WATCH REPAIRER:

Name: Raffi Tcheubjian

Company: Tic Time

Thumbs up: “I’ve been doing this for four years now, and I really like everything. I like that it’s very clean work. Watch repairing has been in my family for a long time. I like working with very small things. You have to be very precise and accurate. “

Thumbs down: “I don’t like problem customers who are picky about prices. They want low prices but expect high quality.”

Advice: “You need very accurate hands and a lot of patience. I think it’s the best business. Business involving repair work is good business.”

Salary range: Experienced watch repairers make from $300 to $450 a week.

Fringe benefits: The hours are flexible. Because the majority of shops offering watch repair services are small businesses, there are usually no medical or vacation benefits.

Hours: Watch repairers work from 45 to 50 hours a week, six days a week. For Tcheubjian, Sundays and Mondays are his busiest days.

Educational and training requirements: “I learned from my family, but there are schools specializing in the trade.” Training takes from 16 to 18 months. The American Watchmakers Institute in Ohio provides a list of schools nationwide as well as a certification program.

Size of work force: There are fewer than 100 watch repairers in Orange County. Tcheubjian is one of three at the store where he works.

Expected demand: Job openings have been steadily declining, although more watches are being made and sold because many are inexpensive and cost little more to replace than to repair. But there will still be a need to care for quality watches, and well-trained watch repairers who also can repair jewelry will increase their employment opportunities.

Job description: Watch repairers clean, repair and adjust watches, clocks and other timepieces, and work on electronic and mechanical machinery. They are required to diagnose the problem, estimate the repair costs and do the work. Sometimes they must rebuild a part by hand or make a new replacement piece. Most repairers are required to have their own hand tools, an investment of $500 to $750.

Major employing industries: Jewelry store chains and small repair businesses.

Advancement: Most repair shops are too small to offer promotions, so the best opportunity is in self-employment through owning a repair or jewelry store.

For more information: Write to the American Watchmakers Institute, P.O. Box 11011 Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.