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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Watch Technician

💰 $ - $

WatchmakingRepairTechnicalLuxury Goods

🎯 Role Definition

A Watch Technician (Watchmaker) is a trained precision technician responsible for the complete service, repair, maintenance, and quality control of mechanical and quartz timepieces. This role requires advanced fine-motor skills, deep familiarity with watch movements and complications (chronograph, calendar, tourbillon), mastery of bench tools and diagnostic equipment (timing machines, pressure test chambers, ultrasonic cleaners), and strict adherence to manufacturer service standards and warranty procedures. The Watch Technician ensures each timepiece meets timing, aesthetic, and water-resistance specifications and communicates findings and repair plans clearly to service managers and customers.

Key search terms: watch technician, watchmaker, watch repair, watch servicing, movement overhaul, timing adjustment, water resistance test, WOSTEP, luxury watch repair, Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Watch Technician / Watch Repair Apprentice
  • Bench Jeweler or Jewelry Repair Technician with watch experience
  • Micro-mechanical technician or instrument repair technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Watch Technician / Senior Watchmaker
  • Workshop Manager or Service Center Manager
  • Specialist Restorer / Vintage Watch Specialist
  • Brand-Certified Technician or Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector (timepiece QA)
  • Customer Service / Service Advisor for luxury watch brands
  • Parts & Inventory Specialist for watch components

