At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we offer more than just a watch service. We provide expert care supported by generations of experience, a commitment to excellence, and national recognition. If you’re looking for antique watch repair, pocket watch restoration, or luxury watch repairs, our team led by our in-house Master Watchmaker and supported by our on-site BHI Accredited Watchmaker is here to help.
Nurturing the Next Generation: Vincent Clark’s Week on the Watchmaker’s Bench
We firmly believe in supporting the horological industry, which is why we are proud Business Partners of the British Horological Institute. One of the most vital ways we can safeguard this trade is by highlighting watchmaking as a rewarding career path and supporting young people as they learn the craft. Work experience offers an invaluable insight into the daily reality of the bench. In fact, if it were not for an early work experience placement, one of our own watchmakers would never have entered the jewellery industry, a step that ultimately paved the way to horology. With watchmaking listed year after year as a “critically endangered” skill on the Heritage Crafts Association’s Red List, it has never been more important for businesses to actively invest time in training the next generation.
We were especially pleased to open our workshop recently to Vincent Clark—the fifth generation of the Clark family and son of our Managing Director, David Clark—for a structured week of hands-on experience.
Inside the Watch Workshop
Vincent already arrived with some foundational knowledge, so we used his time to build directly on those skills, starting with the practicalities of working in the watch workshop including familiarisation with the various tools and equipment we use.
From there, we moved swiftly into serious practical work by fully disassembling an ETA quartz calibre to understand its electronic and mechanical crossover, before tackling a true industry staple: the mechanical automatic ETA 2824-2 movement.
Under the guidance of our accredited watchmaker, Dan Stent, Vincent undertook a complete strip-down of the 2824-2 calibre, followed by a full reassembly.
“Vincent brought a fantastic attitude to the bench,” Dan noted. “While we didn’t cover absolutely every finer detail that goes into a professional overhaul, completely disassembling and rebuilding an ETA 2824-2 with only limited bench experience is an impressive feat. A few components inevitably went flying across the desk—a rite of passage that happens to all of us when we are learning—but overall, Vincent did exceptionally well.”
Once the mechanical movement was successfully rebuilt, Vincent took on the delicate task of refitting the dial and hands before casing the watch back up. To finish his workshop training, he took the watch over to our testing equipment to run a full water-resistance test himself, ensuring the case was completely sealed.
A Well-Rounded Introduction to the Trade
Vincent’s week wasn’t confined entirely to the watchmaker’s loupe. To give him a complete overview of a modern horological and jewellery business, his time was split across several departments:
- In the Jewellery Workshop: Working alongside our on-site goldsmith, Vincent learned basic silversmithing techniques and successfully manufactured his own silver ring.
- On the Showroom Floor: He spent half a day in our Uckfield showroom, learning the front-of-house operations and experiencing the retail side of the business.
- Admin & Logistics: He was introduced to our strict workshop intake procedures, learning exactly how client repairs are booked into the system, tracked, and safely released upon completion.
- Gemmology & Valuations: Vincent also spent time learning the fundamentals of gemstone identification and the valuation process under the instruction of his father, qualified Gemmologist and valuer David Clark.
It was a pleasure having the fifth generation of the Clark family at the bench. Vincent demonstrated great patience and gained an enhanced understanding of the standards and precision required in modern watchmaking.
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Watch Repair in Lewes and Across the UK
Although based in Lewes, our reputation as watch repair experts extends nationwide. Many clients choose us for our expertise in luxury watch repairs, pocket watch restoration and vintage timepieces. From routine servicing to detailed repairs, our team delivers outstanding results every time.
Ready to Repair Your Watch?
If you’re looking for a watch service that combines experience, trust, and convenience, we are here to help. Our watch repair experts are ready to restore your timepiece to its best. Get in touch today or use our fully insured FREEPOST service to begin your watch repair.