AWCI Course Catalog

Course Catalog

AWCI has developed courses covering many different horological topics. Please visit the schedule of courses for information about when these classes are taught or submit a request to have a course taught at your affiliate chapter or in a city near you.

We often get a question concerning a sequence of courses for CW21 or CC21 preparation. This should be a discussion of proficiencies. For someone to be successful on either of these exams, a review of the culmination of courses taken, personal skills or abilities and the mentoring and/or calibration derived from courses taken must be discussed and evaluated. A suggested sequence of courses to acquire these proficiencies, combined with mentoring and application time between them would be the following for the CW21:

Watch 100: Introduction to Watchmaking

Watch 180: Basic Watch Service

Watch 102: Watchmaking Theory

Watch 200: Modern Automatic Watches

Watch 150: Servicing the Watch Case: Crystals, Crowns, Tubes and Water Resistance

Watch 175: Case and Bracelet Refinishing

Watch 210: Quartz & Quartz Chronograph Service Procedures & Diagnostics

Watch 220: Modern Mechanical Chronograph

Watch 230: Balance Staffing and Timing

Watch 240: The Swiss Lever Escapement

Watch 250: Essential Micromechanics-The Watchmakers Lathe

Watch 330: Precision Timing

We are constantly developing new courses and we work with companies and individuals to develop custom education options. This list is not meant to be comprehensive.

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Watch Courses

WATCH 100: Introduction to Watchmaking

A survey course for the new or prospective watchmaker covering the basic skills and techniques used by the modern watchmaker. This class is perfect for anyone thinking about entering the profession of watchmaking or for the individual who just wants to gain a better appreciation for the art of watchmaking....

This is a user friendly course is given to explain the inner workings of a watch. It is a must for anyone considering taking the CW21. It fills in some of the blanks and allows you to understand not only functional issues, but theoretical ones as well. Differences between modern...

This is a modified version of our WATCH 102 class specifically designed to move at a slower pace with more time dedicated to vocabulary and nomenclature and with extra time allowed for quizzes with an emphasis on practicing discussing the function of watches both verbally and written. (more…)

Watch battery replacement can be a profit center for your watch or jewelry store. We’re not just talking about it bringing customers in your door. When properly performed, according to industry standards, battery replacement will generate real profits. (more…)

This class covers the essential skills necessary to quickly and properly adjust the size of the most common sizes of bracelets without causing damage. (more…)

Not only will the testers be demonstrated, but each participant will go hands-on with each machine. Booklets full of operational procedures for each model brought, will be distributed. This training even includes programming these devices for their optimal use. (more…)

In the WATCH 150: Servicing the Watch Case: Five Watches in Five Days course you will perform disassembly, service, reassembly and water resistance testing on multiple different watch cases. These cases will include diving and other styles of watch cases used in modern and vintage watchmaking. Expand your ability...

Join us for this class which will focus on quartz troubleshooting, diagnostics and service, preparatory for our quartz technician certification. Learn how to identify, test and replace quartz movements to standards associated with today's consumers. (more…)

Polishing a case today requires many skills. Complex case and bracelet designs are common in the marketplace. Standardized polishing methods were often not taught in watchmaking schools here in the U.S. until recently. Many watchmakers learned polishing by trial and error or observing the procedures of others. Today’s consumer has...

Come participate in this course to build upon the skills from WATCH 100: Introduction to Watchmaking. Additional skills will be covered bridging this class to other more advanced classes. (more…)

Learn tips and techniques to better estimate modern watch repairs. The practices of estimating will be re-evaluated for updating your procedures. This will include hands on estimating and damaged parts will be shown for viewing. (more…)

This course is designed for anyone involved in the reception of timepieces for repair including sales staff, customer service specialists, and watchmakers. (more…)

Getting the most out of your equipment. Learning how to make testing more effective including additional methods not normally known. Includes timing and timing machines, watch winders, water testing equipment and procedures, estimating tips, use of cameras and more. [ecs-list-events design="compact" contentorder="date_thumb, thumbnail, title, date, venue, excerpt, button" dateonly="true" venue='true'...

Work hands-on with special High Grade dials to learn special techniques to lessen the effects of a scratched dial, sometimes eliminating the scratch altogether. The scratch could be the result of a broken crystal or an accident caused by the watchmaker. (more…)

Learn tips and techniques for refinishing the hands, re-luminescing, cleaning and more.

