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Watchmaker (Uhrmacher)
GewO §94 Z.71
Verified: April 2026
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade (Handwerk)
- Qualification: Master exam (Meisterpruefung)
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Market: Growing demand for luxury watch servicing
- Note: Selling watches (retail only) is a free trade
What This Trade Covers
- Mechanical watch repair and servicing
- Clock repair (wall clocks, grandfather clocks)
- Vintage and antique watch restoration
- Battery replacement and quartz movement service
- Custom watch assembly and modification
Luxury Market Opportunity
Austria has strong demand for qualified watchmakers due to the luxury watch
market. Brand-authorized service centers (Rolex, Omega, etc.) require
additional manufacturer certifications beyond the trade license.
Qualification Alternatives
- Master exam (Meisterpruefung) for watchmakers
- Relevant education (e.g., watchmaking school) + practical experience
- Individual assessment (§19 GewO) with documented expertise
- Qualified manager (§39 GewO) who holds the qualification
Related Guides
Legally binding: German text of GewO 1994.