Watchmaker: Definition of a Profession

Published or Revised August 16, 2024

 

A watchmaker performs the work of servicing, repairing, and adjusting portable timepieces. Products in the watchmaker’s common workflow includes wristwatches, timers, and pocket watches. The watchmaker typically services watches that have spare parts available as they refer to technical information and specifications from the movement manufacturers.

Additionally, the watchmaker may manufacture some common components such as winding stems and balance staffs.

Watchmaking at Paris Junior College

Watchmaker education (horology) at Paris Junior College began in 1942. A legacy of 75-plus years is a strong foundation upon which the program continuously evolves to meet advancing industry standards.

Learning is the most important activity in the watchmaking department at PJC. You, the student, are center stage and your skills development is our top priority.

Watchmaking is unique. The skills to service a modern luxury watch challenge both your mind and your hands to an ever–increasing level throughout your lucrative career. As a successful watchmaker, you will become enamored with skills. Being a craftsperson is all about applying your skills on the finest mechanical instruments in the marketplace.

Students of Watchmaking at Paris Junior College have three educational paths from which to choose.

Our degree program is sixty credit–hours over four semesters. In only sixteen months you can earn your Associate of Applied Science in Horology Technology.

For students wishing to pursue a Certificate in watchmaking, we offer a 45-credit hour Certificate of Horology Technology in as little as sixteen months and a 36-credit hour Certificate of Fine Watchmaking which can be accomplished in as little as twelve months.

Our graduates are prepared to succeed with a strong work ethic, an attitude of luxury service, and the skills to work in a wide variety of job opportunities existing for today’s modern watchmaker.

Your Exciting Future

Becoming a watchmaker can take you to far away places. Graduates of our program may be found in many states across the U.S. and in countries around the world. Advanced training in this profession may take you to Switzerland and other parts of Europe, depending on your employment following graduation.

Employment options include: Brand service centers; jewelry chain service centers; independent service centers; trade shops; watch repair shops; jewelry stores; and, self–employment. So, whether you prefer to work as part of an organization or you enjoy working alone, job opportunities abound to suit your preference.

Whatever your destination in life, the skills of a watchmaker are increasingly in demand worldwide and here at home. We hope you will choose this profession upon which to build your life and career.

For more information about the profession, your potential future, and the watchmaking program at PJC, contact Garrin Fraze at gfraze@parisjc.edu.

In watchmaking, a short investment of your time will benefit you for a lifetime.