Zenith Watch Decoration Operator
- Location
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fine Watches & Horology
- Posted
- Apr 30, 2026
About Zenith
Zenith is a Swiss haute‑horlogerie manufacture known for technical precision and refined finishing. As part of the LVMH group, the maison combines traditional watchmaking savoir‑faire with contemporary innovation and operates specialised ateliers that produce and embellish high‑end timepieces.
Zenith in La Chaux‑de‑Fonds seeks a Watch Decoration Operator to perform perlage, anglage and côte de Genève; permanent full‑time role.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute traditional decorative finishing techniques to Zenith standards, including perlage, colimaçonnage, trait tiré, anglage, polissage noyure and côte de Genève.
- Prepare, set up and maintain finishing tools and fixtures; ensure machines and hand tools are clean, calibrated and in safe working order.
- Deliver consistently flawless surface finishes on movement parts and components, meeting dimensional and aesthetic tolerances.
- Perform visual and micrometric quality inspections; identify defects and recommend corrective actions or rework.
- Document work performed and traceability data following atelier procedures and quality systems.
- Collaborate with movement assemblers, quality and engineering to align finishes with technical drawings and product specifications.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to optimise finish consistency, cycle times and tool life.
Qualifications
- Minimum three years' demonstrable experience in horological or jewellery decoration and finishing.
- Proven mastery of the techniques listed (perlage, colimaçonnage, trait tiré, anglage, polissage noyure, côte de Genève).
- Exceptional manual dexterity, steady hands and acute visual acuity for detailed microscopic work.
- Autonomous, methodical and rigorous with a relentless attention to detail and high quality standards.
- Ability to read technical drawings and follow written work instructions; commitment to on‑site workshop discipline.
Skills
Experience
Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience in decorative finishing within horology or high‑end jewellery, with demonstrable examples of work and mastery of traditional techniques.
Education
Vocational diploma in watchmaking, micro‑mechanics or jewellery craft preferred; equivalent professional experience will be accepted.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, with easy access to Bern.
Culture
The atelier culture at Zenith emphasises meticulous craftsmanship, technical excellence and heritage-driven innovation. Employees work in a highly controlled, collaborative environment where artisanal skill and continuous improvement are valued.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Zenith, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Decorative Finishing Technician», «Horological Decoration Specialist», «Watch Finishing Operator», «Surface Finishing Technician», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.