Caliber
A caliber is the internal mechanism or 'engine' of a watch that makes it work. It's like a car's engine but for watches. This term is very important in watchmaking because it tells us about the technical design inside the watch. When watchmakers mention calibers in their resumes, they're talking about their experience working with these internal watch mechanisms. Some calibers are mass-produced by large manufacturers, while others are custom-made or modified by skilled watchmakers. The term is sometimes also written as 'calibre' in British English.
Examples in Resumes
Serviced and repaired Caliber ETA 2824-2 movements in luxury timepieces
Specialized in maintaining and adjusting Calibre movements from major Swiss manufacturers
Developed expertise in assembling and testing in-house Caliber mechanisms
Typical job title: "Watchmakers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Watchmakers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach troubleshooting a complex chronograph caliber that's not keeping accurate time?
Expected Answer: A senior watchmaker should explain their systematic approach to diagnosis, including checking for magnetization, examining the balance and escapement, and testing various chronograph functions. They should mention the importance of proper documentation and the use of timing machines.
Q: What experience do you have with training junior watchmakers on caliber assembly?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their teaching methods, how they break down complex movements into learnable segments, and their approach to quality control while training others. Should mention safety protocols and common mistakes to watch for.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key differences between manual and automatic calibers?
Expected Answer: Should explain that manual calibers need hand-winding while automatic ones self-wind through wrist movement. Should discuss maintenance differences and common issues for each type.
Q: How do you ensure water resistance when working with different calibers?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper gasket replacement, pressure testing procedures, and the importance of case fitting. Should mention specific tools and testing equipment used.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools do you use when working with watch calibers?
Expected Answer: Should be able to name essential watchmaking tools like tweezers, screwdrivers, movement holders, and timing machines, explaining their basic uses.
Q: How do you maintain a clean working environment when handling calibers?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic cleanliness practices, use of dust-free environments, proper handling of parts, and basic organization of work space.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic watch movement cleaning
- Simple timing adjustments
- Basic tool handling
- Movement assembly basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex movement repair
- Chronograph servicing
- Water resistance testing
- Quality control procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Custom modification work
- Training and supervision
- Vintage watch restoration
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal watchmaking training or certification
- Lack of experience with timing machines
- Poor understanding of different movement types
- No knowledge of proper cleaning procedures
Related Terms
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