In watchmaking school first we ha to make our gravers, then a balance staff. By hand on a lathe we had to go down to .006mm then flair it back out then back in to the conical end at .05mm. On both ends It took many classmates 1 1/2 months to do it without snapping it off at .0061mm. On each end. I did it in 1 1/2 weeks of holding my breath and pre luck!

Hi Kath,

As far as I am aware you can’t upgrade your 1800 hour WOSTEP qualification into the 3000 hour one, as they are two separate courses. So, if you want the skills to make a watch from scratch, then you would need to start with the 3000 hour course.

They’re very intensive courses and so you’ll be working 5 days a week during normal working hours, but if you wanted to subsidise your finances with evening and weekend work, then that is possible.

The salary for watchmakers can vary quite a lot, mainly depending on geography, as London will generally pay more than the rest of the country for example, however living costs will also be higher. At some companies £40k may be unattainable, while at others it may take 2 years, a lot depends on the opportunity and the movement of other staff at the business.

Colin

I’m a disillusioned physio looking for something a lot less people-heavy. I used to fix watches, radios and clocks as a child and loved it. I wondered though – what is the watchmaking/repairing industry like in terms of entry level availability and how long does it generally take to get to earning an average (£40k) salary? I’d probably look into doing a 1800hour WOTOP course due to cost, but would ideally like to be able to make watches at some point in future too. Would I be able to do part time work once I’d completed the initial 1800hour, to help fund the 3000hour?

Hi Julian, many thanks. I think you’re right to mention that Frodshams needs to be added. This list actually could do with a thorough update! Colin

Hear Hear Colin!
I wrote similar words about the so called British Masters brands many years ago.
How would the Swiss respond if a Chinese company sold Rolex, Patel Philippe, Breguet, etc?

If I may add to the list of Great British Watch Makers, Charles Frodsham & Co.

Frodsham’s roots as a family of watch and clock makers go back at least to the 18th century if not earlier.

In 1843 upon John Roger Arnold’s death and without Arnold having children to pass his business to, Charles Frodsham bought the Arnold business, goodwill and premises and in so doing May also have acquired the rights to Graham etc.

Charles Frodsham continue to flourish as a leading English chronometer maker. See:

I have had 9 days and delayed a flight by 3 days till Monday so I could finish. Countless restarts, learning a huge amount – just the jewel, arbor fitting and finishing in 2 days. Should be good. If only I had the full 21 days. I would probably make another one and see which was best!

Hi Andy, it’s a difficult exam which is easy to mess up, and time is very tight unless you have nothing else to do for the 2 weeks.

The shape of gravers matters a lot. It’s like the difference between trying to slice bread with a dull or sharp knife.

Bes of luck and I hope you get a decent result!