Design & Media · EBA
Watch Industry Worker EBA
Basic tasks in watch production.
About this profession
Basic tasks in watch production. Over 2 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Certificate (EBA).
Day-to-day responsibilities
- ›Assemble and disassemble watch movements
- ›Inspect and process watch cases
- ›Perform quality control checks
- ›Set up and operate machinery
Skills you'll need
A typical week as an apprentice
Host company
3 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.
Vocational school
1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.
Inter-company courses (üK)
Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.
Where you'll work
Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.
Entry requirements
- Completed compulsory school. The EBA is a strong fit for hands-on learners; close support during the apprenticeship is built in.
- A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.
What you earn at the end
Federal VET Certificate (EBA) — a recognised qualification with a clear path to bridge into a 3-year EFZ apprenticeship (often shortened).
Apprentice wage
Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.
Year 1
CHF 600 – 800/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 800 – 1’100/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 3/5Our take
The watch industry remains stable; increasing automation, however, demands adaptability and continuous learning for job security and advancement.
Sources
Early contract endings in this field
Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- VET Diploma (EFZ), shortened apprenticeship
- Federal PET Diploma (BP)
- Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HF)
- Vocational Baccalaureate + University of Applied Sciences (FH)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.