Watch and Clock Repairers

Most watch and clock repair work is still hand-on. Official sources list core tasks like “fabricate parts … using small lathes” ^[1], “adjust timing regulators… with tweezers” ^[1], and “demagnetize mechanisms, using demagnetizing machines” ^[1]. These tasks need precise manual skill and are not performed by any known AI today.

For example, demagnetizing a watch uses a simple machine – there’s no “smart” computer doing it ^[1]. And although some shops use computer programs for bookkeeping (O*NET even mentions QuickBooks and WatchWare shop software ^[1]), that’s routine record-keeping, not AI.

In fact, most “AI” stories in watchmaking are about manufacturing, not repair. Trade articles note that luxury watch factories use high-precision robots with AI for assembly and quality control ^[2]. But those are in big factories, not small repair shops.

Similarly, some shops use ChatGPT‐style tools to connect with customers – for instance, one industry newsletter notes people using ChatGPT to find repair experts ^[3] – but that’s marketing help, not an AI that fixes watches. In short, we found no examples of AI actually replacing the delicate work of repairing a clock or watch. The core craft – watching, tinkering, and fine calibration – remains a human task.

AI tools are widely discussed in general repair and business settings, but they don’t have a clear niche in watch repair yet. Off-the-shelf AI (like voice bots or chat assistants) might be used for things like answering calls or FAQs – one repair-shop blog even suggests using an AI voice agent to take customer calls ^[4]. Shops can also build AI-powered “knowledge bases” so new apprentices can ask routine questions and get answers ^[4].

These uses can save time on paperwork or training, but they don’t replace the actual fixing work.

There are a few reasons AI will likely roll out slowly here. First, the cost and complexity: most repair shops are small businesses, so buying a custom AI robot or system is expensive compared to the benefit. Second, the pay and demand: watchmakers earn a modest wage and there aren’t that many watches to fix each day, so the return on a big investment is low.

Third, trust and tradition: customers who bring in an old family clock or luxury watch generally prefer a skilled craftsman’s touch. Tasks like adjusting a fragile regulator ^[1] require care and judgment only a human can give. In short, while AI might help with “busy work” (like organizing schedules or answering common questions), the heart of watch repair – the creative, hands-on work – stays in human hands.

These human skills remain valuable and hard to automate, so watch repairers’ jobs are likely safe for now ^{[1] [1]}.