The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to adjust high-grade mechanical watches to achieve chronometer timekeeping to industry standards, manufacturer specifications and in accordance with safety regulations and procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

service high-grade mechanical watches to achieve original manufacturer timekeeping standards and specifications

conduct watch performance testing (e.g. chronometer rating)

analyse and interpret results of watch performance testing

adjust and rectify errors in watch oscillating system to achieve precision timing and chronometer performance +/- 4 to 5 seconds per/day.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment. Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skill

Required skills include:

setting up, using and interpreting readings of a mechanical watch timing machine

conducting performance testing analysis for mechanical watches

performing fine dexterous adjustments to oscillator components

using tweezers to manipulate and adjust balance springs for optimum performance

conducting dynamic poising adjustment of balance wheel complete

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

types of high-grade mechanical watches by brand and complications

characteristics of high-grade mechanical watch movements/components

timekeeping accuracy for chronometers

watch construction and components

oscillator pivot friction and end shake adjustment

influence of out-of-poised balance wheel

influence of the escapement on timekeeping

influence of the balance spring design/characteristics on timekeeping

balance spring inspection and adjustment techniques

performance testing procedures for mechanical watches

factors affecting isochronism

workshop procedures for conducting dynamic poising

occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and procedures

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

High-grade mechanical watch characteristics

High-grade mechanical watch characteristics may include:

finish of components (e.g. bevelling, graining or level of polish)

type of materials used for movement and case construction (e.g. non-magnetic alloys and precious metals)

quality of components used (e.g. balance spring, escapement and balance wheel)

certification chronometer

brand name

number of jewels

Record and document repair

Record and document repair may include:

date and extent of repair

cost of replacement part

time spent on procedure

Performance analysis

Performance analysis may include:

watch subjected to various testing positions (e.g. dial up, dial down, crown up, crown down, crown right and left)

states of winding (e.g. partly wound, half wound and fully wound)

temperature variation

factors affecting isochronism (e.g. equal time of vibration)

Oscillator and balance spring condition

Oscillator and balance spring condition may include:

static poise of balance wheel

balance spring condition (e.g. concentric, flatness and beating evenly between curb pins)

Dynamic poising

Dynamic poising may include:

set up and determine out-of-poise/balance wheel using a timing machine (e.g. amplitude <180 degrees)

identify and locate point of adjustment

methods of adjustment (e.g. cutters and milling tools)

Confirm all adjustments

Confirm all adjustments may include:

ensure required accuracy is obtained and timekeeping is in accordance with manufacturer specifications (e.g. chronometer certified rating +/- 4 to 5 seconds per day)

Watch performance and rate testing

Watch performance and rate testing may include:

in-beat

rate adjustment

amplitude

effect or influence of escapement

temperature

effect of positional errors (e.g. isochronism)

effect of balance wheel poise

effect of balance spring

states of winding

Longitudinal testing

Longitudinal testing may include:

testing over extended time period by wearing or simulator machine (e.g. cyclomat)

Hand tools and equipment

Hand tools and equipment may include:

mehanical watch timing machine

poising tools

balance wheel cutters

case opening and closing tools

Working environment

Working environment may include:

clean bench and working area

adequate lighting and ventilation

tools and equipment organised and in good condition

ergonomic seating

Clean and safe work environment

Clean and safe work environment may be specified through:

relevant legislation and regulations

enterprise operating procedures

5S housekeeping related principles and procedures (e.g. sort, straighten, shine, standardise, sustain)