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Ways forward as a watchmaker

Repair, restoration and specialties

Watchmaking apprenticeship combines practice and theory and gives you a solid background in sales, repair and maintenance of both old and new watches. Where you end up depends on what you are passionate about.

§Service and repair

Many watchmakers work in a shop or on a workshop servicing and repairing customers' watches. It is the daily craft: troubleshooting cleaning lubricating assembly and adjustment.

§Restoration

Some specialize in old and antique watches. Here it is about preserving and recreating a piece of history often with great respect for how the watch was originally made.

§Modern watches and electronics

Others mostly work with modern watches and electronic modules. The trade keeps up with the times and new tools and techniques come along which you can learn to master.

DirectionTypical workThe core
Service/reparationBusiness or workshopDaily maintenance and repairs
RestorationOld and antique watchesPreserve and restore
Modern watchesNew brands and electronicsService and updated technology

§What makes you good at it

Patience, care and a stubborn will to do things completely right. Customers come with something they love and trust you with their watch. That trust is built on your work holding up.