Watchmaker Chicago land Area

Full Job Description

***Must be a trained watchmaker and living or moving to USA to apply*****

Burdeen’s Jewelry | Chicago, Illinois | Full-Time

Join One of the Nation’s Leading Luxury Watch Retailers

Burdeen’s Jewelry is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Watchmaker to join our growing team of professionals in Chicago.

Founded in 1983, Burdeen’s Jewelry has evolved from a family-owned jewelry store into one of the leading independent luxury watch retailers in the United States. With multiple luxury watch boutiques, an impressive portfolio of prestigious Swiss watch brands, and one of the nation's largest pre-owned luxury watch inventories, Burdeen’s offers an exceptional opportunity for a talented watchmaker to work with an extraordinary variety of timepieces.

Our authorized brand portfolio includes Vacheron Constantin, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Omega, Breitling, Glashütte Original, Ulysse Nardin, Longines, and others.

As we continue to expand our retail and after-sales service operations, we are investing heavily in our watchmaking capabilities, technical resources, and professional development programs.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a sophisticated, growing watchmaking operation with access to an exceptional selection of high-end Swiss timepieces, advanced equipment, and manufacturer-sponsored technical training.

Unlike many traditional watchmaking positions, Burdeen’s offers exposure to both a substantial luxury pre-owned watch business and an extensive network of authorized Swiss watch brands.

Our modern, state-of-the-art workshop is designed to provide watchmakers with an outstanding working environment, featuring:

• Professional ergonomic watchmaking benches and premium Swiss equipment.
• Bright, modern workspaces with natural light.
• Advanced diagnostic, timing, testing, and servicing equipment.
• A dedicated team of experienced watchmakers, technicians, and polishers.
• Technical support and resources that allow watchmakers to focus on high-quality craftsmanship.
• Opportunities for continued manufacturer training, certification, and career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform complete servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on high-end Swiss mechanical and automatic movements.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues while maintaining exceptional standards of precision and reliability.
• Service a broad range of luxury watches, including both modern and vintage timepieces.
• Conduct movement adjustments, timing regulation, water-resistance testing, and quality-control inspections.
• Maintain manufacturer-level standards of craftsmanship, accuracy, and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with fellow watchmakers, technicians, and service management to deliver efficient, high-quality service.
• Maintain accurate service documentation and adhere to established technical procedures.
• Participate in ongoing brand training and technical certification programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience servicing high-end Swiss mechanical watch movements.
• Strong proficiency in servicing ETA-based movements and other Swiss mechanical calibers.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose, service, and repair complex mechanical timepieces.
• Exceptional attention to detail, precision, and commitment to quality.
• A collaborative, professional attitude and a desire for continued technical development.

Highly Preferred:

• Formal watchmaking education preferred but not required, preferably WOSTEP, OWME 1120, or equivalent recognized training.
• Existing Richemont Group watchmaking certifications or manufacturer-authorized training.
• Technical experience with IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Cartier, and Vacheron Constantin.
• Additional experience with Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Audemars Piguet.
• Familiarity with manufacturer service standards and procedures.
• Advanced experience with complicated movements and high-end mechanical watchmaking.

What Burdeen’s Offers

We recognize that exceptional watchmaking talent is essential to our continued growth and reputation. We are committed to providing the resources, professional environment, and long-term opportunities that skilled watchmakers deserve.

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, expertise, and manufacturer certifications.
• Fully funded manufacturer training and certifications, including associated travel expenses for approved programs.
• Comprehensive employee benefits and paid vacation.
• A state-of-the-art workshop with premium equipment and dedicated technical support.
• Exposure to an unusually broad and prestigious portfolio of luxury Swiss watch brands.
• Opportunities to expand technical expertise and advance within a rapidly growing organization.
• The stability and resources of a major luxury watch retailer combined with the culture and personal relationships of a family-owned business.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a watchmaker who takes genuine pride in their craft, enjoys solving technical challenges, and wants to be part of an organization that is committed to building one of the finest independent watch service operations in the country.

The ideal candidate is technically accomplished, detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by the opportunity to continue developing their skills while working with some of the world's most prestigious watch brands.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Position: Full-Time
Eligibility: Applicants must reside in the United States or be willing and able to relocate to the United States. Relevant U.S. work authorization is required.

Join Burdeen’s Jewelry and become part of a company that is investing in the future of luxury watchmaking.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• How many years have you been a watchmaker?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $125,000