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform full movement overhauls and complete service intervals for mechanical (manual and automatic) and quartz movements, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, replacement of worn parts, lubrication, reassembly, and timing regulation to manufacturer tolerances.
  • Diagnose mechanical and electronic faults using timing machines, oscilloscopes, battery testers, and brand-specific diagnostic tools; generate clear repair estimates and scope-of-work recommendations for service management and customers.
  • Execute precision parts replacement and micro-soldering where required (e.g., circuit board repairs, coil replacement) while maintaining strict ESD and cleanliness controls.
  • Conduct water-resistance testing (differential pressure, vacuum, and dry/wet tests) and execute caseback gasket replacement, crown and stem service, and case sealing procedures to restore manufacturer-specified waterproof performance.
  • Replace watch batteries and perform end-of-life testing for quartz watches; document battery serials and perform corrosion inspection and cleanup when necessary.
  • Repair and replace dial components, hands (straightening and re-pressing), and perform accurate hand setting to prevent contact with subdials or chaplets.
  • Service and repair complications including chronograph modules, calendar mechanisms, moon phase, GMT, power reserve indicators, and hand-winding systems according to brand technical documentation.
  • Conduct case and bracelet repairs: sizing, link replacement, pin/screw service, clasp repair, brushing/polishing to finish specifications, and de-burring without compromising case lines or hallmarks.
  • Use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and professional drying equipment to clean movement parts, cases, and bracelets while following solvent and part compatibility guidelines.
  • Calibrate and regulate timekeeping to accepted accuracy standards (e.g., COSC, manufacturer-spec) using timing machines and positional rate testing; document before-and-after rates.
  • Maintain accurate work orders, repair logs, time tracking, parts consumption records, and digital service records in the shop management system or CRM.
  • Adhere to manufacturer technical bulletins, service manuals, and updates; apply software/firmware updates to electronic movements and brand-specific diagnostic tools as needed.
  • Source, order, and manage OEM parts requests; inspect incoming parts for compatibility and quality, and advise service management on long-lead or obsolete component alternatives.
  • Perform magnetism testing and demagnetizing procedures to restore correct operation and inform customers of recommended maintenance intervals.
  • Conduct quality control inspections at multiple stages (post-assembly, post-adjustment, pre-delivery) to confirm finishing standards, timing, water resistance, and overall cosmetic condition.
  • Restore vintage or heritage watches with sensitivity to original materials and finishing; research historical movement variants and apply appropriate restoration techniques that preserve value.
  • Follow strict shop cleanliness, ESD and anti-contamination protocols, including bench organization, tool maintenance, and safe handling of lubricants, solvents, and pressurized equipment.
  • Train junior technicians and apprentices on bench techniques, tool use, and service procedures; provide mentorship to develop bench skills and brand-specific competencies.
  • Collaborate with customer service and sales teams to explain technical diagnoses, warranty status, and repair timelines; provide clear, professional updates for customer inquiries.
  • Manage expedited repairs and priority jobs, balancing throughput with quality; triage incoming watches to optimize technician assignment and turnaround times.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives: recommend tooling, process changes, and workflow optimizations that reduce rework and improve service cycle time.
  • Maintain compliance with warranty policies, return-to-vendor procedures, and international service center requirements; prepare parts for RMA and coordinate with brand technical support when necessary.
  • Handle high-value and luxury timepieces with discretion and security; follow store or workshop protocols for log-in, secure storage, and chain-of-custody during service.
  • Inspect and repair watch crystals, bezels, crowns, pushers, and external seals; perform bezel insert replacements and ensure rotational smoothness where applicable.
  • Test and adjust power reserve performance and mainspring health; replace or re-gap springs and barrels per manufacturer recommendations.
  • Document and photograph pre-service and post-service condition for claims, warranty documentation, and customer records.
  • Maintain inventory accuracy for commonly used consumables (gaskets, screws, pins) and recommended lubricants; recommend stock reordering thresholds to prevent service delays.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the service manager with workload scheduling, parts procurement follow-ups, and vendor coordination.
  • Assist with bench and equipment maintenance programs, including calibration of timing machines, pressure testers, and ultrasonic units.
  • Contribute to the development of service SOPs, checklists, and training materials to standardize quality across the workshop.
  • Participate in product training sessions, technical webinars, and certification courses to stay current with new movements and technologies.
  • Provide technical input for customer-facing service estimates and help draft detailed job tickets that improve first-time fix rates.
  • Help maintain digital service knowledge base, including step-by-step repair notes, photos, and technical bulletins for recurring issues.
  • Support limited on-site polishing and cosmetic refurbishment projects for warranty or trade-in evaluations.
  • Liaise with parts suppliers to expedite critical components and verify authenticity of replacement parts.
  • Participate in showroom or pop-up events to demonstrate repair capabilities and support brand marketing initiatives when requested.
  • Help maintain compliance documentation for hazardous materials storage/disposal (solvents, oils) and workplace safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Movement Diagnostics & Overhaul: Proven ability to disassemble, clean, inspect, replace parts, reassemble, lubricate and regulate mechanical and automatic movements to manufacturer standards (WOSTEP/brand procedures).
  • Quartz & Electronic Repair: Competence in replacing circuits, coils, and performing micro-soldering and battery system repairs for quartz and hybrid movements.
  • Timing & Regulation: Skilled use of timing machines, beat amplitude measurement, positional rate testing, and adjustment to meet brand accuracy specifications (including COSC where applicable).
  • Water Resistance Testing: Experience with vacuum, dry, and pressure testing equipment and gasket/crown sealing procedures to certify water resistance.
  • Case & Bracelet Work: Hands-on experience with polishing, brushing, link removal, pin/screw repair, clasp adjustment, and bezel servicing without damaging finish or integrity.
  • Micro-Soldering & Fine Electronics: Fine-pitch soldering for module-level repairs, coil replacement and component-level electronic troubleshooting.
  • Use of Bench Tools: Mastery of loupes, microscopes, hand tools (pegwood, tweezers, screwdrivers), staking sets, presses, hand-setting tools, and ultrasonic/steam cleaning equipment.
  • Parts Identification & Ordering: Ability to identify OEM parts, cross-reference part numbers, and manage parts ordering through internal systems and authorized suppliers.
  • Metal Finishing & Cosmetic Restoration: Skilled in controlled polishing, satin finishing, and removal of superficial scratches while respecting design lines.
  • Vintage Movement Restoration: Knowledge of historical calibers, period-correct lubrication, part fabrication/repair and conservation best practices.
  • Documentation & Systems: Proficient in maintaining detailed repair records, service logs, and working with shop management or ERP systems for service workflows.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional manual dexterity and fine motor control with steady hands and excellent hand–eye coordination.
  • Strong attention to detail and high standards for craftsmanship, cleanliness, and finishing.
  • Clear verbal and written communication: able to explain technical issues and repair options to non-technical customers and team members.
  • Problem-solving mindset and methodical troubleshooting approach for intermittent or complex failures.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple work orders and meet turnaround targets without compromising quality.
  • Discretion and professionalism when handling high-value luxury items and confidential customer information.
  • Teaching and mentoring aptitude for guiding junior technicians and sharing best practices.
  • Customer-service orientation with patience and the ability to manage expectations and communicate realistic timelines.
  • Adaptability to evolving technologies and willingness to pursue brand certifications and ongoing education.
  • Team collaboration and willingness to contribute to process improvements and workshop efficiency.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated fine mechanical aptitude.

Preferred Education:

  • Formal watchmaking certification (WOSTEP, CW21, AWCI, SAWTA, British Horological Institute or equivalent) or diploma from accredited horology school.
  • Additional micro-electronics, micro-mechanics, or precision engineering coursework is advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Horology / Watchmaking
  • Precision Engineering / Micro-mechanics
  • Electronics / Micro-electronics
  • Jewelry Repair / Bench Jeweler programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on experience in watch repair and service for entry to mid-level positions.
  • 5+ years for senior/watchmaker roles or for positions requiring luxury brand certification and complication servicing.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience working with luxury Swiss brands (e.g., Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre) or in an authorized service center.
  • Demonstrated experience servicing major complications (chronograph, perpetual calendar, tourbillon) and vintage movement restoration.
  • Brand-specific certifications or continuing education credits evidencing technical competence and adherence to manufacturer standards.
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