Jeweler
Make, repair and set stones in jewelry.
- $52,540
- 1–3 years of training
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Watch Repairer
Also called: Watchmaker · Horologist · Clock Repairer · Watch Technician
What watch repairers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a watch repairer do?
Watch and clock repairers repair, clean and adjust mechanisms of timing instruments such as watches and clocks. The median pay is $67,230 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years of training, and employment is projected to grow -0.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$67,230$32.32/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.3%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs1,400Employment, 2025
What watch repairers do
Watch repairers keep time working. They disassemble mechanical movements, clean and oil parts, replace springs and gears, regulate timing, replace batteries and crystals and restore vintage clocks. Many work for jewelers, luxury brands and independent shops.
A high school diploma and long-term training are typical; formal watchmaking school is valued by luxury brands. It is a tiny occupation, and BLS projects little change.
Typical duties
- Disassemble movements
- Clean and oil parts
- Replace springs and gears
- Regulate timing
- Replace batteries and crystals
- Pressure test water resistance
- Restore clocks
Work environment and schedule
Watch repairers work at clean benches in shops, jewelers and service centers.
Schedule: Full-time daytime hours.
A day in the life
- Log incoming watches.
- Disassemble a movement.
- Run parts through the cleaner.
- Reassemble and oil.
See a full day in the life of a watch repairer →
Watch Repairer salary
Half of watch repairers earned more than $67,230 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,240 for the lowest 10% to $109,990 for the top 10%.
Full watch repairer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a watch repairer
- Finish high school
- Attend watchmaking school
- Learn movements
- Earn certification
- Work for a brand or open a shop
A high school diploma and long-term training are typical; watchmaking school is valued.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a watch repairer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Movement disassembly
- Cleaning and oiling
- Regulation
- Part fabrication
- Water resistance testing
People skills
- Patience
- Steady hands
- Focus
- Attention to detail
All watch repairer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Precision craft
- Luxury brand demand
- Quiet work
- Good pay for top skills
Cons
- Tiny field
- Eye strain
- Long training for top roles
- Few schools
Certifications and licenses
- WOSTEP: Swiss watchmaking credential.
- AWCI CW21: American watchmaker certification.
- Brand certifications: Luxury brands.
- Clock repair course: Helpful.
Career path
- Apprentice: Entry.
- Watch Repairer: Service.
- Certified Watchmaker: Brand-level.
- Master Watchmaker or Owner: Top level.
Learn the job before day one
Our Watch Repairer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as service a mechanical watch movement and regulate a watch on a timing machine, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Camera Repairer
Repair cameras, lenses and photographic equipment.
- $52,720
- A year or more on the job
Electronics Assembler
Assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and electronic devices.
- $45,850
- A few months on the job
Small Engine Mechanic
Repair lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators and other small gas and electric equipment.
- $47,880
- 3–12 months
Compare: Watch Repairer vs. Jeweler · Watch Repairer vs. Camera Repairer · Watch Repairer vs. Electronics Assembler · Watch Repairer vs. Small Engine Mechanic
Watch Repairer FAQ
Is watchmaking a career?
Yes, though small, luxury brands need skilled watchmakers.
Do I need school?
Training is valued, especially by brands.
Is pay good?
BLS reports solid median pay.
How much does a watch repairer make?
The median annual wage for watch repairers was $67,230 ($32.32 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,240 and the highest 10% earned more than $109,990.
How long does it take to become a watch repairer?
Most people need about 1–2 years of training of training. A high school diploma and long-term training are typical; watchmaking school is valued.
Do you need a degree to be a watch repairer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
More watch repairer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9064 (Watch and clock repairers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Watch and clock repairers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.