Watchmaker (permanent contract)

COMPANY
The Fears Watch Company is one of Britain’s oldest watch companies, first established in Bristol in 1846. Today, Fears is a fast-growing company, hand-building high quality watches in the UK, selling direct and via a select group of Fears Authorised Stockists across the world. The company’s mantra is ‘Elegantly Understated’ which is reflected in the watches made and the way the company operates.
The company’s Mission Statement is: ‘Building Luxury with Integrity’
 
Everyone who works for or with the company is expected to have high ethical and moral standards and work towards the 50-year vision of Fears to epitomise the British success of ‘Good Capitalism’.
 
 
JOB SUMMARY
We are looking for a committed and passionate Watchmaker with an eye for quality to join Fears as part of the Operations Department. This role reports to the Operations Manager and will be responsible for assembling and servicing our watches. Other responsibilities include assisting with new product research and development, running and maintaining the workshop and build kit preparation.
Fears is a fast-paced and dynamic company where every day poses new challenges, the Watchmaker must be equally matched to this working environment which at times can be demanding but also hugely rewarding.

Specific to this role:

• Location: Bristol, Fears Head Office.
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm (40 hours per week)
• Report: Operations Manager
• Commencing: July/August 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
 
Responsible for;

Timely and efficient assembly of Fears watches in line with Fears quality standards.

• Compile build-kits of components, ensuring stock transfers are accurately recorded during the process.
• Ensure smooth and time effective assembly of all watches in line with assembly schedule.
• Maintain clean and tidy workshop environment, ensuring all tooling and equipment is maintained.
• Quality control individual components prior to assembly as well as final quality control once assembled. Ensure QC failure rate is minimised and does not exceed 1%.
• Assist with product development in assembling prototype watches, diagnosing and resolving issues, compiling and presenting feedback to Operations Manager.
• Carry out testing of components including time testing movements and case water resistance testing.
• Promoting customer satisfaction by ensuring aftersales return rate is
• minimised and does not exceed 1%.
• Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures.

Timely and efficient servicing and repair of customer watches.

• Provide detailed assessment to Operations Assistant of repair work required and provide regular updates during service and/or repair.
• Identify issues with watches and utilise knowledge and experience to repair.
• Complete broad range of services and repairs to existing Fears watches as part of our Aftersales service.
• Maintain quality-focused approach to all repairs completed.
• Quality control of work carried out after service and/or repair.
• Maintain clear communication to wider Operations Department, ensuring any potential issues or delays to workflow are highlighted.
• Monitor inventory of spare parts and consumables, communicating any requirements to Operations Assistant.
• The maintenance of accurate stock records and the recording of stock transfers during assembly and servicing of watches.

In this role you’ll report to the Operations Manager.
 
 
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
 
The ideal candidate will have several years experience assembling and servicing a wide range of mechanical and quartz watches. The successful candidate will require impeccable attention to detail, be highly organised and adept at managing their own workload.
Key to maintaining Fears’ quality standards and outstanding customer experience, the candidate will have exceptional attention to detail and a high level of dexterity and focus to handle small components. With each day bringing new challenges, the candidate must be self-motivated with strong problem solving abilities.

Previous Job Experience:

• 2-3 years relevant experience.

Educational

• WOSTEP / BHI diploma or certification, or equivalent.

Essential:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team and show willingness to share knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and expertise to investigate issues and provide solutions.
• Strong interest in continuing to develop skills.
• Highly organised.
• Flexibility and ability to improvise when needed.

Desirable:

• Microsoft Office (or equivalent) proficient desirable.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
 
Holiday:

• Holiday allowance: 20 days per year + public holidays.
• In addition: between Christmas and the New Year the company’s head office is closed and these days (usually 3-4) are in addition to your holiday allowance.

Benefits:

• Birthday may be taken as an additional day off (this is in addition to your holiday allowance)
• Company pension with 5% contribution from Fears
• Ability to purchase a watch at wholesale price + VAT (after 1 year of employment)

Salary:

• £35-38k per annum depending on experience.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role please send an email with a CV and covering letter to the Operations Manager directly by email.
Interviews will be conducted in a minimum of two stages including a bench test. careers@fearswatches.com

Application deadline: 26th June 2026