This apprenticeship has been retired

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Overview of the role

Make, service and repair watches.

Watchmaker

Reference Number: ST0395

Details of standard

Occupational profile

A watchmaker is someone who is able to use their skill and labour to service and repair a range of watches including, quartz and mechanical, both manual winding and automatic. The work is of a very delicate and skilled nature and requires the use of hand and machine tools and complex test equipment to service and adjust the movement and refurbish the case so that the watch meets manufacturer’s standards and is water resistant to the specified pressure. A watchmaker services watches within the range from quartz to automatic, ether as a sole trader, working for a small business such as a jeweller, or part of a team of watchmakers employed by a large service company.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours for Watchmaking:

Knowledge

What is required – the watchmaker will know and understand

 

 

Health & Safety

the application of health and safety legislation (e.g. COSHH, PPE) and company regulations for conforming to Health and Safety at Work Regulations; the benefit of risk analysis to ensure the safety of self and others when using tools, equipment and materials during work processes; the benefit of safe and sustainable disposal of waste materials and cleaning fluids.

 

Tools and Equipment

the construction, function, operational principles and maintenance of tools, equipment and materials required for watchmaking (e.g. screwdrivers, tweezers, case opening tools, test equipment for quartz and mechanical watches, test equipment for water resistance).

 

Assessment of the Condition of Watches

the procedures for the identification of operational faults in watches using a range of results from test equipment and the visual assessment of the condition and operation of watch movement components, watch cases and bracelets; the principles for determining appropriate levels of intervention, costing and seeking approval for work (with both customer and company).

 

The Refurbishment of Watch Cases and Bracelets

the construction and materials used for different types of watch cases and bracelets (e.g. two piece, three piece, pushers, stems, gaskets); the approaches for securing movements to watch cases; the specification of replacement watch case components (e.g. gaskets, glasses, pushers); the standards for water resistance.

 

The Service and Repair of Watch Movements

the function, construction and operational principles of quartz and mechanical watch movements; the characteristics of components (e.g. gear trains, springs, jewels); the procedures for cleaning, preparing and storing watch components; the specification of replacement watch components (e.g. mainsprings, wheels, jewels, shock resistant settings).

Quality

the company’s and manufacturer’s procedures for maintaining quality standards and record keeping.

Skills

What is required - the watchmaker will be able to

Health & Safety and Working

Environment

demonstrate safe working practices when using tools, equipment and materials to achieve and maintain a safe working environment; identify and minimise hazards and risks in the working environment.

Technical Interpretation and

Understanding

interpret and understand manufacturers’ technical documentation (specifications, drawings, assembly procedures) and other written and verbal instructions for the servicing of watches.

Tools and

equipment

maintain tools and equipment in an appropriate condition to undertake the servicing procedures for watchmaking.

 

Assessment of the Condition Watches

select and use appropriate test equipment and use structured observation to determine the condition of watch movements, cases and bracelets; decide appropriate levels of intervention; cost and seek approval for work; record test results, observations and outcomes in accordance with company policy.

 

The Refurbishment of Watch Cases and Bracelets

select and use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to open different types of watch cases; remove / replace watch movements; refinish polished and grained surfaces of the watch case and bracelet; specify replacement components; prepare and reassemble components (e.g. gaskets, glasses, pushers); reseal watch cases.

 

The Service and Repair of Watch Movements

select and use appropriate tools equipment, materials and techniques to service and repair watch movements: dismantle the movement; ensure components are in a suitable condition for re-assembly; specify replacement components; re- assemble, lubricate and adjust the movement components; ensure the serviced movement meets the company’s and manufacturer’s specification.

 

 

Quality

work to the appropriate procedures and standards specified by the company and the manufacturer; complete records in accordance with company policy; use the appropriate language when communicating (with both customer and company); manage time effectively; identify learning points from others / self to improve achievement.

Behaviours

What is required – you should

 

Making It Happen

complete tasks; adapt work plans to reflect changing situations; organise work space effectively; identify with environmental and ethical issues; work in accordance with principles for health and safety.

Learning to Learn and Striving for Excellence

strive to improve performance and knowledge; reflect on progress and set goals for achievement; share learning with others; keep others informed of progress; keep up to date with new developments; show a passion for watches and the historical and contemporary context of watchmaking.

Working with Others

maintain good working relationships with others; seek advice and support where necessary; undertake tasks with consideration for others; contribute actively to team / company goals; accept tasks readily.

 

Communication and Presentation

initiate communication confidently to further the work process; complete internal documentation promptly and with attention to detail; show appropriate body language and attitude; wear appropriate clothing; present a clean and tidy appearance.

Duration

Typically the apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete.

Qualifications

Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end- point assessment.

Link to professional registration

Achievement of the standard meets the requirements for eligibility for Membership of the British Watch and Clockmakers Guild.

Level

This apprenticeship standard is set at level 3.

Review date

This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after 3 years.


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Status: Retired
Level: 3
Reference: ST0395
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 10/01/2022
Approved for delivery: 19 February 2018
Route: Creative and design
Typical duration to gateway : 24 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £27000
LARS Code: 235
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: Walsh & Sons Ltd, Watchfinder, Bremont watch Company, F. Hinds Limited, Peter Roberts, Swiss Time Services Ltd, Aurum Holdings Limited, In-time Watch Services Ltd, Perpetual Watch Services LIMITED, Breitling UK Ltd, E.P. Mallory & Sons Ltd, Robert Loomes & Co. Extraordinary Watchmakers

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.1 End-point assessment plan, standard and funding revised 10/01/2022 Not set
1.0 Retired 19/02/2018 09/01/2022

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