Learn how to identify and correct power robbing friction in and around the escapement. Making the appropriate checks and corrections can make an otherwise difficult watch much easier to repair and less likely to become a problematic comeback. Sample errors will be shown for hands on identification. A very important breakdown of how much of an effect each error has on the watch will be discussed and analyzed. [Read more…] about WATCH 241: Repairing Escapement Issues
WATCH 240: The Swiss Lever Escapement
The purpose of this course is to gain a good theoretical understanding in order to evaluate the condition of the lever escapement and thus proceed with the verification and analysis of the escapement functions. Students will learn
- The fundamentals of the proper functioning of the lever escapement.
- How to make all the adjustments with ease and confidence.
- The effects of adjustments on timing.
- Proper lubrication methods and its effect on timing and overall performance.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 3 years full-time experience in watch-repair (and/or) Having attended the following AWCI Courses: 21st Century Watchmaking Standards and/or Automatic Watch Repair
- Ownership of the book The Theory of Horology is essential.
- Must read pages 99-101 of The Theory of Horology, prior to attending the course
- Knowledge of watch & escapement terminology
Length of course: 40 hours in 5 days, (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 231: Strictly Dynamic Poising
Most short term timing classes only briefly get around to the issue of dynamic poising. This class is strictly focused on nothing but. Learn how to confidently fine tune the timing of your watch when needed. [Read more…] about WATCH 231: Strictly Dynamic Poising
WATCH 230: Balance Staffing & Timing
The purpose of this course is to teach the student all the fundamentals of balance staffing. Topics covered will include the verification and analysis of the escapement function, poising (static & dynamic), truing and timing adjustment in a mechanical watch. Cutting out a balance staff on a lathe and adjusting the balance staff, and removing balance staffs from Glucydur balances with the Horia tool.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 3 years full-time experience in watch repair (and/or) having attended the following AWCI Courses:
- WATCH 190: 21st Century Watchmaking Standards
- WATCH 200: Modern Automatic Watches
- Knowledge of watch escapement
- Knowledge of the oscillator unit
- Ownership of necessary hand tools
- Ownership of the books The Theory of Horology and The Watch Repairer’s Manual is essential. Must read pages 99-166 of The Theory of Horology prior to attending the course.
- Class Schedule: 5 days, Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 220: Modern Mechanical Chronograph
The purpose of this course is to teach the student all the basics of the modern mechanical chronographs that are most prevalent on today’s market as well as to give the student a profound understanding of how chronograph watches operate.
Prerequisites:
- It would be of extreme benefit for the student to have a minimum of three (3) years experience in manual and/or automatic watch repair.
- Ownership of the book The Theory of Horology is essential.
Must read chapter 11 of The Theory of Horology, prior to attending the course
- Prior attendance of the following AWCI Courses: WATCH 190:21st Century Standards for Watchmaking and WATCH 200:Modern Automatic Wristwatches
Calibers covered:
- ETA 7750 (cam operated chronograph)
- Other calibers if time permits
Class Schedule: 5 days, Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 215: Quartz Analyzing and Testing
The one day program focuses of learning how to proper use the newer quartz analyzers to maximize efficiency and the accuracy of you estimates. Hands on testing of watches with and without errors will be furnished. Participants are invited to bring their own quartz testers to maximize their usage. Technical information will be provided. A useful chart for troubleshooting will be given to all participants.
WATCH 211: The Ronda 8040.B Quartz chronograph
The servicing of this model includes the “Big Date” calendar mechanism in addition to the chronograph. This movement is now being used in many name brand watches. Servicing the movement, testing the movement on a quartz analyzer and positioning the big date and hands are some of this program’s highlights.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 210: Quartz & Quartz Chronograph Service Procedures & Diagnostics
The purpose of this course is to teach the student all the fundamentals of modern quartz watch repair and quartz chronographs that are most prevalent on today’s market. The student will learn how to perform the various important electronic tests e.g. current consumption, coil resistance, lower working voltage, fault finding etc.
Prerequisites:
- Some basic understanding in electronic watch functions,
- Knowledge of watch terminology.
- Ownership of the book The Theory of Horology is essential. Must read, chapter 15 of The Theory of Horology, prior to attending the course.
- It would be of extreme benefit for the student to be familiar with some watch theory and also previous experience in watch repair.
- WATCH 190
Swiss calibers covered include: Ronda 715 and Ronda 8040.B (ETA 955.xxx if time allows)
Class Schedule: 5 days, Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 200: Modern Automatic Watches
The purpose of this course is to teach the student all the fundamentals of modern mechanical automatic watch repair that are most prevalent on today’s market. The student will learn how to perform the various diagnostics in evaluating the condition of the various components, cleaning, assembling, adjustments, dialing and casing.
Prerequisites:
- Having at least three (3) years in mechanical watch repair
- WATCH 190:21st Century Watchmaking Standards course
- Reading pages 169-188 of the book The Theory of Horology is essential prior to attending the course.
Class Schedule: 5 days, Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
WATCH 190: 21st Century Standards for Watchmaking
The purpose of this course is to teach the student the fundamentals and tolerances associated with mechanical watch repair. The “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP’s) used in modern watch repair will be discussed and implemented. Verification and analysis of the individual components of the movement will be assessed and corrected.
This class provides the needed knowledge to ensure the correct methodology is being employed. It was designed for:
- The experienced watchmaker who hasn’t updated their skill levels in the past 10 years or longer.
- Highly recommended for those whom have never attended a formal watchmaking school.
This class focuses on using corrected techniques that provide a solid foundation which can be built upon.
- For those planning to take any future classes or Brand Specific Training as it helps develop the necessary skill sets to a better training experience.
Prerequisites: Some basic understanding in manual wind watch function, knowledge of watch terminology, membership with AWCI, ownership of hand tools as per tool list. It would be of extreme benefit for the student to be familiar with some watch theory and also past experience in watch repair. Ownership of the books, The Theory of Horology and The Watch Repairer’s Manual are essential. Must read, pages 33-44 The Theory of Horology, prior to attending the course.
Class Schedule: 5 days, Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.
