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Watch or clock repairer Horologist, clock maker

Clock and watch repairers mend and restore clocks and watches.

£16,000 to £40,000 average per year

35 to 40 per week

1. Entry requirements

You could start by doing a beginner's course in watch and clock repair. You could then move on to a foundation degree or degree. Courses are offered by a small number of colleges and training providers including:

You could also apply for a trainee position with a repair company.

Skills or experience in metalwork, jewellery making or mechanical engineering could also be useful.

2. Skills required

You'll need:

practical skills to handle tools
the ability to work with small parts

3. What you'll do

You'll service and repair clocks or watches. Your day-to-day tasks may include:

inspecting and taking apart watches or clocks to identify faults
replacing batteries
cleaning and oiling parts
making new parts to replace worn ones
checking for accuracy
fitting new watch straps
etching or engraving designs onto a watch face

If you work in a jewellery shop, you may serve customers. You could also restore antique clocks, or design and make your own clocks.

4. Salary

Starter: £16,000 to £23,000

Experienced: £25,000 to £30,000

Highly Experienced: £30,000 to £40,000

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You'll usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may work some Saturdays.

You'll usually be in a workshop, sitting at a bench and using specialised tools.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could manage a workshop or retail jewellery outlet, or run your own business repairing or designing watches.

If you specialise in antique clocks, you could work in a museum conserving antique clocks, or work at an auctioneers as a valuer.

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