Creating with precision
Watch design engineers are creative specialists who improve existing designs and develop new mechanical movements and additional technical plans. First of all, they must liaise with the engineers to determine the feasibility of their project. They then work through the various development phases, constantly optimising their creation from the prototype stage right up to the start of series production. This involves a range of research and development activities. In high-end and top-range watchmaking, they work closely with industrialisation teams. Here, their interpersonal skills are a vital asset.
Watch design engineers have good IT skills and are adept at using CAD (computer-assisted design) tools to help them draw up complete plans for their watch designs. Their sharp eye means they can recognise products in an instant, be they classics or brand new, and to assess their ergonomics and aesthetics. They are skilled at handling different types of material, components and movements. A watch design engineer must have a curious mind. As well as keeping up to date with the latest trends, they may also be required to restore very old timepieces.
Watch design engineers marry their flair for technology with their eye for aesthetics in order to create products that are both distinguished and practical. Innovative and resilient in the face of failure, they develop specific solutions for the production process and resolve new problems that can crop up at any point. The watches of the future are created in the minds of watch design engineers.
Their role also involves writing and updating technical documentation, parts lists and component libraries. Watch design engineers are often responsible for quality control, as well as overseeing the administrative tasks relating to the monitoring of work processes. As a result, this is a very well-rounded profession that requires its practitioners to be both creative and technically skilled, analytical and intuitive, and able to work both independently and in a team.
Skills required: creativity – precision – discipline – concentration – dexterity – visual acuity – IT skills – organisational skills – team spirit – independence – interpersonal skills