Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters in Manufacturing
Overview
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters in Manufacturing build and fine‑tune extremely precise timepieces, such as digital clocks, watches, and chronometers. They use tools like calipers, microscopes or loupes, and specialized watchmaker screwdrivers and tweezers to measure tiny parts, bend delicate hairsprings, adjust timing weights, and test electronic circuits so each device keeps accurate time. They read blueprints and work orders, decide how to diagnose timing errors, and carefully disassemble, repair, clean, lubricate, and reassemble mechanisms so the finished product meets strict quality standards.
Did you know?
Most positions require completion of vocational training programs or apprenticeships through watchmaking schools or community colleges to develop the precise technical skills needed.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$27,850 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Systems Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Estimate spaces between collets and first inner coils to determine if spaces are within acceptable limits.
- Turn wheels of calipers and examine springs, using loupes, to determine if center coils appear as perfect circles.
- Tighten or replace loose jewels, using watchmakers' tools.
- Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
- Bend parts, such as hairsprings, pallets, barrel covers, and bridges, to correct deficiencies in truing or endshake, using tweezers.
- Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
- Review blueprints, sketches, or work orders to gather information about tasks to be completed.
- Examine and adjust hairspring assemblies to ensure horizontal and circular alignment of hairsprings, using calipers, loupes, and watchmakers' tools.
- Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
- Adjust sizes or positioning of timepiece parts to achieve specified fit or function, using calipers, fixtures, and loupes.
- Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.
- Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
- Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
- 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.
- Mount hairsprings and balance wheel assemblies between jaws of truing calipers.
- Bend inner coils of springs away from or toward collets, using tweezers, to locate centers of collets in centers of springs, and to correct errors resulting from faulty colleting of coils.
Career Considerations
Specialized Training Requirements
Most positions require completion of vocational training programs or apprenticeships through watchmaking schools or community colleges to develop the precise technical skills needed.
Niche Market Focus
Success often depends on specializing in high-end luxury timepieces, antique restoration, or specialized industrial timing equipment due to mass production competition.
Precision and Patience Development
The role demands exceptional hand-eye coordination and patience for detailed work, as even minor errors can significantly impact timepiece functionality and value.