Modern clockmakers are more concerned with repairing clocks and watches than with creating these complex timepieces. If you want to be a clockmaker, you’ll need to put in a lot of time studying, have a strong mechanical mind, and a steady hand. The majority of clockmakers receive their education and training through a combination of schooling and apprenticeship.
The Role Has Shifted
Clocks were once handcrafted works of art, but the manufacturing process has since been automated. Most clocks began to be built by very precise machines during the twentieth century, as factory technology improved and could perform more delicate work. This change had a significant impact on the job of clockmakers all over the world. Because few modern timepieces are made by hand, the term “clockmaker” refers to someone who has been trained to repair these intricate machines.
Apprenticeship and schooling
You could enroll in a clockmaking or watchmaking school if you want to become a clockmaker. Classes will teach you how to understand the internal gears and mechanisms that make a clock work, as well as how to fix a variety of timepiece issues. In some countries, such as Denmark, an apprenticeship with a master clockmaker is also required, which can last up to four years. After completing your learning period, you may be required to pass a written test in order to be certified.
Skills Required
To work as a clockmaker, you’ll need a variety of skills. You must be able to read blueprints and instructions for a wide range of timepieces, from new watches to antique clocks, in order to comprehend their setup and repair. Because you’ll be working with small gears and delicate mechanics on a regular basis, you’ll need a steady hand and excellent concentration. You’ll also need to be good at making decisions, because there are often multiple ways to repair a clock.
Responsibilities
Following your certification as a clockmaker, your daily responsibilities will consist of a few basic tasks. Inspection of a broken timepiece to determine why it is not working properly is the most common job. It’s also crucial to put your training and tools to good use in order to complete the necessary repairs quickly. You can also put a clock or watch through a series of tests to make sure it counts seconds and minutes correctly. A clockmaker is also required to replace a clock or watch face, which is an aesthetic job.
Opportunities for Employment
If you want to work as a clockmaker, you have a lot of options. High-end watches and clocks are frequently repaired by experts on staff at jewelry stores. Restoration and repair departments are common in antique stores, with antique clock repairs being one of the services available. There are still watch repair shops that specialize in repairing timepieces.