Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters in Manufacturing
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
Typical average pay
$27,900 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Repairing
Things to consider
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.
Key responsibilities
Turn wheels of calipers and examine springs, using loupes, to determine if center coils appear as perfect circles.
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.
Assemble and install components of timepieces to complete mechanisms, using watchmakers' tools and loupes.
Examine components of timepieces such as watches, clocks, or chronometers for defects, using loupes or microscopes.
Estimate spaces between collets and first inner coils to determine if spaces are within acceptable limits.