Watchmakers must work with, manufacture, assemble and handle tiny components. For most of us this level of precision is unimaginable. How do they do it? Are there special tricks, is watchmaking the domain of a particular personality type? We take a deeper look with Lenny.
How do you learn to do this?
Training, training and more training. The most important thing is to be able to sit still for a long time and concentrate. Of course, there is a certain talent for a steady hand. At the beginning, the movements are still large, such as a Unitas 6497, but as the training progresses, the movements and parts become smaller and smaller. The tools must be in perfect condition otherwise the tiny parts fly around your ears. Sometimes we had to learn to sharpen our screwdrivers for 2 weeks at a time until they were perfect.
What techniques do watchmakers use to keep a steady hand?
This is not easy to answer. There is no guide that shows you how to do it. From personal experience, I can say that breathing slowly and calmly helps. The working environment should be as quiet as possible, even if there are watchmakers who listen to heavy metal while they work. Taking regular breaks and shaking out your hands and other relaxation exercises also help. Table ergonomics and a well-adjusted working height are also important to be able to support your hands optimally. Staying calm and relaxed helps.
How long can you work effectively without a break?
I would say about 90-120 minutes. Of course, it always depends on the work. When regulating, where an elevated level of concentration is required, you may need a short break after 60 minutes and, of course, less often for simpler assembly work. Of course, these are only short breaks of a few minutes. How long (hours/months/years?) does it take to learn these skills? It’s quite variable. I have watchmaker friends who were already at a proficient level after one year and others who were only at this point two years after they had finished their four-year apprenticeship. Others just about made it through the apprenticeship and then decided they would have to go back to university because they couldn't bear sitting at the watchmaker's desk for so long. Most of those who go on to study go into watch design, construction, engineering, microtechnology or even medical technology. I suspect that most of them don't want to lose touch with technology completely.
Can you become a watchmaker if you need to wear glasses?
No problem! There is a clip for the spectacles frame especially for spectacle wearers to which a loupe can be attached and easily changed. Some have also simply used lenses and worked with the normal loupe. To be honest, I always thought it was cool how they could elegantly fold down the loupe with one finger. It certainly took some getting used to at first, but that applies to all trainees. Fan fact: you either have the magnifying glass on the left or right side of your eye and if you want to change it, it feels like you're writing with the wrong hand.
Are there any problems that watchmakers get because of this unique position? If so how to work around them?
Yes, that's why it's important to stand up regularly and loosen everything up. You should also focus into the distance without a magnifying glass from time to time to train your eyes and prevent fatigue. Personally, my hand often fell asleep because of the high arm position. But your back is usually straight and upright due to the holding position and therefore not at risk. The rooms should certainly be adequately heated, otherwise the muscles in the neck will stiffen.
In Switzerland, there are certain recommended minimum temperatures that are suggested by SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) and SUVA (Swiss Accident Insurance Fund). They suggest 21-23 degrees to avoid long-term damage to health. For most employees this is very pleasant, but in a company, this is one of the most frequent topics of dispute 😊. For us at HORAGE, it's also important so that we can regulate the movements at the temperature as they will later be tested at COSC. Are there also mental/concentration issues that need to be considered?
Not that I know of specifically. It is particularly important to have a physical/active sport or hobby as a counterbalance to being a watchmaker. From a personality perspective, you should certainly be fascinated by micromechanics and working to an extremely high attention to detail. Most watchmakers tend to be their own personality type, and the bandwidth is huge. There isn’t one watchmaker personality. But I would say they tend to be calm and extremely friendly.
I don't think there is any type that shouldn't become a watchmaker per se. There are certainly personality types that will need to work on themselves more than others.
Many thanks Lenny for answering the questions! How long can you sit in one position with 100% focus?