About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A watchmaker apprenticeship trains you in the traditional and modern craft of assembling, servicing, and repairing mechanical and quartz watches and clocks. You will develop extremely precise manual dexterity, working with tiny components under magnification to restore timepieces to perfect function. Watchmakers are valued specialists who can work for luxury brands, independent retailers, museum conservation, or establish their own repair business.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How mechanical and quartz watch movements work and interact
How to strip, clean, oil, and reassemble watch movements correctly
Fault diagnosis and repair of mechanical complications
Use of watchmaking hand tools, lathes, and ultrasonic cleaning equipment
Case and bracelet servicing, polishing, and gasket replacement
Timing machine use and how to regulate a movement for accuracy
Customer-facing skills and writing service condition reports
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Disassemble watch movements carefully and clean all components
Inspect parts under magnification and identify worn or broken pieces
Replace mainsprings, jewels, wheels, and escapement components
Lubricate movements using correct oils in the right quantities
Reassemble, regulate, and test movements on a timing machine
Fit new crowns, glasses, and gaskets to restore water resistance
Return serviced timepieces with a written condition report
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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