Things you Should know About Becoming a Watchmaker
Horology is an uncommon career that keeps progressing throughout the world. It is a career that keeps being in demand every time because of the practical and aesthetic uses of watches.
Many people want to get into the business of watchmaking. However, they do not know what to expect in the horology field. You first need to learn about methods to help to find a job for a watchmaker, even though the profession doesn’t require any academic degree.
To enlighten you more, we have teamed up with professional watchmakers from job aggregator Jooble to discuss how to become a watchmaker. Let’s explore more.
How To Get Trained to Become a Watchmaker
After the decision to become a watchmaker, the next crucial thing is to get trained by a professional. Watchmaking is an intricate job requiring extensive training of about two to four years.
There are majorly two ways to get trained as a watchmaker. You can either get formal training at a horology school or become an apprentice with a professional watchmaker.
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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is the traditional method of learning about watchmaking. It is one-on-one learning where an apprentice learns directly by watching a professional do the job. The advantage of learning horology through apprenticeship is that a tutor can focus on an apprentice. Learning horology through apprenticeship also enables the learner to cut out unnecessary time spent in a formal learning institution.
However, the downside of this method is that the learner may miss out on the academic aspect of the learning. Also, most apprenticeship training may lack structure, making the apprentice miss out on some parts in the long run.
To start an apprentice training on watchmaking, you can approach a professional watchmaker and begin immediately.
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Horology School
Another option for becoming a watchmaker is attending a school of horology. This is a more formal approach to becoming a watchmaker. Also, this entails an organized structure which makes it easy to learn systematically.
However, a horology school may deny a student a personalized learning experience, and the training can take longer. Another challenge is that a school of horology might be expensive, and there aren’t many of them.
Other Things That You Need to become a Good Watchmaker
Apart from the basic training you need to become a horologist, there are other things you need to put in place to be a successful watchmaker. However, most of these things are not peculiar to watchmaking alone, but are basic things that contribute to a successful business. Below are some features you must possess if you want to trend this career path:
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Passion
It may sound cliché; however, you need to be passionate about watches to become a successful watchmaker. It would be best if you had the passion for being able to deal with wristwatches every day without getting bored. Let passion be your driving force as a watchmaker, and you will always stay on top of your game.
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Adaptability
Trends and styles are constantly changing, and the horology world is not excluded. As a watchmaker, you should always be able to adapt to new styles and trends. You need to learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant in the field.
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Customer Service
Every business, including watchmaking, needs good customer service to thrive. You must be ready to listen to your customers and make yourself available whenever they need professional advice. However, a smart move is to employ the service of an experienced customer service officer to help you manage your business and attend to customers’ needs.
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Attention to detail
Watches are detailed and technical pieces, and it is easy for mix-ups to occur if a watchmaker is not attentive. Hence, precision and accuracy are essential skills you must possess as a watchmaker.
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Patience
Fixing and assembling a watch needs a great deal of patience. Repairing a timepiece in a hurry will only lead to you doing a lousy job. Therefore, you need a lot of patience as a watchmaker to perform consistently at the topmost level.
What Do Watchmakers Do?
There are a couple of things that a watchmaker does. Some of these things are expected of them, while the rest are things people don’t even know that watchmakers do. Below are some of the things expected of a watchmaker:
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Building New Watches
The primary job of a watchmaker is to build a new watch. In addition, a watchmaker is tasked with the duties of building watches’ parts and assembling them.
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Repairs
Another primary duty of a watchmaker is to repair faulty watches. A watchmaker diagnoses what is wrong with a timepiece and fixes it.
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Watch Inspection
Watch inspection is needed to ensure that the timepieces are in good condition. It is only a watchmaker that can help you to examine your clock thoroughly and ascertain its condition.
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Fitting New Parts
A watch sometimes needs some of its parts to be replaced when faulty. These parts include the screen, batteries, dials, hands, and straps.
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Watch Cleaning
Watch cleaning is one of the duties of a watchmaker. The watchmaker knows how a watch is made, its component, and its arrangement. Hence, making it easier for a watchmaker to clean a wristwatch deeply.
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Tutoring
Another responsibility a watchmaker might have to take up is tutoring. Finally, as a professional watchmaker, you might have to take up the responsibility of nurturing upcoming watchmakers.
Step-by-Step Processes to get started as a watchmaker
Do you still want to make a living as a watchmaker? Below is the step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
- Get trained
- Get your equipment ready. This equipment includes tweezers, magnifying glasses, wire holder, watch case opener, screwdriver set, eye loupe, movement holder, etc.
- Download and study watchmaking guides. These can include videos, text files, and online writeups, enabling you to learn more about being a watchmaker.
- Do a lot of practice to help you get better quickly.
Conclusion
Becoming a watchmaker is an exciting prospect for watch lovers that want to make a living in the horology field. You can undoubtedly make a lot of money from the watchmaking job and quickly get a job because it is always available. All you need is to follow the guides detailed in this article, and you are on the way to becoming a great horologist.
