So you clicked on horologist, huh? You probably thought that had something to do with horror, maybe like a B-movie critic or a "vampirologist" or some other totally viable career option, yeah? Well, my dark and gothic friend, that's not what this is about—but don't run off too soon, this discussion may interest you yet.

When you think "horologist," think less "horror film" and more "horoscope," because that's the first clue to what this profile's all about. The Greek word "hora" means hour, or more appropriately, time. And since the "logy" of any -ology means "the study of," that means you're dedicated to the study of time.

 

Not to be further confused with art depicting the measurement of time. (Source)

Or more specifically, the study of the measurement of time.

Well, okay, it's more like the study of the art of the measurement of time.

Yeah, fine, it's a fancy word for watchmaker. But it's a really fancy word.

Horologist actually covers everyone and anyone who deals with mechanical or otherwise analog timepieces. That means the guy who sold your grandfather his monogrammed pocket watch, as well as the specialists who maintain the official atomic clocks at the U.S. Naval Observatory.

Even the Bureau of Labor Statistics has its own grouping: anyone who makes, works with, or thinks about actual time machines professionally is considered a "watch repairer." Yeah, that sounds silly to us too, but the important thing is the expected salary haul for that grouping, which is an average of $38,000 per year (source). 

To be good at this job you're going to need the training, but you won't find that at a normal four-year college. Training in the horological arts can be found at a vocational school or within a small certification program, which shouldn't take more than a year to complete. 

That'll give you the knowledge to work with all sorts of time measurement devices (you might call them clocks) and figure out what makes them tick.

 

Their fashion sense still needs some work. (Source)

The most ambitious watch workers apply for entry into elite Swiss watchmaking programs. Some of these feature over 3,000 hours of study completed over a few years (source). Why Swiss? Well, much like chocolate, army knives, and cheese, when it comes to watches, the Swiss just do it better.

The intangible skills you'll need for this job shouldn't surprise you. Right off the bat, you need to have nimble hands. You'll be dealing with almost absurdly tiny screws and other parts—and there will be days where, no matter how nimble your digits, you'll drop that tiny screw onto the carpet five times. So patience is important as well. Good eyesight is not required, surprisingly, as long as the magnifying glasses you use actually allow you to work.

Like most professions that involve fine craftsmanship, building and repairing clocks is something of a niche market. That said, there should be enough work out there for you to get by while you pursue your time-tinkering passions. 

If you want to devote your life to this profession, go for it, by all means. Just remember—even though you know the mechanics of clocks and make them tick, you'll never be able to turn back time.

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