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Simon Godwyn

Simon Godwyn

Watchmaker at Patek Philippe

I am proud to have attended the British School of Watchmaking for the WOSTEP 3000 hour course from 2013-2015.

I really enjoyed the course, especially the engineering of watches and working with hand finished parts as this gave me a great understanding of how all the different parts work and an appreciation of how everything is made. The course also taught me the patience and attention to detail required when working on watches, these are essential skills in becoming a competent watchmaker.

The British School of Watchmaking offers outstanding teaching and excellent facilities; the teaching staff were always willing to help me so I felt really supported throughout my learning, and there was a great selection of tools to work with.

I feel very lucky to have attended the school and learnt the skills that have shaped my career today.

Justin Radcliffe

Justin Radcliffe

Watchmaker at Patek Philippe

I attended the British School of Watchmaking as a private student for the WOSTEP 3000 hour course from 2013-2015.

I had a fantastic experience throughout my two years, the course met all my expectations and more. The tutors were exceptional, they were always there to help and guide me so that I achieved great results.

As a private student, I felt confident that the school’s long established connections within the industry would help with employment upon graduation. The top watch manufactures will look for a potential employee to be knowledgeable of the principles and practices that the school teach.

I wouldn’t have the career I have today without completing the course so I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start a career in watchmaking.

Ed Ashby

Ed Ashby

Watchmaker at Roger W Smith Ltd

I graduated from the British School of Watchmaking in 2011.

I then spent several years at Richemont Ltd, working for a number of brands and on various calibres and complications, before taking the next step and moving to Roger W. Smith in the Isle of Man to progress into watchmaking.

The 3000 hour course prepared me thoroughly for a career in horology. Studying both horological theory alongside the practical application of watchmaking and repair gave me a strong foundation to build upon during my time in the after sales and servicing sector. The engineering aspects of the course have also proved invaluable, particularly in my current role. Confidence in working with metals and using engineering equipment to produce both functional and beautiful watch components are skills I cherish and strive to maintain since learning them during my studies.

I look back very fondly at my time at BSOW, and I would not be where I am today if not for the high standards of teaching and infectious enthusiasm that I experienced at the British School of Watchmaking.

Amber Ballard

Amber Ballard

Watchmaker at Deacons

I graduated from the British school of watchmaking recently in December 2019 having completed the 1800-hour course.

I currently work for Deacons jewellers in Swindon who I have worked for from the age of 16 years. I started my apprenticeship servicing clocks but found my true passion in repairing watches. Deacons and The Houlden Group gave me the opportunity to attend the school and I’m so glad and grateful that they did.

Having learnt both the practical and theory side of watchmaking at the school has provided me with lots of knowledge and practical experience. The 1800-hour course has taught me to be efficient and intricate in repairing and diagnosing faults in both quartz and mechanical (including chronograph) movements, which I would not have been able to do before attending the school, and has made me an integral part of the team at Deacons.

The school is fantastic and the tutors are extremely supportive and knowledgeable. Completing the WOSTEP 1800-hour course has given me a great head start in my horological career and will hopefully lead to future accreditations with other prestigious watch companies.

Arran Newland

Arran Newland

Watchmaker at H. Johnson and Son

I work for H. Johnson and Son, a family jewellers in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. With the support of my employers I attended the British School of Watchmaking in 2019 on the 1800 hours course.

This course focuses on servicing principles and horological theory. It provides you with a holistic approach to watch servicing and helps you to apply your acquired knowledge to models and movements you may have not yet worked with.

As I started on the course with minimal practical experience it was invaluable that the teaching and guidance at the school was so exceptional, they were able to explain things so that they make sense to you as an individual. Whilst at the school you are constantly pushed to become more productive and self reliant. The aim is always to get you ready for work.

I really enjoyed learning this new skill and can’t thank the school or Johnson’s enough for my time spent with the British School of Watchmaking.

Joe Rice

Joe Rice

Watchmaker at Hugh Rice Jewellers

In December 2019 I graduated from the WOSTEP 1800 Hour Programme. I found the tutors to be very supportive and the other attendees and myself formed a very close-knit group. The course is quite intense with lots to learn and perfect within the 12 months.

We were taught and learned:

  • Encasing
  • Movement exchange
  • Servicing (quartz, manual, automatic and basic chronograph movements)
  • Quality control

Graduating from The British School of Watchmaking has allowed me to return to Hugh Rice with a much better understanding, and have confidence in the work I am carrying out. Although by far the most important training I could have, this has allowed me to take on other courses to further my skills and ultimately become the complete and first class watchmaker that I intend to be.