How much does a watchmaker earn?
Watchmakers make, maintain and repair mechanical and electronic timepieces – from wristwatches to pendulum and mantel clocks, precision movements and brand service. They dismantle movements, clean and oil parts, regulate accuracy and advise customers on care and value. Gross pay depends on region, employer (specialist shop, manufacture, service centre), experience and specialisation. As a guide, qualified watchmakers in Germany in 2026 often earn about €2,950–€3,500 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €920–€1,220 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. Actual pay depends on collective agreements, employer, region, experience, order situation and specialisation (e.g. brand service, restoration, chronometry) and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A watchmaker works mainly in the workshop: dismantling, cleaning, replacing and reassembling movements. Everyday work includes timing checks and regulation, advising customers on repair and care, and carefully documenting parts, oiling and warranty work.
- Diagnose wristwatches, pendulum and mantel clocks; narrow down mechanical and electronic faults.
- Dismantle, clean, oil and assemble movements; replace wear parts and crystals; check water resistance and accuracy.
- Advise customers on repair effort, value and care; agree quotes and deadlines.
- Follow brand guidelines, spare-part numbers and service protocols; document warranty and insurance cases.
- Maintain tools, measuring devices and cleaning equipment; handle the workplace and chemicals properly.
- Work with jewellers, manufactures and suppliers; quality-check finished watches before handover.