This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.

Whether it’s a modern watch or a vintage, tips and procedures for lowering your Delta are discussed and put into practice. Includes hairspring centering, regulator pins, isochronal errors, adjusting balance and escapement endshakes and optimizing your timing machine troubleshooting skills. [ecs-list-events design="compact" contentorder="date_thumb, thumbnail, title, date, venue, excerpt, button" dateonly="true"...

Many people entering the watchmaking profession have never had any instruction on the keys to understanding, selecting, and properly utilizing the crystal selection books like the GS and B&B. This tutorial course explains how these reference guides work and the small little secrets that most watchmakers never knew. (more…)

This class teaches proper screwdriver maintenance including how to select and use sharpening tools. Learn about torque screwdrivers and new materials for screwdriver blades. (more…)

A comprehensive class covering the multiple uses for the staking tool.

This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.

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. (more…)

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....

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...

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....

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...

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. (more…)

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...

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. (more…)

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 (more…)

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...

The purpose of this course is to teach the student basic micromechanics skills and all the basics of operating a watchmaker's lathe. Emphasis on the Swiss watchmakers lathe and utilization of the hand graver are covered during this course. Graver sharpening and maintenance of the Swiss watchmakers lathe will also...

This handy tool will allow you to remove the new style collets, as well as the older ones, with much less risk. This intense course includes lathe usage, filing, hardening and tempering, turning and polishing. Many skills will be used to complete this useful tool. Different than the common tools...

Learn the proper use of taps and dies for forming both internal and external threads. (more…)

This course is designed to help individuals who have taken courses at AWCI to identify areas in which improvement is still needed and provide them with individualized instruction to help them prepare for successful completion of the CW21 Exam. (more…)

This course covers the standard operating procedures specific to the Rolex caliber 3035 movement. Prerequisites: CW21, WOSTEP, or other Industry recognized certification or diploma (more…)

The purpose of this course is to teach the student the fundamentals of vintage watch repair. Candidates should be proficient with the use of a watchmakers lathe. (more…)

The course will teach the student the basics of a modern mechanical modular chronograph. We will also explain in depth how a vertical clutch system works and how this chronograph modular couples and uncouples from the base movement. This same chronograph system was also used on early model quartz chronographs...

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The purpose of this course is to teach the student most common causes of timing errors and methods of correcting them. Performing precision timing exercises, including staffing, static & dynamic poising. (more…)

This course is a continuation to Watchmaker’s Lathe I and the purpose is to teach the student the necessary knowledge and hand-skills to manufacture various parts in steel that will be functional in a mechanical watch, e.g. the winding stem. (more…)

This course teaches the standard operating procedures (SOP) for disassembly, service, and re-assembly of Rolex watches featuring the separation of functions bezel including water resistance testing. You will gain hands-on training with the proper tools and with multiple case designs. (more…)

Join us in Harrison for this hands on class on Valjoux, Lemania and Landeron chronographs

WATCH 420 :Vintage Chronograph course to be conducted by Bernhard Stoeber at AWCI on July 8 to 12, 2019. For further information on the class, or to register, contact Jason Champion, AWCI Education Director at jason@awci.com, or (866) 367-2924, ext. 303. There is limited seating, so register soon. Instructor:...

This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.

This class encompasses the basics of hairspring manipulations. You will start with a uncolletted, unstudded hairspring. One error at a time will be introduced and correction and the logic behind the repair will be discussed prior to the correction. (more…)

This course will teach high level experienced watchmakers the latest timing techniques and skill set associated with precision timing. You will utilize the latest timing equipment and procedures to efficiently adjust and time a watch to the highest standards. Prerequisites: CW21 or equivalent certification required. The purpose of this...

Techniques used by high-end brands, including black polishing, straight graining, sablage, and other techniques as time permits. (more…)

Techniques used in vintage restoration and construction of “kit” watches used by high-end manufacturers. (more…)

CLOCK 100: Know your value

This class is designed to prepare you for the challenges of operating a successful and profitable clock or watch repair business in the 21st century. Most of us do not have the advantage of working for a large corporation where business policies are already in place written by some unknown upper level...

