A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921.
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ORDER X.—MAKERS OF WATCHES, CLOCKS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

323.—Watch, Clock and Chronometer Maker and Repairer



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adjuster, watch and clock adjuster ; springer, springer and timer, timer
receives watch or clock from assembler (q.v.); cuts through the balance with a file or on machine lathe to allow for expansion of metal; adjusts and finishes, with small hand tools, hair spring on collet, i.e., bed for jewel; vibrates hair spring to time by means of vibrator, i.e., master balance; inserts balance and spring into watch and finally regulates ready for use.
assembler ; finisher, putter-together
assembles or puts together works of watches and clocks; or mounts internal parts in case, or "carcase," after adjusting them.
chronometer maker
makes up chronometer from standard parts, assembling and adjusting fine intricate movements of chronometer by means of hand tools; sometimes subjects chronometer to hot and cold tests and adjusts its regulator accordingly.
clock cleaner
see watch and clock cleaner.
clock dresser, clock fettler
a clock maker and repairer (q.v.) engaged in cleaning or repairing clocks.
clock fitter, turret
fits up in position large clocks used in towers of churches, town halls, etc., from parts which have been assembled and adjusted in workshop; fixes dials and movement in frame; connects pendulum, weights and bells; starts clock and regulates it.
clock jobber
as for watch jobber.
clock jobber and winder
a clock maker and repairer (q.v.) who contracts to keep clocks wound and in good order.
clock maker
(i) general term for a person engaged in any process in clock making;
(ii) see clock maker and repairer.
clock maker, automatic
a clock maker (q.v.) engaged in making automatic clocks.
clock maker, time recording
assembles, fits together, and adjusts parts of time recorders; sometimes also cuts, dresses, and finishes the metal or wooden parts before assembling.
clock maker, turret
builds up and makes parts of turret clocks from stock parts; or makes to drawings detailed parts of such clocks; files and cleans cast parts, and drills holes for pinions; cuts and turns pinions in pinion cutting machine; cuts wheels from blanks in wheel cutting machine; fits up the whole assembly in frame; polishes all parts on buffing machine; may have turning work done by turret clock turner q.v. .
clock maker and repairer, clock repairer ; clock maker, watch and clock maker, watch and clock repairer
(i) a skilled man, familiar with all processes of clock making, and principally engaged in repairing and cleaning clocks;
(ii) a shopkeeper or assistant selling clocks and watches and undertaking repairs to customers' clocks or watches, cf. clock maker, and watch maker.
clock turner, turret
turns on lathe, parts of turret clock; or trues up and cuts, on special gear cutting machine, wheels, pinions, etc., of large clocks; usually done by turret clock maker (q.v.).
examiner
examines and tests watches or clocks or, sometimes, chronometers, after any one process, or after completion of making; is transferred, as required, from one department of works to another, hence method of testing varies accordingly; in general, works with small hand tools, e.g., causing wheels to revolve in order to inspect action of watch, and ensures that parts are properly made and fitted.
finisher
see assembler.
horologist
designs mechanism of time keeping movements and improves them by scientific research; usually an authority on the history and practice of watch and clock making.
putter-together
see assembler.
springer, springer and timer, timer
see adjuster.
time recorder repairer
a clock maker (q.v.) who visits factories and workshops and keeps time recorders in good repair; replaces broken parts such as springs, screws, rivets; cleans and repairs clock mechanism as required to maintain clock in going order.
watch cleaner, watch and clock cleaner ; clock cleaner
a clock maker and repairer (q.v.) principally engaged in cleaning watches and clocks; dismantles movements, cleans parts, removing and replacing them where defective, and re-assembles.
watch and clock jobber
as for watch jobber.
watch and clock maker, watch and clock repairer
see clock maker and repairer.
watch jobber ; watch repairer
repairs watches for the trade; and makes parts required for renewal, when necessary.
watch maker, watch maker and repairer ; watch repairer
(i) general terms for any person engaged in making watches, now usually done almost entirely by machinery, on the sixty divisional system;
(ii) a skilled workman, familiar with all processes of watch making and principally engaged in repairs;
(iii) a shopkeeper or assistant selling watches and clocks, and undertaking repairs to customers' watches; cf. clock maker and repairer.
watch repairer
(i) see watch jobber;
(ii) see watch maker.

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From: A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921,
Ministry of Labour, 1927. Digitised by Peter Christian, August, 2016.   This text is in the Public Domain.