Career Opportunities in Watch Industry

WITH AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR DESIGNER WATCHES,THE INDIAN WATCH INDUSTRY IS ALL SET TO OFFER FRESH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

Speak of a career in watches and the immediate visual that comes to mind is that of a person sitting at a local watch repair shop struggling to fix a watch. But post liberalization, the Indian watch market has long surpassed this stage. The influx of major foreign players in this segment has given the Indian watch industry a much needed boost.
This fact is corroborated by a recent report — Indian Time Wear Industry 2010 — published by the All India Federation of Horological Industries (AIFHI) and consultancy firm Technopak Advisors. According to this report, the current size of the watch market, which stands at an approximate figure of Rs 4,000-4,200 crore, will almost double to Rs 8,500 crore within the next five years. The annual 10-15% growth will be driven by a growing economy, increasing disposable incomes and consumerism, and the increasing aspirations of the youth and middle class people. No wonder the segment is also estimated to generate additional employment opportunities for around 80,000 people. As per the report, employment in watch retail alone can reach up to 2.15 lakh people in the next five years. 

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
Apart from options in HR, marketing, finance, and managerial functions, the industry also offers employment opportunities in manufacturing, distribution, retailing and repair and maintenance divisions. About the options on the manufacturing front, career counsellor Jayanti Ghose says, “India is not just one of the largest markets of clocks and watches but one of the largest manufacturing bases as well. It is also the first port of call for many global watch brands for its components manufacturers. Hence, the profession does offer good scope.” With the demand for luxury and sports watches on the rise, designing watches too is gaining significance as a career option.
 

SKILL SPEAK
The skills required to succeed in the industry vary according to the department you work for. That is to say, if you are into repairing, precision and an eye for detail are crucial qualities. However, these do not matter much if you are into retailing. A watch designer must be creative and detail oriented. Additionally, he/she must possess good presentation skill. Watches these days have become more of an accessory than a mere time displaying device. Thus, the ability to know the kind of design that will click with the target group is quintessential.
 

CAPITAL GAINS
It is difficult to gauge the exact remuneration one can get in this industry. However, freshers generally are paid Rs 15,000 per-month. Informs Ghose, “The salary of repair and maintenance professionals with a diploma from polytechnics could range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per-month. But, engineering graduates hired for the same jobs would attract higher compensation packages in established companies.” The salaries of graduates recruited in managerial positions would depend on the B-school they graduate from. The more reputed the B-school, the higher would be the entry level remuneration. Salaries of designers can range from Rs 15,000 to one lakh per-month depending on the institute they graduate from.
 

TRAINING TALK
Except for Rolex that has opened a training centre in Mumbai to train aspirants and absorb them into the company, India does not have exclusive institutes that offer degrees tailormade to meet the demands of the watchmaking industry. Thus, those looking for jobs in this sector need to enrol for courses specific to the kind of roles they wish to apply for. Those looking to pursue jobs at managerial levels should pursue management degrees. Jobs in repairing and maintenance usually call for a degree/ diploma in engineering. Designers need to have a relevant qualification either in product or jewellery designing. If you wish to pursue a professional qualification abroad, you can opt for the 3200-hour Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme (WOSTEP), that is recognised as the ultimate qualification in watchmaking.
 

WHERE TO GO
Some institutes that offer the WOSTEP qualification abroad include:

• INSTITUTE OF SWISS WATCHMAKING, TEXAS AND HONG KONG

• THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF WATCHMAKING,
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

• NICOLAS G HAYEK WATCHMAKING SCHOOL

• THOUGH NOT A WOSTEP PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL THE SCHOOL OF HOROLOGY, COLUMBIA, PENNSYLVANIA TOO IS RECOGNISED FOR ITS COURSES
Indicative listing 

Source: TOI Education Times 14th Mar 2011