Watch and clock repairers
SOC Code: 49-9064
Watch and clock repairers carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,690 and -1.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 42% AI exposure, Watch and clock repairers sits 5 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 73% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Watch and clock repairers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Watch and clock repairers has ai exposure of 42%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Watch and clock repairers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Watch and clock repairers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Watch and clock repairers (SOC 49-9064) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.1% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $60,690, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Watch and clock repairers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Clean, rinse, and dry timepiece parts, using solutions and ultrasonic or mechanical watch-cleaning machines.
- 2. Adjust timing regulators, using truing calipers, watch-rate recorders, and tweezers.
- 3. Reassemble timepieces, replacing glass faces and batteries, before returning them to customers.
- 4. Disassemble timepieces and inspect them for defective, worn, misaligned, or rusty parts, using loupes.
- 5. Oil moving parts of timepieces.
- 6. Estimate repair costs and timepiece values.
- 7. Repair or replace broken, damaged, or worn parts on timepieces, using lathes, drill presses, and hand tools.
- 8. Test timepiece accuracy and performance, using meters and other electronic instruments.
- 9. Perform regular adjustment and maintenance on timepieces, watch cases, and watch bands.
- 10. Order supplies, including replacement parts, for timing instruments.
Key Skills Required
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Administrative
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Economics and Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Watch and clock repairers?
Watch and clock repairers has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Watch and clock repairers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Watch and clock repairers is projected to decline by 1.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Watch and clock repairers?
Key skills for Watch and clock repairers include Repairing, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Watch and clock repairers earn?
The median annual wage for Watch and clock repairers is $60,690, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Watch and clock repairers?
The typical entry-level education for Watch and clock repairers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Watch and clock repairers?
Watch and clock repairers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).