looking for a new career? . . . check this out . . .

[OneBlueSky]

apparently there's a severe shortage of watchmaker's to service high-end mechanical and quartz watches . . . tuition for training at one of the country's ten schools is either cheap or free . . . read on . . .

Audemars Piguet: Commitment to Service
http://www.thepurists.com/watch/features/8ohms/apclearwater/

Watchmaker is a general term used to describe not only those that make watches, but also those that service and repair them. While it is fair to say that most of those responsible for the repair and service of watches do not actually make watches per se, those that do make watches are acutely aware of their responsibility to keep them running for their customers. This year, Audemars Piguet has demonstrated their commitment to service in the United States by contributing generously to the Watchmaking and Microtechnology Program at Oklahoma State University Okmulgee as well as opening a North American service center in Clearwater, Florida.

The watch industry is in a crisis when it comes to finding qualified watchmakers to service the millions of luxury watches that are sold every year. This is especially true in the United States where it is estimated that there are less than 6,000 professional watchmakers, most of whom are rapidly approaching retirement. According to the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, there are currently just 10 watchmaking schools in the US, down from dozens only 30 years ago. If each of these schools graduated a dozen students a year, it would not nearly match the retirement rate for existing watchmakers and the actual number of graduates is far less than that.

The Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP) is attempting to address the shortage of trained watchmakers worldwide while continuing to ensure that graduates of their schools receive the finest education possible and that they are held to the most rigorous of standards. The WOSTEP partnership with OSU Okmulgee is a perfect fit in this regard and has been made possible largely through the financial support of the watch industry. With the commitment of $500,000 over five years, Audemars Piguet, in conjuction with Richemont and Breitling will allow OSU to offer the first and only WOSTEP certificate program in the US that is combined with an Associate degree in Applied Science.

- much more . . .

http://www.thepurists.com/watch/features/8ohms/apclearwater/

[Misunderestimator]

1. Oh no.... carpel tunnel syndrome, no thanks!

:)

[supernova]

2. This is really interesting

I'm sure there must be others, but the only watchmaker I know of around here is at the fleamarket.