A watchmaker repairs, maintains and cleans watches and clocks. Watchmakers renew or make spare parts for old watches and clocks, install lining due to wear and tear, replacing springs and joining together if necessary. Watchmakers also provide advice on the selection of watches and clocks. Watchmaking is a certified trade.
Watchmakers work in watchmaking workshops and specialty stores.
• designing, building and repairing watches and clocks
• cleaning and configuring clockwork
• engraving, replacing glass, repairing cases and bracelets
• restoring old watches and clocks
• developing, designing and making watches based on your own ideas and those of others
• selling watches, clocks and accessories and providing advice to customers
As a watchmaker, good eyesight is very important, as well as having precise working methods, since the work often involves very small objects. It is beneficial to have insight into watches and clocks, clockworks and objects made of gold, silver or other metals. Watchmakers use a variety of fine tools and equipment at work, such as fine non-magnetic steel pliers, magnifying glasses, fine screwdrivers, lathes, adjusting devices, multimeters, soldering irons, and glass presses.
Studying watchmaking takes four years. Students can enter into a trade contract with a master watchmaker in Iceland but must attend the study program themselves at a watchmaking school abroad. Most Icelandic watchmakers have studied in Denmark.
The study of watchmaking focuses on metalwork to make tools and spare parts, repair of clocks and watches, professional drawing, electrical engineering, sales technique, window display and bookkeeping.
