100 Updated Horologist Interview Questions
Q – 1 What are your salary requirements as Horologist?
Ans- The #1 rule of answering this question is doing your research on what you should be paid by using sites like Payscale and Glassdoor. You’ll likely come up with a range, and we recommend stating the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills.
Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you’re flexible. You’re communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate.
Q – 2 Why are you leaving your current job as Horologist?
Ans- This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you’ll be asked. Definitely keep things positive-you have nothing to gain by being negative about your past employers. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you’re eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position.
For example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally OK answer.
Q – 3 What is clutch or Clutch Wheel?
Ans- A cylindrical winding part, with beveled ratchet teeth on its upper end, a groove in the middle, and teeth on its lower end. Slides back and forth as the watch is moved from winding to setting position. Also called castle wheel.
Q – 4 Tell us how do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
Ans- “Choose an answer that shows that you can meet a stressful situation head-on in a productive, positive manner and let nothing stop you from accomplishing your goals,” says McKee.
A great approach is to talk through your go-to stress-reduction tactics (making the world’s greatest to-do list, stopping to take 10 deep breaths), and then share an example of a stressful situation you navigated with ease.
Q – 5 Tell me what are your greatest professional strengths?
Ans- When answering this question, interview coach Pamela Skillings recommends being accurate (share your true strengths, not those you think the interviewer wants to hear); relevant (choose your strengths that are most targeted to this particular position); and specific (for example, instead of “people skills,” choose “persuasive communication” or “relationship building”).
Then, follow up with an example of how you’ve demonstrated these traits in a professional setting.
Q – 6 What is bracelet?
Ans- A bracelet is the flexible metal band consisting of assembled links, usually in the same style as the watchcase. Detachable links change the length of the bracelet. Bracelets can be made of stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or a combination. See also strap.
Q – 7 Explain me what is your greatest professional achievement?
Ans- Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don’t be shy when answering this interview question!
A great way to do so is by using the S-T-A-R method: Set up the situation and the task that you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., “In my last job as a junior analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process”), but spend the bulk of your time describing what you actually did (the action) and what you achieved (the result).
For example, “In one month, I streamlined the process, which saved my group 10 man-hours each month and reduced errors on invoices by 25%.”
Q – 8 What is automatic Winding?
Ans- Also called self-winding, A mechanically powered watch that is wound by the motion of the wearer’s arm rather than through turning the winding stem (manual mechanical). In response to this motion, a rotor turns and winds the watch’s mainspring. If an automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, it will run down and need to be wound by hand to get it started again.
Q – 9 Explain me what’s your management style?
Ans- The best managers are strong but flexible, and that’s exactly what you want to show off in your answer. (Think something like, “While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different strategy, I tend to approach my employee relationships as a coach…”)
Then, share a couple of your best managerial moments, like when you grew your team from five to 15 or coached an underperforming employee to become the company’s top salesperson.
Q – 10 How did you hear about the position as Horologist?
Ans- Another seemingly innocuous interview question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company.
For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name drop that person, then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.
Q – 11 Tell me why were you fired as Horologist?
Ans- OK, if you get the admittedly much tougher follow-up question as to why you were let go (and the truth isn’t exactly pretty), your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. Share how you’ve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. If you can position the learning experience as an advantage for this next job, even better.
Q – 12 What is douzième?
Ans- One-twelth of a Ligne. A unit of measurement used for (usually) Swiss and French watches. Often used to state the thickness of the watch movement. One Ligne is 0.1879mm or 0.0074 inches. There are 12 douzième to one Ligne, 12 Ligne to one French inch (pouce, French for thumb) and 12 pouce to a French foot (Pied).
Q – 13 What is chronograph?
Ans- Not to be confused with Chronometer. Originally “time-writer”. A chronograph is a fully-functional watch, with the addition of a start-stop timer. Most chronographs are operated by two “pushers,” one to start and stop the chronograph second hand, and the other to return that hand to the starting position..
Q – 14 What is coin Silver?
Ans- An alloy of 90% fine silver and 10% copper. It is called coin silver because early US coins were a ready source of this raw material and were sometimes melted down and made into watch cases.
Q – 15 What is brake Spring (also called bridle, slip-spring, or safety-spring)?
