Career outlook for watch or clock repairer
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£30,160
Currently employed in Scotland
2,700
Average UK salary
£30,160
Currently employed in Scotland
2,700
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would fix watches and clocks. You could work on anything from people’s favourite wristwatches to valuable antiques like grandfather clocks. However, you would usually specialise in either watches or clocks, as they involve different skills.
You would:
- Take apart the watch or clock to find the fault
- Replace batteries
- Clean and oil parts
- Fit new hands, dials, straps and other parts
- Check that it keeps time accurately
In most cases you would work in a shop such as a jeweller's, where you might serve customers as well as doing repairs.
You might specialise in repairing and restoring old or antique clocks. You could also learn to make clocks to your own designs.
You’d have to handle very small pieces of machinery so it would be important to be able to concentrate on doing delicate and intricate work.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
80%
Part-time
6%
Self employed
14%
Create a qualification route
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Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Persevering
- Managing resources
- Concentrating
- Attention to detail
- Supporting
- Observation
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
There are no set entry requirements for this role but most employers value a good general education.
A small number of employers may offer a traineeship.
Birmingham City University offers a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Horology and you will need 280 UCAS points to enter this course.
There is also a Diploma in Clock Conservation at West Dean College in Sussex.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Technologies subjects
Helpful to have
Training is on the job but it is possible to gain relevant qualifications from the British Horological Institute (BHI). It offers distance learning options.
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