How to become a precision instrument maker or repairer

Official title: Precision instrument makers and repairers

Also called: Repairer, Cog maker, Dial maker, Gong maker, Rule maker, Clock maker, Frame maker, Meter maker, Watch maker, Wheel maker, Camera maker, Balance maker

Precision instrument makers and repairers make, calibrate, test and repair precision and optical instruments such as barometers, compasses, cameras, calibrators, watches, clocks and chronometers.

Main tasks

• Examines drawings or specifications to determine appropriate methods, materials and sequence of operation
• Marks out and machines aluminium, brass, steel and plastics using machine tools such as grinders, lathes and shapers
• Tests watches and clocks for repair to diagnose faults and removes, repairs or replaces damaged and worn parts
• Tests completed timepiece for accuracy using electronic or other test equipment
• Carries out service tasks such as cleaning, oiling and regulating
• Checks prepared parts for accuracy using measuring equipment, assembles parts and adjusts as necessary using hand and machine tools
• Positions, aligns and secures optical lenses in mounts
• Tests, adjusts and repairs precision and optical instruments

How to become one

Some GCSEs/S grades qualifications may be required. Training is usually via an apprenticeship including work experience and practical and technical training leading to recognised awards.

Ways in

• Apprenticeship (England): Clock maker (level 3). England. Typically 24 months. Skills England standard ST0447.
• Apprenticeship (England): Watchmaker (level 3). England. Typically 24 months. Skills England standard ST0395.

Pay · Outlook

• Median full-time pay: £40,062 a year The middle half earn £31,737 to null.
• About 26,200 people work in this job now, and about 24,800 are projected by 2035. (-5.6%)

Related jobs

• Metal machining setters and setter-operators
• Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out
• Metal working production and maintenance fitters and technicians
• Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a precision instrument maker or repairer?

Some GCSEs/S grades qualifications may be required. Training is usually via an apprenticeship including work experience and practical and technical training leading to recognised awards.

How much does a precision instrument maker or repairer earn in the UK?

Median full-time pay is £40,062 a year (Office for National Statistics).

Is a precision instrument maker or repairer a growing career in the UK?

Employment is projected to fall 6% by 2035, from about 26,200 to about 24,800 people (Department for Education).

Do you need a degree to become a precision instrument maker or repairer?

Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Clock maker (level 3).

Sources

• Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Department for Education: Skills Imperative 2035: employment projections by occupation (2021 to 2035 (Warwick IER / Cambridge Econometrics)), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03