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Design & Media · EFZ

Watchmaker EFZ

Build, repair and overhaul watches — Swiss tradition.

About this profession

Build, repair and overhaul watches — Swiss tradition. Over 4 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Precisely assemble delicate watch movements
  • ›Carefully repair watches with defects
  • ›Maintain and overhaul watch components
  • ›Advise clients on watch-related inquiries

Skills you'll need

Fine motor skillsTechnical understandingPatienceAttention to detailPrecisionDexterity

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3–4 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.

Vocational school

1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.

Inter-company courses (üK)

Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.

Where you'll work

Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
  • A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.

What you earn at the end

Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’150/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’550/ Mt.

Year 4

CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 4/5
StrongHighly future-proof
Demand trend4/5
Adaptability4/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

Demand for skilled watchmakers remains stable due to Swiss tradition, though automation may impact some tasks; adaptability to new technologies is key.

Sources

Early contract endings in this field

Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Federal VET Diploma upgrade (Berufsprüfung)
  • Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education
  • Specializations (e.g., antique watches)
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.