to upskill the bench team in advanced complications.
Occasionally support onsite or pop-up watch service events, trade shows and brand clinics to represent the service center and educate clients.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Comprehensive movement servicing: disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, reassembly and timing of mechanical and automatic movements.
Timegrapher operation and interpretation (rate, amplitude, beat error) for pre/post-service validation.
Water-resistance testing and gasket replacement using both vacuum and pressure test equipment.
Quartz diagnostics: battery replacement, circuit testing, coil and module replacement.
Micro-mechanical tooling proficiency: staking set, tweezers, screwdrivers, pegwood, lubricators, and staking/lapping tools.
Case and bracelet refurbishment: polishing, brushing, link removal, end-link fitting and bezel repair.
Parts identification and sourcing from brand parts catalogs and authorized distributors; familiarity with OEM part numbering.
Micro-soldering and microscale metalwork for coil repairs, contact repairs, and hand/part reattachment.
Ability to service complications: chronograph, calendar, GMT, power reserve indicators and moonphase mechanisms.
Use and maintenance of bench equipment: ultrasonic cleaner, demagnetizer, balance poising tools, lathe for crystal trimming.
Documentation and record-keeping for service history, warranty compliance and quality control.
Basic electronics knowledge for quartz module repair and battery contact troubleshooting.
Familiarity with brand service procedures and technical bulletins (e.g., Omega, Rolex, Seiko, TAG Heuer, Breitling standards).

Soft Skills

Exceptional manual dexterity and steady hands for micro-scale repairs and assembly.
Strong attention to detail and quality-driven mindset to maintain brand standards and reduce rework.
Excellent verbal and written communication to explain technical issues and repair options to customers and colleagues.
Customer service orientation with empathy, patience and professional demeanor during sensitive-value repairs.
Time-management and prioritization skills to balance throughput with high-quality workmanship.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking to diagnose non-obvious movement faults and devise repair plans.
Confidentiality and respect for high-value client property and privacy.
Team collaboration and mentorship aptitude to support junior technicians and cross-functional teams.
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to keep up with new calibers, technologies and brand procedures.
Sales-awareness to advise on cost-effective repair vs replacement and identify up-sell service opportunities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with formal watchmaking or horology certificate (short courses acceptable) or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or certification from recognized horology schools (WOSTEP, British Horological Institute - BHI, Lititz Watch Technicum, SAWTA) or accredited technical institute.
Additional certifications from brands or industry bodies (manufacturer training, COSC familiarity).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horology / Watchmaking
Precision Machining / Micro-mechanics
Jewelry Repair / Bench Jeweler training
Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics (beneficial)
Electronics (for quartz diagnostics)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years bench experience for junior/entry-level technician roles.
3–10+ years for senior watchmaker or specialist positions.

Preferred:

3+ years servicing a wide range of mechanical and quartz movements in a retail, authorized service center, independent workshop, or brand service environment.
Demonstrated experience with timing equipment, pressure testing, case and bracelet refurbishment, and parts sourcing.
Experience with luxury brand standards and warranty procedures preferred.