Ans- The extension to the mainspring in an automatic watch which allows the mainspring to slip along the outer surface of the barrel to prevent over-winding.
Q – 16 Tell me what do you think we could do better or differently?
Ans- This is a common one at startups (and one of our personal favorites here at The Muse). Hiring managers want to know that you not only have some background on the company, but that you’re able to think critically about it and come to the table with new ideas.
So, come with new ideas! What new features would you love to see? How could the company increase conversions? How could customer service be improved? You don’t need to have the company’s four-year strategy figured out, but do share your thoughts, and more importantly, show how your interests and expertise would lend themselves to the job.
Q – 17 Explain me what tools could you not live without?
Ans- There are no tools I could not live without. In my ‘real’ work a soldering iron, screwdrivers, voltmeter and various hand tools are required.
For working on clocks our small lathe is indispensable, as just discovered when the motor pulley stripped all its teeth in the middle of parting a pivot block.
Our small vertical mill, with rotary table and indexer is very useful.
Q – 18 What do you know about our company and our work?
Ans- Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company’s “About” page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren’t necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission-they want to know whether you care about it. Start with one line that shows you understand the company’s goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it personal.
Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really believe in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two.
Q – 19 Tell me what’s a time you exercised leadership?
Ans- Depending on what’s more important for the the role, you’ll want to choose an example that showcases your project management skills (spearheading a project from end to end, juggling multiple moving parts) or one that shows your ability to confidently and effectively rally a team.
And remember: “The best stories include enough detail to be believable and memorable,” says Skillings. “Show how you were a leader in this situation and how it represents your overall leadership experience and potential.”
Q – 20 What is compensating Balance?
Ans- A bimetallic balance often constructed from brass and steel, and split near the balance arms and constructed so that its effective diameter will contract or expand with changes in temperature.
Q – 21 What is case or Watchcase?
Ans- The metal housing that contains the internal parts of a watch. Can be made of almost any metal. Many vintage pocket watch cases are brass or base-metal plated with gold. There were also many alloys of nickel used for pocket watch cases. For wristwatches, stainless steel is the most typical metal used, but titanium, gold, silver and platinum can also be used.
Q – 22 Explain how many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?
Ans- 1,000? 10,000? 100,000? Seriously?
Well, seriously, you might get asked brainteaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember that the interviewer doesn’t necessarily want an exact number-he wants to make sure that you understand what’s being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So, just take a deep breath, and start thinking through the math. (Yes, it’s OK to ask for a pen and paper!)
Q – 23 Explain me how would your boss and co-workers describe you?
Ans- First of all, be honest (remember, if you get this job, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and co-workers!). Then, try to pull out strengths and traits you haven’t discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.
Q – 24 Tell me what do you consider to be your weaknesses?
Ans- What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question-beyond identifying any major red flags-is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option-but neither is “Nothing!
I’m perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
Q – 25 Tell me do you have a shop or home workshop that you work from?
Ans- I have two workshops, on an industrial estate at the back of our house. The newer one is a commemorative building, originally a medical facility. Very well built, looks like a small church.
Horological work is done at home.
Q – 26 Can you please tell me a little about yourself?
Ans- This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Here’s the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead give a pitch-one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job.
Start off with the 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role.
Q – 27 Please explain me what other companies are you interviewing with?
Ans- Companies ask this for a number of reasons, from wanting to see what the competition is for you to sniffing out whether you’re serious about the industry. “Often the best approach is to mention that you are exploring a number of other similar options in the company’s industry,” says job search expert Alison Doyle.
“It can be helpful to mention that a common characteristic of all the jobs you are applying to is the opportunity to apply some critical abilities and skills that you possess. For example, you might say ‘I am applying for several positions with IT consulting firms where I can analyze client needs and translate them to development teams in order to find solutions to technology problems.’”
Q – 28 What are you looking for in a new position as Horologist?
Ans- Hint: Ideally the same things that this position has to offer. Be specific.
Q – 29 What is atomic Time Standard?
Ans- Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division, Boulder, Colorado. Atomic time is measured through vibrations of atoms in a metal isotope. The result is extremely accurate time that can be measured on instruments.
A radio signal transmits this exact time throughout North America and some ‘atomic’ watches and clocks can receive them and correct to the exact time.
Q – 30 What is double Roller?
