Production
Timing device assemblers and adjusters
Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.
Median pay
$62,620
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
0
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Timing device assemblers and adjusters
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to timing device assemblers and adjusters
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Timing device assemblers and adjusters: 2% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Calibration Specialist · Calibrator · Clockmaker · Horologist · Time Stamp Assembler · Watch Technician · Watchmaker
Outlook and AI
Timing device assemblers and adjusters held 200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 200 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Demand change, productivity change - share decreases as production continues to increase efficiency even as demand shifts away from legacy timing devices.
Compare with
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