Production
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
Also called: Calibration Specialist, Calibrator, Clockmaker, Horologist
US median pay
$62,620
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-6.1%
declining
Openings a year (US)
0
200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.
What they do day to day
- Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
- Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
- Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
- Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
- Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
- Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.
- Bend parts, such as hairsprings, pallets, barrel covers, and bridges, to correct deficiencies in truing or endshake, using tweezers.
- Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
- Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Repairing3.4/5
- Troubleshooting3.2/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Time Management2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.8/5
- Operation and Control2.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8/5
Knowledge
- Mechanical3.6/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- Engineering and Technology2.7/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma91%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.