Ans- Two discs mounted on the balance staff: a larger disc which holds the roller jewel, and beneath it a smaller crescented disc which, along with the guard pin on the pallet, provides the roller safety function.
Q – 31 What is balance Wheel?
Ans- The spring-governed oscillating wheel that governs the timekeeping accuracy of the watch. This is the part of the watch that oscillates at a steady rate to measure the time.
Q – 32 Please explain why was there a gap in your employment?
Ans- If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you’ve been up to (and hopefully, that’s a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes).
Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: “I decided to take a break at the time, but today I’m ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.”
Q – 33 What is analemma?
Ans- In astronomy, an analemma is a curve representing the angular offset of a celestial body (usually the Sun) from its mean position on the celestial sphere as viewed from another celestial body (usually the Earth).
For instance, knowing that Earth’s average solar day is exactly 24 hours (by definition), an analemma can be traced by plotting the position of the Sun as viewed from a fixed position on Earth at 24-hour intervals for an entire year. The resulting curve resembles a figure 8. This curve is commonly printed on globes. See also “Equation of Time.”
Q – 34 Explain what do you like to do outside of work?
Ans- Interviewers ask personal questions in an interview to “see if candidates will fit in with the culture [and] give them the opportunity to open up and display their personality, too,” says longtime hiring manager Mitch Fortner. “In other words, if someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, it’s totally OK to open up and share what really makes you tick.
(Do keep it semi-professional, though: Saying you like to have a few beers at the local hot spot on Saturday night is fine. Telling them that Monday is usually a rough day for you because you’re always hungover is not.)”
Q – 35 Can you please explain why you changed career paths?
Ans- Don’t be thrown off by this question-just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you’ve made the career decisions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferrable to the new role.
This doesn’t have to be a direct connection; in fact, it’s often more impressive when a candidate can make seemingly irrelevant experience seem very relevant to the role.
Q – 36 Tell us what’s your dream job?
Ans- Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career goals. While “an NBA star” might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions-and why this job will get you closer to them.
Q – 37 Why should we hire you as Horologist?
Ans- This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you’re asked it, you’re in luck: There’s no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager.
Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things: that you can not only do the work, you can deliver great results; that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture; and that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
Q – 38 Tell me what’s next? Any interesting projects or dreams you wish to fulfil?
Ans- When our long case clock is running fully, the next job may be a small ‘mantle’ or table clock. Partly glass mechanism and all glass case. Timed by dual or possibly triple pendulums. This latter choice depends on my theory, regarding triples, being proved correct or otherwise.
The two pendulums are tentatively planned to be one second stroke. Using a ‘compound’ overhead design for compactness. Again this depends on the measured accuracy of such an arrangement.
Q – 39 Tell me what are your favourite timepieces and why?
Ans- Our Kieninger wall clock, three train spring wound, full chimes. Far better than the radio clocks around the house. Brought new around forty years ago, as a birthday present for my wife. Well built, inspired by early Victorian clocks.
My Omega stopwatch, brought new, about fifty years ago, to time dark-room exposures. Solid, accurate, one fifth of a second resolution.
A modern hunter pocket watch, given to me by my wife for a major birthday. Stainless steel, 17 rubies, special because of its purpose.
Q – 40 What is dial?
Ans- The “face” of the watch. Most commonly made of metal, or glass-like enamel on a metal substrate (often incorrectly called porcelain). Can also be made from a wide variety of exotic materials and metals.
Q – 41 What is chronometer?
Ans- This term refers to a precision watch that is tested in various temperatures and positions, thus meeting the accuracy standards set by C.O.S.C. in Switzerland. These watches are provided with a chronometer certificate detailing specific test results by the C.O.S.C.
Q – 42 What is acrylic Crystal?
Ans- An acrylic crystal composed of plastic composite that is generally less expensive than a glass or mineral crystal. Sometimes called an “unbreakable” crystal, though this is a misnomer as they can definitely break. A high-quality acrylic crystal has optical properties very similar to glass.
Q – 43 What is balance Staff?
Ans- The arbor (or axle) for the balance wheel. The part that, unfortunately, often breaks when you drop your watch.
Q – 44 What is bridge?
Ans- Complementary part fixed to the main plate to form the frame of a watch movement. The other parts of the watch are mounted inside the frame
Q – 45 What is detent?
Ans- The setting lever, or the part of the watch that retains the winding stem. Also refers to that part of a chronometer escapement that locks the escape wheel.
Q – 46 What is caliber / Calibre?
Ans- A word used to denote a unique movement model or design. Used for both quartz and mechanical movements. Also called Grade on American watches.
Q – 47 What is arbor?
Ans- The axle of a wheel or gear that turns in a bearing or jewel; e.g. barrel arbor, winding arbor, pallet arbor, etc.
Q – 48 What is bow?
Ans- Part of the case. The loop to which a watch strap or chain is affixed. The part that may accidentally come off, allowing your precious watch to fall to the floor when you’re pulling it out of your pocket.
Q – 49 What are curb Pins?
Ans- The two regulator pins which “pinch” the balance spring and govern the fine-timekeeping of the watch.
Q – 50 What is drop?
Ans- The amount of the unrestrained motion of the escape wheel as it leaves one pallet jewel and drops onto the locking surface of the other pallet jewel.
Q – 51 What is cuvette?
Ans- The inner cover on the back of a watch case. Typically found on hunter-case watches.
Q – 52 What is click in Horology?
Ans- The pawl which prevents the ratchet wheel from turning backward when the mainspring is wound.
Q – 53 What is caseback?
Ans- The portion of the case covering the back of the watch.
Q – 54 What is banking Pin?
Ans- Two pins, sometimes adjustable, which limit the side to side motion of the pallet fork. Adjusting the banking pin also controls the amount of slide of the escape tooth on the pallet jewel
Q – 55 Tell us what type of work environment do you prefer?
Ans- Hint: Ideally one that’s similar to the environment of the company you’re applying to. Be specific.
Q – 56 Explain me what other companies are you interviewing with?
Ans- Companies ask this for a number of reasons, from wanting to see what the competition is for you to sniffing out whether you’re serious about the industry. “Often the best approach is to mention that you are exploring a number of other similar options in the company’s industry,” says job search expert Alison Doyle.
“It can be helpful to mention that a common characteristic of all the jobs you are applying to is the opportunity to apply some critical abilities and skills that you possess. For example, you might say ‘I am applying for several positions with IT consulting firms where I can analyze client needs and translate them to development teams in order to find solutions to technology problems.’”
Q – 57 Tell me do you feel concerned about the future of the watch and clock industry and if so why?
Ans- I am not concerned about the future of the clock and watch making industry. Years ago many firms were having a hard time, partly due to the advent of cheaper, more accurate, quartz clocks and then watches.
Once LCDs came into use for watches, allowing long power cell life, the writing was on the wall for mechanical time-pieces at the low price end of the market.
The situation was compounded by the entry of far eastern countries into the equation. Their lower labour and material costs forced some European firms out of the market.
Some firms managed to maintain their position, by moving production over to electronic watch and clocks or creating a niche market for people able to afford higher priced mechanical time-pieces.
Q – 58 Where do you see yourself in five years as Horologist?
Ans- If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know a) if you’ve set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn’t the first time you’re considering the question), and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth.
Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.
Q – 59 Explain me what’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
Ans- Everyone disagrees with the boss from time to time, but in asking this interview question, hiring managers want to know that you can do so in a productive, professional way. “You don’t want to tell the story about the time when you disagreed but your boss was being a jerk and you just gave in to keep the peace.
And you don’t want to tell the one where you realized you were wrong,” says Peggy McKee of Career Confidential. “Tell the one where your actions made a positive difference on the outcome of the situation, whether it was a work-related outcome or a more effective and productive working relationship.”
Q – 60 What is bezel?
Ans- Part of the case. The ring or “frame” that holds the crystal in place.
Q – 61 What is crown?
Ans- The knob used to wind the watch and set the hands
Q – 62 What is draw?
Ans- The force which holds the pallet against the banking pins. Draw results from the combined angles of the escape wheel teeth and the pallet-jewel locking faces.
Q – 63 What is cabochon?
Ans- Used to indicate a smooth round or oval convex shaped polished gemstone. In watch terminology, it often describes a decorative stone set in the watch crown.
Q – 64 What is band?
Ans- A generic term used to refer to the band that holds a watch on your wrist. The preferred terms are bracelet and strap, which more clearly describe the two major types.
Q – 65 Tell me what would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?
Ans- Start by explaining what you’d need to do to get ramped up. What information would you need? What parts of the company would you need to familiarize yourself with? What other employees would you want to sit down with?
Next, choose a couple of areas where you think you can make meaningful contributions right away. (e.g., “I think a great starter project would be diving into your email marketing campaigns and setting up a tracking system for them.”)
Sure, if you get the job, you (or your new employer) might decide there’s a better starting place, but having an answer prepared will show the interviewer where you can add immediate impact-and that you’re excited to get started.
Q – 66 Explain me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it?
Ans- In asking this interview question, “your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict. Anyone can seem nice and pleasant in a job interview, but what will happen if you’re hired and Gladys in Compliance starts getting in your face?” says Skillings.
Again, you’ll want to use the S-T-A-R method, being sure to focus on how you handled the situation professionally and productively, and ideally closing with a happy ending, like how you came to a resolution or compromise.
Q – 67 Tell me when did your interest in horology begin, and who or what inspired you?
Ans- I have always been fascinated by the concept of time. We know almost nothing about it, we do not know if it even exists. It is obviously not the ‘fourth dimension’ as it is so often called.
We can not measure it, we can not travel through it, we can not exert any control over it. All we can do is record its passing, with ever greater accuracy.
When young I restored a beautiful, non-working, antique pocket watch. English lever, barrel and fusee movement. Hand making broken components. It worked well until smashed by a jealous younger brother.
Around the same time I became interested in free pendulum clocks. Realising that they have greater potential accuracy.
Q – 68 Explain me if you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Ans- Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews generally because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet.
There’s no wrong answer here, but you’ll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say… ”
Q – 69 What is annealing?
Ans- The act of heating and slowly cooling a metal in order to render it softer for the purpose of machining, or to relieve internal stress.
Q – 70 What is barrel?
Ans- Also called “mainspring barrel.” Thin cylindrical “can” which holds the mainspring of a watch and provides the motive power to drive the gear-train, usually through the center wheel. See also “Motor Barrel” and “Going Barrel.”
Q – 71 What is cannon Pinion?
Ans- A thin steel tube with pinion leaves at its lower end and which carries the minute hand on its upper end. Provides a friction “clutch” with the center arbor when setting the watch.
Q – 72 What is C.O.S.C?
Ans- Control Officile Suisse de Chronometers or Swiss Controle Officiel des Cronometres- the independent Swiss regulatory organization that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) watch movements for chronometer status.
Q – 73 What is dynamic Poise?
Ans- Poising a balance by measuring its errors ona timing machine while the watch is running in different positions. Dynamic poise compensates for the motion of the entire oscillating balance system.
Q – 74 What is dennison Gauge?
Ans- Aaron Dennison was one of the “Fathers” of the American watch industry, and he invented several standards of measuring watches and mainsprings.
The Dennison Gauge for watch sizes is based on a size A being 1″ and for each additional size larger, you would add 1/16″. The most common sizes were N (1 11/16), which is close to 18s and L (1 10/16), which is close to 16s. Used primarily by the E. Howard Watch Company (of which Dennison was a founder). Dennison Gauge is still used for the measurement of mainsprings for American pocket watches.
Q – 75 What is clepsydra?
Ans- Also known as a “water clock”, an ancient Greek time-keeping device similar to an hour-glass, which used a regulated flow of water or mercury through a small aperture to mark the passage of time. It is said that the clepsydra was invented to limit the speaking time of Greek orators (public speakers), which means that the first clocks were really invented for the purpose of encouraging politicians to sit down and shut up!
Q – 76 What is breguet?
Ans- Abraham Louis Breguet, 1747-1823. Horological genius and inventor, and one of the most famous watchmakers of all time. The name is also applied to a balance spring which has its outer coil raised above the body of the spring and curved inward.
Q – 77 Why do you want this job as Horologist?
Ans- Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don’t? You probably should apply elsewhere.)
First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem”), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you guys are doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”).
Q – 78 Tell me what do you find the most frustrating or difficult repair job or task?
Ans- Most frustrating is working on over-complex, poorly made/designed, old musical instruments etc. The kind I can’t see the point in, but who’s owners force us to service them, by threatening us with money.