Watch Repairer onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: WOSTEP, AWCI CW21 (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: loupes; tweezers; timing machines; ultrasonic cleaners
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Watch Repairer training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use magnification to protect eyes
Handle cleaning fluids safely
Ventilate the bench
Take breaks
Shadow an experienced watch repairer through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: service a mechanical watch movement
Supervised practice: regulate a watch on a timing machine
Supervised practice: pressure test a water-resistant watch
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Disassemble movements: independently
Clean and oil parts: independently
Replace springs and gears: independently
Regulate timing: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, WOSTEP)
Discuss the career path: Apprentice → Watch Repairer → Certified Watchmaker
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Service a Mechanical Watch Movement
Regulate a Watch on a Timing Machine
Pressure Test a Water-Resistant Watch
Movement disassembly
Cleaning and oiling
Regulation
Part fabrication

How to measure onboarding success

Time to independent work orders
Comeback, rework or scrap rate
Billable or productive hours versus target
90-day retention

How Watch Repairer training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Watch Repairer Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Watch Repairer Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Watch Repairer Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Watch Repairer Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)