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Data last updated on 2 August 2026
What does a Watchmaker do?
As a watchmaker, you make or repair watches and clocks and sell them. You are also known as a watch repairer, a clockmaker or a watch fitter. You diagnose a fault, prepare your material, equipment and tools, and take timepieces apart and put them back together. You maintain watches and clocks, repair defects and adjust the precision of a movement, then check the quality of the finished product. Working in the craft sector of metal, glass, jewellery and timepieces across Flanders and Belgium, you combine fine manual work with technical insight and a real eye for detail on very small parts.
Typical tasks
- Diagnose a fault in a timepiece
- Prepare the material, equipment and tools
- Take parts apart and reassemble them
- Maintain watches and clocks
- Repair defects
- Adjust the precision of a movement
- Check the quality of the product
Required skills
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
- See Watchmaker matchesSwipe through vacancies that fit your profile and preferences.
- Chat with employersOn a match you talk directly to the employer, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a Watchmaker do?
A watchmaker makes or repairs watches and clocks and sells them. You diagnose a fault, prepare your tools and take timepieces apart and put them back together. You maintain watches and clocks, repair defects and adjust the precision of a movement, then check the quality of the finished product.
How much does a Watchmaker earn in Belgium?
In Belgium a watchmaker usually earns between 15 and 22 euro per hour gross. The exact amount depends on your experience, your specialisation and the type of workshop. Restoring antique pieces or working with high-end brands can raise your pay.
How is demand for watchmakers across Flanders?
Watchmaking is a specialised craft, so the number of positions is smaller than in large sectors, but skilled watchmakers stay sought after across Flanders. Jewellers, repair workshops and brands need people who can maintain, repair and adjust timepieces, and the fine skills you build make you valuable in this niche.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need to become a watchmaker?
Watchmaking is usually learned through specialised training or an apprenticeship, because it demands very fine, precise skills. There is no single fixed certificate, but focused training in watch and clock repair is highly valued. Above all, employers look for patience, a steady hand and technical insight into movements.
Can you start as a watchmaker without experience?
Watchmaking is a fine craft, so you usually build the skills through training or an apprenticeship rather than starting fully unskilled. You can start as a trainee and learn diagnosing faults, taking movements apart and adjusting them under guidance. With patience and practice on small parts, you grow into independent repair and maintenance work.