Clockmaker

Your Fit

Income

$41K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-18.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Clockmaker?

A Clockmaker is a skilled artisan who designs, constructs, and repairs clocks. This profession combines fine craftsmanship with an understanding of mechanical movements to create and maintain timekeeping devices.

Sample job titles:

Calibration Specialist, Clockmaker, Watch Technician, Watchmaker

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Clockmaker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Clockmaker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$26K per year	$28K per year	$41K per year	$58K per year	$66K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $8.71K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Clockmaker do?

Work environment

Clockmakers typically work in specialized workshops or jewelry stores. The environment is detail-oriented and requires a quiet space for intricate work. Some clockmakers may work in museums or for private collectors.

Quick task list

Designs and creates various types of clocks.
Repairs and restores antique or malfunctioning clocks.
Installs and maintains large clocks in public spaces.
Consults with clients regarding custom designs or repairs.
Keeps up-to-date with new technologies and methods in horology.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Antique Clock Restoration: Specializing in restoring and maintaining historical and vintage clocks.
Custom Clock Design: Focusing on creating unique, bespoke clocks for individual clients or special occasions.
Public Timepiece Maintenance: Specializing in the care and repair of large public clocks, like those in towers or city centers.

Description

A career as a clockmaker is both challenging and rewarding, blending artistic skill with mechanical precision. It involves understanding the intricate workings of various timepieces, from traditional pendulum clocks to modern quartz movements. The role requires patience, a steady hand, and a keen eye for detail, as clockmakers often work with small, delicate parts.

The process of creating a clock can start from scratch or involve restoring an old timepiece to its former glory. This might include designing gears, carving decorative elements, or meticulously cleaning and repairing mechanisms. The job isn't just about the mechanics; it also involves a creative and aesthetic aspect, as many clocks are valued as much for their beauty as for their functionality.

The field of horology (the study of timekeeping) is rich with history and innovation, offering continuous learning opportunities. Clockmakers often work independently but may collaborate with other artisans or engineers on complex projects. The satisfaction of bringing a timepiece to life or restoring an heirloom is a significant aspect of job fulfillment in this field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Crafting unique and beautiful objects that have both functional and artistic value.
The challenge and fulfillment of solving complex mechanical problems.
Preserving historical artifacts and contributing to the legacy of horology.

You might make a good Clockmaker if you are...

Fascinated by mechanics and how things work.
Detail-oriented with a steady hand and good eyesight.
Patient and meticulous, enjoying intricate and detailed work.
Creative, with an appreciation for both art and science.
Interested in history, particularly in the evolution of timekeeping.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in a niche field combining artistry and mechanical skill.
Satisfaction from creating and restoring intricate and beautiful timepieces.
Potential to start a specialized or boutique business.
Low-stress work environment with a focus on precision and craftsmanship.

Cons:

Limited job market and high competition in a niche industry.
Requires a high level of skill, patience, and attention to detail.
Potentially long hours of intricate and meticulous work.
Need for continuous learning to keep up with both traditional and modern timekeeping technologies.

How to become a Clockmaker

Typical education

Becoming a clockmaker generally requires a combination of formal education and apprenticeship. It usually takes 2-4 years of vocational training or an apprenticeship program after high school to gain the necessary skills.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes, particularly those focusing on metalworking and machinery.
Art and design classes to develop an eye for aesthetics and detail.
Mathematics, especially geometry and algebra, for precise measurements and calculations.
Physics to understand the mechanics of clockwork.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a watch or clock enthusiasts club to gain exposure to different styles and mechanisms.
Participating in maker fairs or craft workshops.
Volunteering or interning at a local clock repair shop or with a clockmaker.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in specialized clockmaking or watchmaking courses or vocational programs.
Apprenticeship under an experienced clockmaker for hands-on learning.
Courses in business management if considering opening a personal shop.
Attending workshops or seminars on advanced clockmaking techniques and modern timekeeping technology.

More resources

American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) - Provides education and certification for clockmakers and watchmakers.
National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC) - Offers resources, workshops, and a community for those interested in horology.
British Horological Institute (BHI) - Provides training courses and resources for clock and watch making and repair.
Horology Matters - An online platform offering educational content, articles, and resources for aspiring clockmakers and watch enthusiasts.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.