Clockmaker (Klokkenmaker)
Information on this skill...
A clockmaker is a craftsman who specializes in maintaining, repairing and restoring clocks. In addition to maintaining and repairing clocks, it is conceivable that a clockmaker specializes in watches. This can differ per clockmaker because the repair and maintenance of watches can be regarded as a separate specialization. Clocks come in all shapes, types and sizes. Because clocks are loved by many people, a clockmaker may have to deal with different clocks and with old clocks, which may be antique. Because these clocks are in many cases old, they can break if certain parts are worn out. It is the clockmaker who knows exactly what is wrong with a clock, and it is the clockmaker who can make the clock work like new in many cases. With old clocks, most clockmakers can also copy parts because in many cases these are no longer available. If a clock ends up with the clockmaker, he or she will often start dismantling the clock so that the clockmaker can see what exactly is wrong. With many old clocks, certain parts show wear and tear, which makes the clock work less precisely. These can be, for example, spouted gears, which have play and need to be replaced. With old clocks, these parts will often have to be copied by hand. If a clock comes to the clockmaker for repair, it is important that he has an eye for the authenticity of the clock and the repair is carried out in such a way that the clock is not affected. Not only the mechanical part of a clock can be in need of a restoration, but also the other parts can be taken care of, such as the wooden carving, the possible silvering of the clock or parts and the dial, which must be cleaned.
A clockmaker must therefore be regarded as a craftsman in the field of clocks. As a clockmaker, you usually have to deal with special clocks, which may also be considered antiques. These are generally mechanical clocks, which can function less overtime due to wear and tear. It is the clockmaker who can replace all worn parts. As described earlier, it may also be necessary for the clockmaker to copy the various parts because the parts are no longer available. In most cases, the clockmaker will also clean and re-adjust the entire clock. As a clockmaker, you usually work within a clock workshop, and it is conceivable that you can be regarded as a middleman. In that case, a clockmaker can also be regarded as a trader. Especially with old clocks, expert advice is very important because repairing and / or restoring old clocks is not easy. In addition, having clocks restored can be costly. Most clockmakers will therefore first give good advice about the work, including the costs of the restoration.
CLOCKS AND WATCHES
Many clockmakers offer the possibility to repair or maintain watches. In that case, a clockmaker can also be regarded as a clockwork technician. Repairing or maintaining watches is also a craft, which requires a lot of skills from the clockmaker, since the movement is small and very sensitive. Even replacing a battery in quartz watches is better left to the clockmaker or watch technician because otherwise there is a risk of damage to the watch. Watches that are worn intensively will eventually become less beautiful. If it is a precious watch, it is possible to have it restored by a clockmaker, who will usually completely strip the watch and then polish all parts, such as the case. The clockmaker will also replace any worn parts so that the watch can last a longer period of time without any problems.
WHAT DOES A CLOCKMAKER DO:
- Enamelling of watch faces;
- Possibly repairing watches;
- Polishing parts;
- Cleaning timepieces;
- Repairing clocks;
- Restoring clocks;
- Replacing bearings;
- Replacing worn parts.
WHAT DOES A CLOCKMAKER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A CLOCKMAKER
Anyone who wants to work as a clockmaker or clock technician certainly needs good vocational training. Despite the fact that the profession is now not known to many more people, there are still sufficient training opportunities through ordinary schools for the subject. There is an MBO training at level four to watch technician. This MBO course generally takes four years. During the training you will learn to repair, maintain and restore clocks and watches. Whether the movement is made mechanically or electrically is not. Recognizing styles and age determinations are also discussed during the training. In addition to the regular training courses for clockwork technicians, there are also courses where people learn to repair their clock or movement themselves. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A CLOCKMAKER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A clockmaker is generally employed by a clockmaker or for a watchmaking company. A combination of both specializations is also conceivable. In addition, it is conceivable that a clockmaker works for a jeweler or for an antique dealer. As a clockmaker, you can also work as an entrepreneur. There are quite a lot of clockmakers who work as independent entrepreneurs.
COMPETENCES CLOCKMAKER
As a clockmaker, you are a craftsman or craftsman in the field of clocks and watches, and you must be able to be regarded as an all-round mechanic and technician. In addition, being able to work accurately as a clockmaker is very important because it involves sensitive technology. In addition to the technical knowledge, you must have good communication skills and be commercial. But being able to network is also important because brand awareness as a clockmaker is important. Generally important words are passion, knowledge, research skills, motivation, accuracy, consultation and stress resistance.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A CLOCKMAKER
The labour market perspective of a clockmaker is not very great nowadays. Most clockmakers work as entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur may have to build up his own labour market perspective by building a good name. The profession of clockmaker is not very common in paid employment nowadays. The career opportunities of a clockmaker should be seen in starting your own clockmaking business as an entrepreneur and building a good name, which will increase the number of assignments.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY CLOCKMAKER
A clockmaker in paid employment will usually earn 2000 to 2500 euros gross per month, depending on his age, education and specialization as a clockmaker. What an independently working clockmaker earns is difficult to indicate because this will depend entirely on the assignments and other costs, such as the rent of the workshop.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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