What do they do?

The industry is growing at a rate of 8% every year. Watch designing is a highly creative profession. You have to conceptualise different micro components eg dials, straps, case, movements to suit your watch requirements in terms of form, size and weight. All this designing is preceded by a thorough understanding of the consumer’s insights and and segmentation. It also involves integration of technology with respect to watch movements, functionality and form . You also need good knowledge of material, manufacturing, finishes and above all latest fashion trends, as watches are primarily considered style statements.

Skills Needed

• Creative spark
• Attention to detail
• Sense of form and proportion
• Knowledge of materials
• Love for miniaturisation
• Ability to learn and relearn
• Observant and an open mind
• Need to respect people you design for, understand the customer
• Ability to analyse and resolve things

How do I get there?

One needs to have a basic design aptitude. A design degree always helps. There are no specific watch designing courses in India, but some good   courses in Europe exist. So ideally if you have a flair for design you should take up a degree course in product design, industrial design or accessory design after Class 12. Many watch designers also opt for post graduate degree in design after engineering or architecture as this gives them additional specialised design knowledge.