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 diagnose and service micro-mechanisms. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with diagnosing and servicing micro-mechanisms or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

identifying features and performance characteristics by critical observation of materials/design/finish

identifying movement type

identifying typical performance problems and special servicing requirements for given mechanism

identifying missing/damaged components

determining remedial action

assessing casing components for wear/damage or missing parts

using parts and movement catalogues

determining sequence required for servicing, with reference to available parts, design of product, nature of servicing requirement

repair costing, including provision for replacement parts

standard checks of assemblies and subassemblies, balance assembly, escapement, wheel train, motion work, power source (mainspring), calendar, winding and setting mechanisms

checks for tensioning, functioning, cleanliness, clearances/tolerances, wear and damage

verifying functioning of additional mechanisms e.g. auto-winding, generating systems, calendar mechanisms

identifying faults affecting performance

cleaning and refinishing components e.g. pivots

selecting and applying correct lubricant based on materials used and torque requirements

building assemblies and subassemblies

fitting appearance parts

evaluating water resistance of completed watch

adjusting timekeeping to tolerance

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

methods/media for identifying performance characteristics

reasons for specific performance problems/faults e.g. wear, broken parts, fatigue, knocking

faults in design or materials and special servicing requirements

general condition features such as obvious damage, contaminants, rust etc.

interchangeability of parts for specific timepiece

factors affecting sequence/process for servicing

techniques, tools and diagnostic equipment for diagnosing and identifying performance problems

techniques for dismantling assemblies and subassemblies

operation of equipment for refinishing pivots/bearing replacement

techniques and procedures for assembling components, assemblies and subassemblies

applications and use of different lubricants

correct alignment of hands relating to date change mechanism and dial graduations

adjusting timekeeping

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.

Micro-mechanisms

Mechanical and electric watches and clocks of recent manufacture, or restoration pieces. May include day/date, automatic winding or generating systems. Clock mechanisms may include alarm, striking and chiming mechanisms

Components

Power source, wheel trains, mechanical oscillating systems, motion work and calendar systems

Inspection

Observations of clearances, fits and adjustments, functioning. Operation of systems and performance analysis

Appropriate persons

Customers, supervisors/managers/suppliers, technical experts, colleagues

Specifications

Manufacturer specifications. Recognition of components of product and how quality of component and materials will affect performance