How to Become a Horologist (2024)

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.

How to Become a Horologist (2024)

FAQs

What does it take to be a horologist? ›

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.

How long does it take to learn horology? ›

Aspiring watch and clock repairers must complete a postsecondary training program that lasts from one to three years. During their training, they can also obtain experience by working as an assistant to a watch or clock repairer.

Can you be a self-taught watchmaker? ›

Teaching Yourself Watchmaking

This is a great way for the self-disciplined to learn some basic skills, and possibly some bad habits too. The key to making this successful is to find a like-minded group of enthusiasts who you can ask for advice and help, and also share your passion with.

How difficult is it to become a watchmaker? ›

Watchmaking school can vary in terms of time. Average time is about 2-4 years. Watchmaking school will teach you about 60% of the fundamental stuff you'll need as a watchmaker. You'll need another 5-10 years of on the job training for 35% of the stuff watchmaking school doesn't teach you.

How to train to a horology? ›

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, a professional or an enthusiast, the BHI has a clock or watchmaking course that will suit you. Choose between short, practical courses, or longer distance learning programmes through which you can, if you wish, take exams to qualify as a professional watchmaker or clockmaker.

How do I start a horology hobby? ›

This can be done through online tutorials, videos, and books on the subject. Additionally, joining a local watchmaking or horology club can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts and learn from more experienced hobbyists.

Do watchmakers get paid well? ›

As of May 26, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Luxury Watchmaker in the United States is $27.44 an hour.

How long does it take a watchmaker to make a Rolex? ›

After all the parts are completed (a ceramic bezel is supposed to take 40 hours to create), it's estimated that Rolex watchmakers need at least 3 hours and 30 minutes to assemble and complete the build of a Rolex watch.

Is watchmaking difficult? ›

Watchmaking employs a lot of skills, both mental and physical, that most people won't naturally develop. Where can you train, how much will it cost, what do you need and how long will it take?

What is the number one watchmaker in the world? ›

The Heavyweight: Patek Philippe

The renowned Swiss brand was founded in 1839, and has been known for exquisite, luxurious watches ever since.

Is becoming a watchmaker worth it? ›

Indeed, a career in watchmaking can have a hefty payoff. While watchmaking as a profession sounds boring at first, it actually is quite the contrary. Watchmakers have to be patient and disciplined, yes. But they also have to be creative and curious.

Do horologists make good money? ›

The salaries of Horologists in The US range from $42,615 to $423,784, and the average is $94,456.

Are horologists in demand? ›

Job Security

There is a global shortage of skilled watch & clockmakers which offers the opportunity to move on to a variety of exciting careers in the Horological World from the servicing arena to the specialist worlds of museum work, auction and other retail environments, or indeed specialist restoration.

What does a horologist do for a living? ›

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.

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