The closing of one U.S. watchmaking school and concurrent opening of a Rolex training center tell the story of a profession struggling to meet booming demand.
Great read. Watchmaking schools seem to have such a peculiar model. One question I’m left with after reading…is there a prevailing theory on why these schools are closing? Is it a lack of applicants? A lack of sponsors to sustain the cost of the schools? Does America need more schools, or just more young people with a desire to become a watchmaker?
thank Thomas. my POV is that these schools are mostly funded by brands (e.g. Rolex in the case of Lititz). They have such a shortage of watchmakers they're reallocating funds to slightly shorter "training programs" that can get more students through the door more quickly.
I was surprised when the article mentioned that G-Shocks cannot handle a steam room. I thought those things could withstand almost anything? So, is this Casio watch the only watch that can be worn in a sauna-like environment? Wouldn't dive watches be able to handle something like that?
I never go in saunas, but I like weird watches, which almost makes me want to buy one.
Loved seeing Paris TX on the list of current watchmaking schools in the USA. I grew up there and went to the junior college where the school “lives.” The jewelry and watchmaking students are eclectic and come from all over the world, unlike the general population which, like most community colleges, are from right there. This past semester I reached out to see if it was still operational as I thought it’d be nice to donate something to support the school and was happy to learn it’s not just surviving but thriving.
Great essay, but only part of the problem. Parts are difficult to get, and brands want to keep everything in house. Right to repair seems to be an unknown concept.
Great read. Watchmaking schools seem to have such a peculiar model. One question I’m left with after reading…is there a prevailing theory on why these schools are closing? Is it a lack of applicants? A lack of sponsors to sustain the cost of the schools? Does America need more schools, or just more young people with a desire to become a watchmaker?
thank Thomas. my POV is that these schools are mostly funded by brands (e.g. Rolex in the case of Lititz). They have such a shortage of watchmakers they're reallocating funds to slightly shorter "training programs" that can get more students through the door more quickly.
Tony,
Great newsletter, as always.
I was looking at watch articles this week and came across this article from Gear Patrol about a new Casio Sauna Watch.
https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/casio-sauna-watch/
I was surprised when the article mentioned that G-Shocks cannot handle a steam room. I thought those things could withstand almost anything? So, is this Casio watch the only watch that can be worn in a sauna-like environment? Wouldn't dive watches be able to handle something like that?
I never go in saunas, but I like weird watches, which almost makes me want to buy one.
-Bob
100 percent agree, kind of want one too. but yes, no environment more demanding than the humble sauna, i guess haha
Loved seeing Paris TX on the list of current watchmaking schools in the USA. I grew up there and went to the junior college where the school “lives.” The jewelry and watchmaking students are eclectic and come from all over the world, unlike the general population which, like most community colleges, are from right there. This past semester I reached out to see if it was still operational as I thought it’d be nice to donate something to support the school and was happy to learn it’s not just surviving but thriving.
That’s awesome
As always, this is EPIC! Mr T
Thanks Garth 🙏
Great essay, but only part of the problem. Parts are difficult to get, and brands want to keep everything in house. Right to repair seems to be an unknown concept.
yes, correct – Zach mentioned this as part of the reason he pivoted his business. a separate but related issue that deserves a future article.