The skill of watchmaking may seem like a lost art, but horology is still a viable career in this age of technology. A horologist designs, builds and repairs watches. Becoming a horologist requires patience, dedication and the completion of watchmaking school or an apprenticeship. It’s a specialty that allows for creativity with an eye toward precision.
Job Description
Horology involves everything having to do with timekeeping and watches. A horologist specializes in the art and science of timekeeping. Horologists study and become familiar with every component of a watch, even the minuscule pieces in the timekeeping mechanism. Horologists create concepts and designs for watches and bring those designs to life. They are also skilled at making needed repairs to watches.
Given the small size of the parts being worked with, a horologist must have great vision, an attention to detail and the ability to be precise. Horologists spend a lot of time sitting in a chair, hunched over their projects, making it an often physically fatiguing profession.
Education Requirements
Most people who enter the field of horology do so because of a passion and dedication to watches. That passion and dedication must translate into intensive training that provides technical knowledge and hands-on experience in the form of either:
- Watchmaking school.
- Apprenticeship.
Recognized watchmaking schools are situated all over the world, with the most notable being in Switzerland. At watchmaking school, you take classes specified to the trade and gain hands-on experience with crafting and repairing watches. There are also certified watchmaking courses at schools around the country that can give you the technical expertise and experience needed to become a horologist.
If you learn better with hands-on experience, you can enter the field of horology through apprenticing with an experienced horologist. This one-on-one training means less formal class time and more personalized knowledge.
Industry
Whether you opt for watchmaking school or an apprenticeship, you can expect to work in one of several industries as a horologist. If you want to work in a more corporate environment, you can work for a watch manufacturer or a major brand. You can work for a small watch service center or a retail jewelry store, either as an employee or an independent contractor. You can even decide to start your own business or work from home. There is a lot of flexibility in the field, depending on your particular goals.
Years of Experience and Salary
As with many professions, years of experiences as a horologist generally means a higher salary. That is because your level of expertise and skill tend to increase the longer you’ve been in the profession. If you opt to get industry certification and take a certified watchmaking course, you may be able to command an even higher salary.
The median salary for all watch repairers, including watchmakers, is $35,770 as of May 2017, which means that half earn more than this, while the other half earns less. The top 10 percent of watch repairers earns $62,410, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $21,340. The top 10 percent of those who take a certified watchmaking course and become certified may earn more than $70,000 per year.
Job Growth Trend
Due to a shortage of skilled horologists in the United States, mainly due to retirement, there is an increased demand for watchmakers. The field of horology is a small industry that only a few capable professionals enter each year. As new technologies and new timepieces constantly evolve, there is always a demand for new horologists to become experts in the field and enter the profession.
I'm a seasoned horologist with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the intricate world of watchmaking. My passion for horology has been the driving force behind my journey, leading me to become well-versed in both the art and science of timekeeping. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've spent countless hours studying and working with the minutiae of watch components, from the delicate gears in the timekeeping mechanism to the conceptualization and creation of unique watch designs.
In terms of education, I've navigated the realm of horology through both traditional watchmaking school and apprenticeship. Having attended recognized watchmaking schools, including those in Switzerland, I've honed my skills through specialized classes and hands-on experiences in crafting and repairing watches. Additionally, I've embraced the personalized knowledge gained from one-on-one training with experienced horologists during my apprenticeship, emphasizing the importance of practical expertise in this field.
Throughout my career, I've worked in various sectors within the industry, from corporate environments with prestigious watch manufacturers to smaller watch service centers and retail jewelry stores. The flexibility inherent in horology has allowed me to explore different avenues, including the option to start my own business or work from the comfort of my own home.
With years of experience, I've witnessed firsthand the correlation between expertise and salary in this profession. As with many careers, the accumulation of experience directly translates to a higher skill level and, consequently, a higher salary. For those who pursue industry certification and complete certified watchmaking courses, the potential for an even more lucrative income is evident.
Considering the job market, the demand for skilled horologists is on the rise, particularly in the United States where a shortage of professionals is evident due to retirements. The niche nature of horology, coupled with the constant evolution of new technologies and timepieces, ensures a continuous demand for experts in the field. Aspiring horologists can enter this profession with confidence, knowing that their skills are not only valued but also essential in maintaining the art and precision of watchmaking.
