![]() The luxury watch industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, resulting in a rapidly growing need for properly trained technicians to service and maintain these complicated, often expensive timepieces. There has been a dramatic increase in demand for trained watchmakers. In a digital age filled with screens and microchips, watchmaking offers a rare opportunity to work with your hands and use critical thinking to maintain incredible machines that are as complex as they are beautiful. There's also the tremendous satisfaction that comes from having tangible results to your efforts- a broken watch now functioning beautifully right in front of you. I enjoyed the project so much that I decided to apply to watchmaking school after graduating, and the rest is history!Īccessing the "puzzle solving" part of your brain to diagnose and overcome a problem you haven't seen before in a watch is endlessly rewarding. The American Watchmakers Clockmakers Institute ( AWCI) provides a list of six schools that provide the highest degree of knowledge. In the United States, there are eight different schools that offer degrees in horology. I taught myself mechanical clock design and repair in my free time and opted to design and fabricate a pendulum clock from scratch for my senior thesis. How to Become a Watchmaker in the US Like most careers, the best way to get into horology is to study it in school. I began collecting watches at an early age and decided to further explore this passion while studying Mechanical Design in college. This group of professionals share an artistic sensibility, enjoy careful detailed work, and show a skill for fabrication. ![]() Rather than overtaking the traditional watch industry, the rise of smartwatches has led to greater innovation, with some watchmakers creating hybrid watches and solidifying the link between watchmaking and technology. Other career paths include managing service centers for watch companies or going into wholesale watch sales or teaching. You also tend to have more opportunities to practice the practical side of watchmaking.Īfter establishing themselves as professionals, many watchmakers open their own businesses with a mix of retail and trade clients. When you learn alongside a trained professional, you benefit from one-to-one advice. Watchmaking apprenticeships are the traditional route into horology. Their status as respected professionals and the pride in their workmanship is a great satisfaction, while their ability to make treasured family timepieces run again ensures them a place in their customers’ hearts. ![]() Many watchmakers report that finding the time to pursue continuing education can be difficult. This may be an option financially should you seek further training in this field. There are various watch-making institutions that will pay for your education and training in return for your service as an employee for a designated time. If you have always wanted to have your own business, watchmaking is a trade that is in demand nationwide and one where challenging work can bring rewards.Īs a trade, watchmaking requires both formal training and a period of apprenticeship. Others specialize in restoring antique watches for dealers and collectors. Many watchmakers work as independent contractors, repairing watches for many retailers or watch companies. The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |