Horology

What makes horology (the study of clocks and watches) an ideal hobby – or even a promising new career direction – for practically minded Service leavers?

Thinking About a Career in Horology? It’s a Great Fit for Tech-Savvy Service Leavers

If you’ve spent time in the military, you already know how important precise timekeeping can be. Way back in WWI, wristwatches actually became a thing because soldiers needed to keep track of time quickly and easily—no more fishing around for a pocket watch in the trenches! This military-mindset towards timing has a lot in common with horology (that’s the fancy term for watch- and clock-making). For ex-Service folks who love working with their hands, horology might just be the next big adventure.

From Military Accuracy to Watch Wizardry

Military jobs require a steady hand and a careful eye, which turns out to be super helpful in the world of horology. Plenty of ex-military folks get into watch repair and design because it scratches that same itch for detail and precision. Take Sgt Jamie McGuiness, for example. He used to be a Weapons Tech, but now he’s got his own workshop at home and is totally hooked on fixing and building timepieces. “It started out as just tinkering, but now it’s a real passion,” Jamie says. He’s thinking about taking it from hobby to serious side hustle.

What Courses Can You Take?

Ready to give it a try? You’ll want some proper training. The British Horological Institute (BHI) is your go-to for courses, whether you’re a total newbie or want to get into the nitty-gritty:

Basic Mechanical Watch Course: Perfect for beginners—learn what makes a watch tick (literally).
Service and Repair of Automatic Watches: Dive into the details of taking care of modern watches.

You can take classes in person at the BHI’s Upton Hall HQ or online, so it’s pretty flexible—great if you’re juggling other stuff. Plus, you can get qualifications recognized around the world, which is handy if you’re looking to switch careers.

How Do You Get Started?

Check Out Courses: See what the British Horological Institute offers and pick one that works for you, whether it’s a short intro or a deep dive.
Use ELC Funding: Don’t forget you might be able to use Enhanced Learning Credits to help pay for your training—super helpful if you’re aiming for a higher-level course.
Meet Other Watch Enthusiasts: Join horology groups and online forums. There are loads of friendly folks out there who love talking watches and can share tips or help when you get stuck.

Horology is basically where military-level focus meets creativity. If you like fiddly, mechanical jobs and seeing your hard work come to life, this is a perfect place to use your skills.

Make the Most of Your ELC

The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme can really take the sting out of retraining costs. Many horology courses (those at Level 3 and up) qualify, as long as you go with an approved provider. That means you can start fresh without stressing so much about the bills. Want the details? Check out the full guide here.

Why Consider Horology?

A Growing Demand

It might seem like a small world, but horology pros are in demand! BHI members often have months’ worth of repairs lined up for all kinds of clients—watch collectors, companies, even people bringing in family heirlooms that need some love. Lockdowns saw a boom, with loads of folks fixing up sentimental timepieces.

The Luxury Watch Market

Don’t forget, there’s a thriving luxury watch scene too. Collectors, especially of cool old military watches, always need skilled people for repairs and restorations. You can work with top brands or even carve out a niche for yourself.

Be Your Own Boss

Fancy working for yourself? Plenty of horologists set up shop at home or rent a small workshop. Others find roles with big-name watchmakers or even work in museums or auction houses fixing up historical clocks. (Ever thought about being one of the folks who look after Big Ben?)

Turning a Hobby Into a Career

People like Sgt McGuiness are already finding ways to turn their watch-fixing obsession into a real job. “I’m especially into old Soviet watches, and after finishing my first course, getting an old Vostok running perfectly again was just awesome,” he says. A lot of ex-military horologists love the focus and satisfaction this kind of work brings—and some even say it’s good for your mental health!

Need Help Getting Started?

Explore Courses: Head to the BHI’s website and see what matches your goals and budget.
Use Your Funding: Remember, ELC can help cover costs if you’re eligible.
Connect With Fellow Enthusiasts: The horology community is super welcoming, and you’ll find loads of advice (and maybe even some job leads) by joining in.

If you’re ready to switch gears from military life and want a fresh challenge, horology could be your next big thing. You get to combine hands-on work with cool mechanical systems—and if you love watches, what’s not to like?

Keen to Know More?

Whether you’re thinking about a full-on career or just a rewarding hobby, horology has loads of options. Check out the British Horological Institute’s website or see which other ELC-approved training providers might suit you. There’s a whole world of fascinating work out there for ex-Forces members who are up for learning something new!

Want to dive in? Start your search for training in horology here.