Occupation · 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.
Median wage
$40,790
$26,240–$65,580
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
230
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
17 mapped
Core skills
RepairingTroubleshootingQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingService OrientationEquipment SelectionWritingCoordinationSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesInstructingActive LearningSystems EvaluationSciencePersuasionMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisNegotiationInstallationManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesProgramming
Knowledge areas
MechanicalMathematicsProduction and ProcessingEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementPhysicsEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingPsychologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionPersonnel and Human ResourcesPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeCommunications and MediaChemistryTransportationTelecommunicationsSociology and AnthropologyEconomics and AccountingLaw and GovernmentForeign LanguageGeographyTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionFine ArtsBiology
Technology & tools
At Your Service Software At Your Service RepairInventory control softwareMaplesoft MapleMicrosoft Office softwareRetail sales softwareWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationSelling or Influencing OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationWorking with ComputersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicScheduling Work and ActivitiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersPerforming Administrative Activities
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Watchmakers' tools and loupes — identify and handle correctly under direct supervision on a bench assembly line.Timepiece disassembly procedures — follow step-by-step instructions to take apart watches and clocks in a supervised production setting.Basic timepiece components such as gears, springs, and bridges — recognize and sort by type using a loupe under close guidance.Cleaning solutions and buff sticks — apply to timepiece parts using established protocols under supervisor direction in a manufacturing shop.Electronic testing equipment — operate with assistance to perform basic functionality checks on timepiece subassemblies.Timepiece lubricants and oils — dispense in correct quantities to designated components following posted work instructions.Simple visual defect recognition — perform on watch and clock parts using a loupe or low-power microscope under trainer oversight.Inventory management software — enter parts usage data into the system following supervisor-provided procedures in a production environment.Finger dexterity and hand steadiness — develop through guided practice handling small components such as balance wheels and hairsprings on the assembly bench.Workplace safety and tool-care standards — observe and follow during all bench operations in a light manufacturing facility.
developing
Timepiece mechanisms — assemble and install components to complete watch or clock movements using watchmakers' tools and loupes with minimal oversight.Operational accuracy of timepiece subassemblies — observe and evaluate movement to identify irregularities and note probable causes during routine production shifts.Electronic testing equipment and tweezers — use independently to test fit and operation of timepiece parts against established tolerance specifications.Malfunctioning timepiece parts — replace using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures following repair documentation in a workshop environment.Hairsprings, pallets, and bridges — bend and adjust using tweezers to correct truing or endshake deficiencies on standard repair jobs.Defect patterns in timepiece components — analyze using loupes or microscopes and document findings using analytical software on the shop floor.Cleaning and lubrication cycles — complete independently for a variety of watch and clock assemblies using solvents and oils per maintenance schedules.Quality control checks — conduct on completed assemblies using prescribed measurement criteria and record results in the production database.Troubleshooting guides and technical diagrams — interpret to diagnose recurring mechanical issues in timepieces across familiar movement types.Parts inventory levels — monitor and update using inventory management software to support uninterrupted assembly workflow on the production floor.
proficient
Complex timepiece mechanisms including chronometers — assemble, adjust, and verify to precise tolerances autonomously using the full range of watchmakers' tools and loupes.Non-routine movement defects — diagnose root causes by combining systematic observation, electronic testing, and mechanical analysis across diverse timepiece types.Full repair cycles on malfunctioning watches, clocks, and chronometers — execute independently, selecting appropriate tools and replacement parts for each case.Hairsprings, pallets, barrel covers, and bridges — bend and true with precision to resolve subtle endshake or alignment issues in high-value timepiece overhauls.Comprehensive disassembly and reassembly procedures — perform on uncommon or vintage movement configurations without reference to step-by-step instructions.Microscopic inspection of miniature components — conduct and interpret findings to flag systemic quality issues before they affect production yield.Lubrication and cleaning standards — apply judgment to select methods and materials appropriate for atypical materials or movement conditions encountered on the bench.Analytical and scientific software tools — use to track performance trends across batches of assembled movements and identify process drift in a production environment.Quality control analysis — lead for an assigned production cell, establishing pass/fail determinations and escalating systemic defect patterns to engineering.Technical knowledge of mechanical principles — apply to resolve ambiguous repair scenarios and mentor less experienced assemblers during daily shop operations.
advanced
Assembly and repair standards for the full product line — define and update based on analysis of production data, repair trends, and industry best practices.Competency development programs for new and developing assemblers — design and deliver, covering tool use, defect diagnosis, and precision adjustment techniques.Quality control frameworks — establish across the production floor, setting tolerance thresholds and inspection protocols for all timepiece categories manufactured.Root-cause investigations for recurring defect patterns — lead across multiple product lines, coordinating with engineering and suppliers to implement corrective actions.Inventory and parts procurement strategies — direct using inventory management and database software to ensure supply continuity aligned with production forecasts.Process improvement initiatives — champion on the assembly floor by applying mechanical knowledge and production data to reduce cycle time and rework rates.Technical documentation and standard operating procedures — author and maintain for all assembly, adjustment, and repair operations across the facility.Cross-functional collaboration with engineers and product designers — lead to translate new movement designs into manufacturable assembly sequences for production teams.Performance metrics for the timing device assembly department — set, monitor, and report to management, driving accountability for quality and throughput targets.Organizational repair and calibration capability — advance by evaluating emerging tools, testing technologies, and training approaches and recommending adoption decisions.
Also known as
44 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
AdjusterAssemblerBalance and Hairspring AssemblerBanking Pin AdjusterBarrel AssemblerBarrel Bridge AssemblerBarrel Endshake AdjusterCalibration SpecialistCalibrationistCalibratorChronometer AdjusterChronometer AssemblerChronometer Assembler and AdjusterChronometer Balance and Hairspring AssemblerClock and Watch AssemblerClockmakerDial MakerDigital Watch AssemblerElectrical CalibratorElectrical Timing Device AdjusterElectrical Timing Device CalibratorEscapement MakerEscapement MatcherHairspring AdjusterHairspring AssemblerHairspring SetterHairspring StakerHairspring TruerHairspring VibratorHorologistManufacturing AssemblerMarine Chronometer AssemblerPallet MakerPallet Stone InserterPallet Stone PositionerPoiserTime Stamp AssemblerTiming AdjusterTiming Device SpecialistTruer