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Career overview · SOC 51-2061

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.

Also called: Calibration Specialist · Calibrator · Clockmaker · Horologist · Time Stamp Assembler · Watch Technician

Median pay (national)
$40,790
$26,240–$65,580 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
230
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-17.5%
~0 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for timing device assemblers and adjusters shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $65,580 versus $26,240 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $40,790 leaves roughly 61% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -17.5% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 0 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Observe operation of timepiece parts and subassemblies to determine accuracy of movement, and to diagnose causes of defects.
  • Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
  • Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
  • Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
  • Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
  • Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
  • 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.
  • Change timing weights on balance wheels to correct deficient timing.
  • Review blueprints, sketches, or work orders to gather information about tasks to be completed.

Tools & technology

  • At Your Service Software At Your Service Repair
  • Inventory control software
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Retail sales software
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Office software

Knowledge areas

  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Production and Processing
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Education and Training
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administration and Management