Online Schools with Watch Repair Programs: How to Choose

A horologist is an individual trained to repair and restore timepieces, including wrist and pocket watches. Training programs through online watch repair schools can be completed in as little as 3-12 weeks or last as long as as three years. Online programs offer courses in watch repair and restoration and other specialties, like restringing beaded jewelry and engraving. Prospective horologists may want to consider factors like tuition, supply costs and how training is delivered before selecting a school.

How to Choose an Online Watch Repair School

Program Delivery Options

Course delivery is something to consider when selecting a school for watch repair distance education. In online watch repair programs, courses are often taught through video-guided lessons. These lessons are sent to students on videotape, and cover topics like clock repair and mechanical watch repair. Equipment, like soldering tools, may be sent to students along with these tapes.

Costs

Aspiring watch repair students might consider the amount of money they are willing to spend before selecting a program. In some cases, the cost of tools and other equipment is included in the cost of tuition. Some schools do not include these costs in tuition, and expect students to purchase these materials independently. Students are also often expected to pay to have repair and building projects delivered to the school for grading. This cost is not usually included in tuition.

Awards Granted

Online watch repair programs usually award either a master watchmaker certificate or vocational certificates in watch repair and service. Online watch repair lessons are usually offered by private vocational schools rather than by traditional colleges or universities. These programs may not provide academic credit that would be transferrable to another school.

List of Online Watch Repair Programs

Certificate in Clock and Watch Servicing

Combining theory with hands-on experience, students in this program learn to identify different types of clocks, watches and mechanical components. Students learn to diagnose and repair defects and faults in watches and clocks. Enrolled students complete tasks like battery and pin replacement, or repair of movements inside watches, both mechanical and quartz. Students must record the steps and outcomes of these tasks. These records must be submitted with completed projects for grading. At the completion of course modules, students are tested to assess their understanding of the concepts in the program.

Master Watchmaker Certificate

Proper care of mechanical watches is the focus of courses in this certificate. An individual with an interest in how watches work may find this certificate program useful, because it includes instruction on how the mechanical parts of a watch, including chronographs, hair springs and movements, work. As they complete a variety of projects, students learn to repair and maintain mechanical watch parts, replace crystals in quartz watches and to adjust parts to avoid friction within the timepiece.