A production watchmaker is involved in every step of the assembly process. They assemble the different components in a mechanical or electronic movement, which can be simple or with small complications. They adjust then case the assembled movement, following which they fit the watch's external parts such as the dial, hands, crystal and strap. At each stage, they perform quality checks and make any necessary adjustments.
Switzerland's watch industry ranks as the country's third largest export industry, employing some 65,000 people (2023 census) and with a major competitive advantage in the mechanical watch sector: the result of its capacity for innovation and continued investment in means of production. In an age when watchmakers are far from the only ones putting the time at our fingertips, Swiss brands have excelled in transforming the mechanical watch into an object of science and creativity; a symbol of tradition and expertise. In this light, the notion of "handcrafted" cannot be overestimated — even if, upstream, the industry relies on highly automated production lines and high-tech machining centres. Thanks to this agility, watchmaking remains a foremost industry for Switzerland, backed by solid competencies, a high level of skills, and the extreme precision and unparalleled finishing of its products. At the heart of this system are the production watchmakers who actively contribute to the glowing reputation of Swiss timepieces.
The main duty of a production watchmaker is to assemble mechanical and/or electronic movements, including those with small complications and chronograph mechanisms, as well as the watch's external parts. Other duties are to inspect and clean components, analyse technical documents and apply lubricant. They should know how to distinguish different materials and heat-treat fabricated components. A production watchmaker will be expected to make certain tools required to assemble the movement and the external parts.
Once the movement is assembled, a production watchmaker fits the regulating organ — the balance wheel and balance spring — on which the movement's precision depends. This includes using a timing machine to monitor the oscillations and, based on this analysis, make fine adjustments. The next stage is to fit the movement into the case, then assemble the dial, hands, crystal, gaskets and, last of all, the strap. Following this, a production watchmaker tests water-tightness and ensures that the watch's functions are working. Every operation is carried out to the required quality standard prior to the final control. In the event of any disfunction or aesthetic defect, a production watchmaker identifies the cause of the problem and replaces parts if required. They may, in certain cases, consult the watch design engineer. In conclusion, a production watchmaker is qualified to work on different types of watches and to carry out checks in line with Quality procedure.
In Switzerland, a production watchmaker trains for three years. This can be a full-time course at a watchmaking school or an apprenticeship. The latter option comprises three or four days per week of workplace training plus one or two days of study in a training centre or college, as well as inter-company study days (64 days during the first two years). Candidates must have completed their compulsory education. Some schools or companies also require candidates to take an entrance exam.
At the end of the three years, students take their Certificat Fédéral de Capacité (CFC). If successful, they can go on to a Maturité Professionnelle and, from there, a university of applied science, or study for a diploma in product design or as a microengineering technician. Further options are a Bachelor's in microengineering, engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial management or industrial design.
Production watchmakers are hired by manufacturers whose production varies in terms of volume and scope. They work alongside colleagues in dedicated spaces with plenty of natural light, in an atmosphere of quiet concentration. Each watchmaker has their own workbench and has full responsibility for the watches they assemble.
On a production line, they supervise assembly line operators to maintain a smooth workflow and ensure that quality is respected at every stage in production. After several years' experience, they can progress to production line manager, workshop manager or join a service centre. A production watchmaker wishing to work independently will generally require a higher level training.
What makes a good production watchmaker?
Manual dexterity and good eyesight are two things every production watchmaker must have. Patience and the ability to concentrate are also important qualities. A production watchmaker is methodical, capable of analytical thinking and always attentive to detail.
What employment opportunities are there for a production watchmaker?
All watch manufacturers need production watchmakers. Given the considerable rise in the number of manufacturers and the subsequent increase in production capacity in recent years, employment prospects are excellent and production watchmakers can expect to progress in their career.
What is the working environment like?
Production watchmakers work at benches in a dedicated space inside the production facility. These are generally spacious, with lots of natural light, and separate from the machine shops to ensure the calm and quiet needed in order to concentrate.