Jeweler and Watch Repairer
A Jeweler and Watch Repairer specializes in the cleaning, repairing, and fabricating of jewelry and watches. Jewelers mainly work in retail settings, where they may also design or sell items, while watch repairers, or horologists, focus on maintaining and repairing various types of timepieces. This occupation typically requires a high school diploma, with many professionals benefiting from additional vocational training or apprenticeships. The median yearly earnings for jewelers and watch repairers are about $56,140, although job opportunities are expected to decline by 3% in the coming years.
These professionals often work in comfortable indoor environments, using specialized tools and technology, including CAD software for design. They must possess strong attention to detail, mechanical inclination, and good hand-eye coordination to excel in their roles. Ethical considerations are paramount due to the high value of the items they handle. Overall, this career path can provide rewarding opportunities for those who appreciate craftsmanship and have a passion for intricate design work.
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Subject Terms
Jeweler and Watch Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Design, mechanics, detail work, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Median): $56,140 per year $26.99 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: -3 percent (Decline for jewelers)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Long-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Jewelers clean, repair, and fabricate jewelry. Some also design or sell jewelry. Jewelers work mainly in retail stores, but some work in manufacturing settings, designing and assembling earrings, necklaces, rings, and other pieces. Watch repairers adjust, repair, and maintain different types of watches. Some watch repairers, called horologists, have additional expertise that qualifies them to make watches, clocks, and other timepieces.
Work Environment. Jewelers and watch repairers work in a variety of settings. While some operate their own businesses, others are employed in small or large jewelry stores, department stores, or manufacturing facilities. Unless a jeweler is self-employed, they usually report to a store, department, or manufacturing manager. Economic conditions can have an impact on jewelers’ jobs, particularly on consumer spending. For example, during economic recessions, people tend to have older pieces repaired rather than purchase new jewelry.
Occupation Interest. People attracted to jeweler and watch repairer occupations have an affinity for detail—whether it is the enjoyment or appreciation of jewelry design, making small adjustments to fine jewelry, or a fascination with the mechanics of vintage and new timepieces. Jewelers and watch repairers are skilled at working with their hands, possess good hand-eye coordination, and are detail-oriented and patient. Watch repairers should be mechanically inclined and enjoy solving problems. Due to the monetary value of fine jewelry, honesty and professional ethics are extremely important in this profession, especially for those entrusted with valuable or much-loved pieces.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Watch repairers maintain, adjust, and repair wristwatches, pocket watches, and pendant watches. Many also service a wider variety of timepieces, including different types of clocks. While modern electronic watches do not require as many adjustments as mechanical timepieces containing small, intricate parts, traditional watches remain popular, and there is still a need for skilled watch repairers.
Watch repairers typically prepare a cost estimate for each job before proceeding with a repair. If the customer chooses to repair the existing watch, the repairer will repair, clean, and oil the disassembled components. Repairs might involve replacing a mainspring, machining a new gear, setting new jewels, or adjusting the winding mechanism. Some watch repair jobs use routine, preventive maintenance work. The repairer may handle sales responsibilities for the customers who forgo repair and opt to replace their watches.
Jewelers clean and repair jewelry by fixing broken clasps, restringing beads, resetting gemstones, and performing other tasks. They also resize jewelry to fit their customers. Some jewelers design custom pieces for special occasions or for customers who can spend the money needed to create their own designs.
With new design software and manufacturing machinery, the jewelry-making process has changed, and while many employers have adopted new techniques, some still use traditional methods. To make a piece of jewelry, the jeweler may first design the piece using a computer-aided design program or by sketching a design on paper. Computer-aided design and manufacturing software lets jewelers view and change proposed designs before cutting costly metals or gemstones. Some jewelers create a wax mold, cut and solder pieces of metal together, mount gemstones, and use other techniques and processes. Other jewelers, particularly in more extensive manufacturing facilities, do not use wax molds but work with machinery that cuts many copies of one design from a single metal sheet. Many jewelers use lasers to perform resizing, engraving, and other tasks. Some jewelers also engrave pieces by hand.
Jewelers and watch repairers in smaller shops may also manage various business tasks, such as keeping inventories of supplies and placing orders. Those self-employed or operating small boutiques are responsible for additional bookkeeping, administrative, and marketing responsibilities.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority (73 percent) of watch and clock repairers worked for jewelry, luggage, and leather goods retailers in 2022. The majority of the jobs were in Florida, followed by Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. The largest concentration of watch and clock repairers was in the Philadelphia/Camden/Wilmington metropolitan area, which encompassed parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most jewelers and watch repairers work indoors at desks or ergonomic workbenches in comfortable surroundings. They are most at risk for back problems caused by bending over their work and hand, wrist, or eye problems related to working closely on tiny pieces.
Plant Environment. Although a significant amount of jewelry sold in the United States is imported, domestic manufacturers’ market share has increased with the rising demand for high-quality or customized pieces. Jewelers employed in factories may encounter health risks related to industrial machinery or lasers. The use of toxic chemicals in the jewelry trade has decreased as safe, synthetic substitutes have become widely available.
Human Environment. Entry-level jewelers and watch repairers work closely with their managers or supervisors. As they gain experience, they usually work independently and might supervise assistants. Those who work in smaller retail stores may interact regularly with customers, while those employed in larger jewelry stores and manufacturing facilities interact primarily with other jewelers and employees.
Technological Environment. Jewelers and watch repairers use various small hand tools, including screwdrivers, files, watchmakers’ hammers and presses, loupes, microscopes, and other magnifying equipment. They also use cleaning machines, burnishers, and lathes. The use of lasers in jewelry repair and manufacturing eventually became more pervasive. Watch repairers also use various testing devices. Jewelers and watch repairers who work in smaller shops may do some sales work and use cash registers, computers, and other office equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma or GED is usually required for this occupation. Students can choose to pursue a vocational or academic program. Courses most helpful for jeweler and watch repairer occupations include English and mathematics, business math, algebra, and geometry. High school students should take CAD and blueprint reading classes, mechanical drawing or drafting, and courses that provide training in hand and machine tools, such as welding, industrial arts, and metalworking. Jewelers interested in designing pieces should also take art and design courses. Part-time or summer work in a jewelry store, small boutique, or the jewelry department of a retail store will provide excellent hands-on experience.
Postsecondary. Jewelers and watch repairers traditionally learned their skills in formal and informal apprenticeships, and some positions still offer on-the-job training. Still, many modern employers expect job applicants to have at least some postsecondary education. Programs that teach jewelry design and manufacturing skills are available at technical schools and community colleges. Various organizations within the industry offer training that can lead to certification, including Jewelers of America (JA), the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). CAD and CAM software skills are increasingly required for jewelry manufacture and design work at many retailers and manufacturers.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/production/jewelers-and-precious-stone-and-metal-workers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Watch and Clock Repairers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499064.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.