Those which meet the strict criteria are awarded a chronometer certificate.Īs BSoW is funded by so many major brands, it is able to offer its students the opportunity to visit Switzerland on a BSoW organised trip to tour the Swiss watch houses. If completed to a high enough standard, the student’s W-01 is sent to COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, which is the institute responsible for certifying the accuracy and precision of wristwatches in Switzerland) for testing. They have the chance to complete two school watches, the first one to their own design (encouraging artistry and nurturing creativity) and a second, WOSTEP’s own calibre, the W-01. In addition to gaining the WOSTEP diploma, students also benefit from unique opportunities during their time at BSoW. The WOSTEP diploma awarded to graduates of BSoW is internationally recognised within the watch industry. Each exam is assessed by experts from the watch industry and if deemed satisfactory the student is awarded the much sought after and prestigious WOSTEP diploma.īSoW is proud to be part of the WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program) Partnership, a worldwide network of schools all teaching the same course to the same standard. The course culminates in a two day final exam which requires the students to repair three faulty watches, a quartz watch, an automatic watch and a chronograph, as well as sitting a theory exam. At every step of the way, students are vigorously assessed and subject to intermediate exams. With the basics in horology covered, the students move on to complications such as calendars, automatics and chronographs. We also take some time to deal with electronic watches. Everything is covered from the mechanical components which make up the movement to the external components such as the case, dial and hands. Once a firm grounding in Micromechanics is gained, students progress to the next section of the course which teaches them how a simple hand wound watch works and with that how to assemble, disassemble, clean, lubricate, regulate, repair etc. This process not only teaches people how to make things, it also instils more important qualities such as dexterity and patience skills that are vital to a successful watchmaker. After just six months students can make components with diameters of approximately 0.10mm to a tolerance of 0.005mm. The full training course starts with basic metalwork techniques but very quickly progresses to the manufacture of small watch parts by hand. However, due to demand, this was increased to eight students in 2011 and, if necessary, student numbers could increase further in the future should it become appropriate to do so. The school was originally set up to take six students each year, for a two year, full time, course. Together, BSoW backers have succeeded in providing a highly respected, direct, training route that attracts youngsters and mature students to a rewarding and secure career for life.īSoW teaches an intense two year training course covering all aspects of modern watchmaking, in a well equipped, purpose built training centre located in Sale (Manchester). Today BSoW has a total of 17 financial partners, in addition to the founding members are a group of new supporters comprising of Berry’s Jewellers, Boodles Jewellers, Bremont Watch Company, David M Robinson, G Collins & Son Jewellers, LVMH, The National Association of Goldsmiths, Time Products Ltd, WEMPE Jewellers. The founding members (who continue to support BSoW) were, Aurum Group, Breitling, Houlden Group, Patek Philippe, Richemont Group, Rolex, Signet Group and The Swatch Group (UK) Limited. The British School of Watchmaking (BSoW) was founded that year, in Manchester. As the sales of luxury watches continue to grow and the number of qualified watchmakers worldwide continues to decline, it is accepted by those working in the watch industry that there may be a problem on the horizon who will repair prestigious and complex watches in the not too distant future? The realisation of a potential watchmaker ‘shortfall’, coupled with the ongoing need for highly skilled and finely specialised horologists, led to a consortium of jewellers and leading watch houses liaising and uniting to address the looming problem.Ī solution was found and agreed upon establish a British School of Watchmaking producing some of the finest watchmakers in the world through the championing and promotion of excellence in horological education.
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