Top 10 Questions for Watchmaker Interview

1. Describe the steps involved in repairing a mechanical watch with a damaged mainspring?

The steps involved are as follows:

• Assess the damage: First, the watchmaker needs to assess the extent of the damage to the mainspring. This can be done by visual inspection and by checking the watch’s power reserve.
• Remove the movement: The watchmaker will need to remove the movement from the case in order to access the mainspring.
• Remove the damaged mainspring: The watchmaker will use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the damaged mainspring from the barrel.
• Replace the damaged mainspring: The watchmaker will replace the damaged mainspring with a new one.
• Reassemble the movement: The watchmaker will carefully reassemble the movement, making sure that all of the components are properly aligned.
• Test the watch: The watchmaker will test the watch to make sure that it is running properly.

2. What are the different types of lubricants used in watchmaking and when should each type be used?

• Oil: Oil is the most common type of lubricant used in watchmaking. It is typically used for lubricating the gears, pivots, and other moving parts of a watch.
• Grease: Grease is a thicker lubricant that is used for lubricating the bearings and other parts of a watch that require a more viscous lubricant.
• Molykote: Molykote is a dry lubricant that is used for lubricating the surfaces of metal parts that are in contact with each other.

3. Explain how to calibrate a chronograph watch?

To calibrate a chronograph watch, the following steps should be followed:

• Start the chronograph.
• Allow the chronograph to run for one minute.
• Stop the chronograph.
• Reset the chronograph.
• Repeat steps 1-4 several times.
• Compare the time recorded by the chronograph to the time displayed by a reference clock.
• If the chronograph is not running accurately, adjust the regulator.

4. What is the difference between a Swiss lever escapement and a pin lever escapement?

• Swiss lever escapement: The Swiss lever escapement is a type of escapement that is used in high-quality watches. It is known for its accuracy and reliability.
• Pin lever escapement: The pin lever escapement is a type of escapement that is used in less expensive watches. It is not as accurate or reliable as the Swiss lever escapement, but it is less expensive to manufacture.

5. How do you replace a crystal on a watch?

To replace a crystal on a watch, the following steps should be followed:

• Remove the bezel.
• Remove the old crystal.
• Clean the case.
• Apply a new gasket to the case.
• Press the new crystal into place.
• Reattach the bezel.

6. What are the different types of watch movements and how do they work?

• Mechanical movement: A mechanical movement uses a mainspring to power the watch. The mainspring is wound by hand or by an automatic winding mechanism.
• Quartz movement: A quartz movement uses a battery to power the watch. The battery sends an electrical current to a quartz crystal, which vibrates at a very precise frequency. The vibrations of the quartz crystal are used to regulate the movement of the watch.
• Automatic movement: An automatic movement is a mechanical movement that is wound by the motion of the wearer’s wrist.

7. How do you troubleshoot a watch that is not keeping time properly?

To troubleshoot a watch that is not keeping time properly, the following steps should be followed:

• Check the battery: If the watch is battery-powered, check the battery and replace it if necessary.
• Clean the movement: If the watch is mechanical, clean the movement and lubricate it with watch oil.
• Check the balance: The balance is a small wheel that regulates the speed of the watch. If the balance is out of adjustment, it can cause the watch to gain or lose time.
• Check the mainspring: The mainspring is a coiled spring that powers the watch. If the mainspring is broken or worn out, it can cause the watch to stop running.

8. What are the different types of watch complications and how do they work?

• Chronograph: A chronograph is a watch that can be used to measure time intervals.
• Tachymeter: A tachymeter is a watch that can be used to measure speed.
• Calendar: A calendar is a watch that can display the date.
• Moon phase: A moon phase is a watch that can display the phase of the moon.
• Tourbillon: A tourbillon is a watch that uses a rotating cage to counteract the effects of gravity on the movement.

9. How do you service a watch?

To service a watch, the following steps should be followed:

• Remove the movement from the case.
• Disassemble the movement.
• Clean the movement.
• Lubricate the movement.
• Reassemble the movement.
• Regulate the movement.
• Reinstall the movement into the case.

10. What are the different tools and equipment used in watchmaking?

• Tweezers: Tweezers are used to handle small parts and components.
• Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers are used to remove and tighten screws.
• Wrenches: Wrenches are used to remove and tighten nuts and bolts.
• Pliers: Pliers are used to grip and manipulate parts.
• Magnifying glass: A magnifying glass is used to inspect parts and components.
• Oiler: An oiler is used to apply oil to the movement.
• Timing machine: A timing machine is used to regulate the movement.
• Ultrasonic cleaner: An ultrasonic cleaner is used to clean the movement.
• Case opener: A case opener is used to remove the back of the watch case.
• Crystal press: A crystal press is used to install a new crystal.

Watchmakers are skilled craftsmen and women who specialize in the repair, maintenance, and restoration of watches and clocks. Their work requires meticulous attention to detail, an understanding of mechanical principles, and a steady hand.

1. Diagnosing and Repairing Watches

Watchmakers diagnose and repair a variety of watch problems, including:

• Broken or jammed gears
• Damaged springs
• Malfunctioning hands
• Faulty batteries

2. Cleaning and Lubricating Watches

Watches need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to keep them running smoothly and accurately. Watchmakers use a variety of solvents and oils to clean and lubricate the internal components of a watch.

3. Replacing Watch Parts

When a watch part is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced. Watchmakers have the skills and experience to replace a wide range of watch parts, including:

• Batteries
• Crystals
• Hands
• Springs

4. Adjusting Watch Movements

Watches need to be adjusted periodically to keep them accurate. Watchmakers use a variety of tools to adjust the movement of a watch, including:

• Timing machines
• Magnetizers
• Demagnetizers
• Pressure gauges

Preparing for a watchmaker interview can be daunting, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

1. Research the Company

Take some time to learn about the company you are interviewing with. This will help you understand their culture and values, and it will also show the interviewer that you are interested in the position.

2. Practice Your Answers

Take some time to practice answering common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.

3. Be Enthusiastic

Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and it will make the interviewer more likely to want to hire you.

4. Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This will show your appreciation for their time and it will also help you stay on their mind.