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, Watchmaker, Adjuster, Assembler, Balance and Hairspring Assembler, Banking Pin Adjuster, Barrel Assembler, Barrel Bridge Assembler, Barrel Endshake Adjuster, Calibrationist, Chronometer Adjuster, Chronometer Assembler, Chronometer Assembler and Adjuster, Chronometer Balance and Hairspring Assembler, Clock and Watch Assembler, Dial Maker, Digital Watch Assembler, Electrical Calibrator, Electrical Timing Device Adjuster, Electrical Timing Device Calibrator, Escapement Maker, Escapement Matcher, Hairspring Adjuster, Hairspring Assembler, Hairspring Setter, Hairspring Staker, Hairspring Truer, Hairspring Vibrator, Manufacturing Assembler, Marine Chronometer Assembler, Pallet Maker, Pallet Stone Inserter, Pallet Stone Positioner, Poiser, Timing Adjuster, Timing Device Specialist, Truer, Watch Assembler, Watch Train Assembler

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Test operation and fit of timepiece parts and subassemblies, using electronic testing equipment, tweezers, watchmakers' tools, and loupes.
Replace specified parts to repair malfunctioning timepieces, using watchmakers' tools, loupes, and holding fixtures.
Disassemble timepieces such as watches, clocks, and chronometers so that repairs can be made.
Clean and lubricate timepiece parts and assemblies, using solvents, buff sticks, and oil.
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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Repairing
Troubleshooting
Quality Control Analysis
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Complex Problem Solving
Operation and Control

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (91.37% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

29,040–72,740 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-2061.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (91.37% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters