Learn about watch-related qualifications. Three qualifications for repair and sales explained

There are various qualifications related to watches, such as watch repair technician and watch coordinator (CWC). If you are involved in repairing or selling watches, you will want to obtain these qualifications as proof of your professionalism. We will introduce three types of qualifications, including the Certified Master Watchmaker (CMW) by the American Horological Society, which is no longer available as an exam.

Watch-related qualifications

Watch users have a process for regularly maintaining the watches they purchase and, depending on the situation, taking them to a buy-back store.

Store staff have a variety of titles. It's important to have an understanding of who is qualified and who isn't.

No watch appraiser qualifications

When selling a watch, a "watch appraiser" employed by the buying store may appraise the watch's condition and asset value. While the term "watch appraiser" may sound like a licensed person, there is no qualification for appraising watches.

The term "watch appraiser" is a common name for a profession that involves appraisal and purchasing, and anyone can call themselves one regardless of experience or skill. This means that the knowledge and skills are not certified by an official institution.

The repair is qualified

There are no qualifications for appraising watches, but there are qualifications for repairs. These qualifications are "watch repair technicians" who are employed by manufacturers and watch repair shops.

There are three levels, from grade 1 to grade 3, and only those who pass the official exam can call themselves watch repair technicians.

Watch maintenance requires specialized skills not only for repairs and overhauls, but also for battery replacement. A watch repair technician qualification is proof of these practical experiences and skills, and whether or not a watch repair business has qualified personnel determines its reliability.

Official link:Skills Test Information: Japan Vocational Ability Development Association (JAVADA)
Official link:Test subjects, scope and details of the watch repair skills certification exam | Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Human Resources Development Bureau*PDF document

What is a watch repair technician?

A Grade 3 watch repair technician can take the exam if they have practical experience in the relevant job. As the grade increases from Grade 2 to Grade 1, more years of practical experience are required, and a Grade 1 watch repair technician can be considered a watch repair professional. Let's take a look at the overview of watch repair technicians.

The only national qualification for watch repair

The watch repair technician qualification is the only national qualification in Japan for watch repair. The Central Vocational Ability Development Association creates the exam questions, and each prefecture administers the exam.

Qualified individuals are experts with a certain level of practical experience and skills in the repair, overhaul, and battery replacement of analog mechanical and quartz watches.

Contents of the qualification exam

To obtain a watch repair technician qualification, all levels must take a two-stage exam: written and practical. The written exam covers the types, structure, materials, electrical properties, and repair methods of watches.

For practical skills, the 2021 level 3 exam will cover replacing the battery and case back gasket of an analog quartz watch, measuring, packaging the presentation box, and adjusting the strap. For level 2, the exam will test skills in overhauling an analog quartz watch with three central hands and a day and day calendar, including replacing the winding stem.

The first level exam covers overhauling an analog quartz watch with three central hands and a day and day calendar, and an automatic mechanical watch with three central hands and a day and day calendar.

Inquiries regarding general skill tests: Japan Vocational Ability Development Association, Skill Test Department, Planning and Management Division
03-6758-2861 or 2858

What is the Certified Master Watchmaker (CMW) from the American Horological Society?

While a watch repair technician certifies that you are a professional in watch repair, the examination standards for a CMW are even higher. Let's take a look at the CMW, which certifies that you are a fine watchmaker certified by the American Horological Society.

The highest qualification for watchmaking technicians

The CMW (Certified Master Watchmaker) is an examination held between 1954 and 80, and refers to qualified high-end watchmakers. The exam covers a wide range of topics and is difficult to understand, with only around 800 people passing during the period.

The certification is held by the Japan Watchmakers Association, which was formerly the Japan branch of the Horological Society of America, but the exam is no longer held. This is a legendary qualification that certifies high-class watchmakers who repair mechanical watches.

Contents of the qualification exam

The CMW exam was scheduled over a five-day period, with the first two days consisting of a written exam and the creation of a balance shaft and winding needle on a lathe to meet the required dimensions. The written exam had 400 questions. The content was said to cover a wide range of topics, including astronomy, mechanics, gear theory, and speed control theory, but the details have not been made public.

Those who passed the first exam proceeded to the second exam, which took place over three days and consisted of advanced practical tests. The task was to repair a mechanical wristwatch and a railroad watch (pocket watch) that had been deliberately broken.

Using custom-made parts, the repairs were carried out, including the shaping of the balance spring, and after a complete disassembly and cleaning, the watch was expected to achieve chronometer-level accuracy.

What is a Watch Coordinator (CWC)?

The Watch Coordinator Qualification Exam, which began in 2011, is an exam that certifies that you are a sales professional with a certain level of knowledge about watch repair. Let's take a look at the grades and test contents.

Professional watch sales

"CWC (Certified Watch Coordinator)" is an examination held by the Japan Watch Importers Association, and refers to a qualified watch sales professional.

The exam is divided into two levels: CWC and Advanced CWC, and qualified candidates are awarded a pin badge. The exam is targeted at watch sales staff, store managers, and leaders, as well as the press and users.

Contents of the qualification exam

To obtain the qualifications, candidates take a written exam for both the CWC and Advanced CWC, and for the CWC they also take practical training in overhauling and battery replacement using the ETA6497.

The questions are taken from a dedicated textbook. CWC covers basic knowledge about the structure and sales of watches, while Advanced CWC covers advanced topics such as the manufacturing process and store management.

[Official] Watch Coordinator Qualification Examination Official Site
http://www.tokei.or.jp/cwc/

Learn more about watchmaking qualifications

In the past, CMW was also available as a qualification for watches, but now the main options are watch repair technician and CWC. While the watch repair technician exam requires more than six months of work experience, anyone can take the CWC exam.

Even if you don't work in the field, you can deepen your knowledge of watches by working towards obtaining a qualification. If you do work in the field, you'll want to have some proof that you're a professional in repairs and sales.