Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

Career Overview

Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.

Also Known As

• Calibration Specialist
• Clockmaker
• Watch Technician
• Watchmaker

Alternate Job Titles

• Adjuster
• Assembler
• Balance and Hairspring Assembler
• Banking Pin Adjuster
• Barrel Assembler
• Barrel Bridge Assembler
• Barrel Endshake Adjuster
• Calibration Specialist
• Calibrationist
• Calibrator
• Chronometer Adjuster
• Chronometer Assembler
• Chronometer Assembler and Adjuster
• Chronometer Balance and Hairspring Assembler
• Clock and Watch Assembler

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
• Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
• Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
• Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
• Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
• Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
• Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Mechanical

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Finger Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Comprehension
• Visualization
• Control Precision
• Information Ordering
• Oral Expression

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Cautiousness
• Dependability
• Perseverance
• Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Working Conditions
• Achievement
• Independence
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Microsoft Office software

Tools & Equipment

• Abrasive wheels
• Angled feeler gauges
• Anti-electrostatic coating machines
• Artists' brushes
• Automatic engraving machines
• Automatic oil dispensers
• Automatic turning machines
• Band notching pliers
• Bench grinders
• Bench ovens
• Bench polishing machines
• Buck saws
• Bunsen burners
• Burnishing wheels
• C clamps

Work Environment

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Freedom to Make Decisions
• Contact With Others
• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$26,240
Median	$40,790
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$65,580

Workers Employed Nationally: 230

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.