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I am proud to have attended the British School of Watchmaking for the WOSTEP 3000-hour course from 2013-2015.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school, gaining an in-depth knowledge of horological theory and manufacturing techniques alongside the repair and servicing of timepieces. The course helped me to further develop the essential skills of dexterity, attention to detail and patience, alongside a real passion for the art of watchmaking.
The British School of Watchmaking offers outstanding teaching and excellent facilities; the enthusiasm of the teaching staff is infectious, and they were always willing to help with anything they could. There is an excellent selection of machinery and tools available on site allowing all pupils to further expand their knowledge and skill sets.
The skills and knowledge I gained at the school have allowed me to progress as a watchmaker to working on highly complicated movements, as well as being able to share that knowledge with others and further develop their skills as a watchmaker.
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.
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.
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:
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.
I graduated from the school in December 2023 after completing the 1800-hour course.
Starting with minimal experience in watchmaking, the program equipped me with all the practical and troubleshooting skills necessary to transition directly into a professional role.
The classrooms were outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, mirroring the quality of a high-end workshop, which made the transition from course to industry feel seamless. This access to tools and equipment also allowed me to work on personal projects, further enhancing my experience.
Thanks to the school’s strong industry connections, I secured a job within the first three months of starting the course. I have since returned to complete their polishing and refinishing course, which has proven invaluable in refining my ability to achieve exceptional results when restoring clients' watches.
The tutors were outstanding, always making time for students. To this day, I remain in contact with them whenever I encounter challenges at work.