Information on the 11 Watchmaking Schools in the U.S. There are 11 watchmaking schools remaining in the US from an all time high of 44 in the 1970's. Plans are in place for a new school to open in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in September 2008. Each school has its own distinct approach and empahsis. School programs range from nine months to two years with different degrees awarded. The classes are small as the number of students allowed to enroll is limited to 8 to 12 per class. Some programs admit students once a year in September or January, and other programs admit students each semester.
Four schools, Lititz Watch Technicum, N.G. Hayek Watchmaking School, North Seattle Community College and Saint Paul College, offer the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program, known as WOSTEP. This WOSTEP certified program offers a two-year curriculum, totaling approximately 3,000 hours. It is widely recognized as the industry's best training and certification program. Oklahoma State University offer the AWCI (American Watch-Clock Institute) certification. This certificate is also held in high regard.
Schools