A beginning apprentice course to introduce the qualities and characteristics of the metals most commonly found in clock movements. The course will cover hardening, tempering, annealing, and using heat to color steel. A good understanding of metals is important for basic clockmaking. (more…)

This course is aimed at analyzing the American style, time-and-strike movement, which are often the “bread-and-butter” of many shops. (more…)

This class will cover mainspring safety, how to remove and insert when in a barrel, cleaning, and choosing a replacement. Re-ending a mainspring will be covered as time permits. (more…)

Learn the history of Atmos clocks including the various models and how they work. (more…)

We will be examining, through a series of photographs, the most common problems encountered when repairing the aging modern floor clock movement and how to correct them. We will also perform hands on repairs and adjustments to the modern Hermle clock movement. (more…)

Students will learn more ways of “catching center” in a piece of stock. We will also discuss topics such as material selection, hardening and tempering processes, devices to correct depthings, refacing anchor pallets, and more. Students will also make several jigs and fixtures to take home to help with their...

Learn the principles of Computer Aided Drafting and how it can be useful for clockmakers. (more…)

This class will show you how to select the lathe that would best meet your needs. The instructor will demonstrate how to care for small lathes used in horology, as well as advise you on key aspects when purchasing a new or used lathe. Then the course goes into the...

Students will learn more the basics of using a lathe for horology including preparing sharpening tools, finding center and turning basic cylinders, steps, and tapers. (more…)

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In this class you will learn efficient diagnostic procedures that will help you resolve problems encountered during repair and restoration. (more…)

Taking a movement apart requires quite bit of preparation. Learn what steps should be taken beforehand so as to aid in reassembly, and learn the proper disassembly techniques so things aren’t damaged. (more…)

Students will learn the difference between polishing pivots and burnishing as well as practice how to achieve excellent finishes. (more…)

Students will learn how to identify problems in the engagement of wheels and pinions and how to correct it by installing bushings. (more…)

A thin piece of steel is usually all that supports the pendulum as it swings back and forth. This delicate unit is called the suspension spring and is easily damaged. Learn how to determine a proper replacement, how to manufacture a suspension unit when one isn’t available, and how to...

An often neglected part of the gear, lantern pinions can develop severe wear which will cause the movement to fail. Learn how to clean, repair, and properly replace pinion wires as well as repair a damaged pinion shroud. (more…)

A properly adjusted ratchet assembly is key to avoiding an explosive let-down of the power. Learn the proper terms for the parts, how to detect wear and damage, and what procedures to take in order to be sure of a safely functioning ratchet assembly. (more…)

Learn how to setup and adjust the synchronization systems on most modern clocks. (more…)

This class focuses on the installation and setup of the chiming and striking mechanisms in clocks. (more…)

The overall objective of this hands-on session is to be introduced to the American style, time and strike movement. These clocks are often the “bread-and-butter” of many shops. Following the guidelines of the CC21 Standards & Practices, the movement will be disassembled and completely inspected. Adjustments will be made to...

Learn how the strike levers work together and the best way to adjust them for trouble-free performance. (more…)

Learn to repair and configure striking mechanisms with rack & snail mechanisms. (more…)

This class is not currently scheduled. If you are interested in this class you may request it using the form below.

Class Request To request this course, fill out the following form: Name*...

This class will focus on the strip pallet type of recoil escapement commonly found in antique American movements. It will cover wear removal, compensating for wear, and the adjustments necessary for a fine running movement. Anchor replacement will be covered as time permits. (more…)

This will be an in-depth discussion of the Graham, the most common style of deadbeat escapement. Other forms of deadbeat escapements will be shown for comparison but the focus of this class will be the restoration and adjustment of the Graham. (more…)

As a blend of recoil and deadbeat escapements, this type of escapement is often troublesome and difficult to adjust. Learn how to identify it, remove wear, calculate lift angles, and troubleshoot this frequently encountered escapement. (more…)

This beautiful escapement has long been an indication of quality. See the proper procedure for replacing pallets and how this escapement is adjusted for flawless performance. Both steel and jeweled pallets will be discussed as will the geometry of the escapement. (more…)

This class will cover the servicing of the early-style Hermle floating balance escapement. Topics will include replacing the balance wire and all adjustments necessary for the proper function of the escapement. The newer style hairspring balance will also be discussed as time permits. (more…)

Learn how to properly handle, clean, and service platform escapements. (more…)

An in-depth study of a typical Ingraham mantel movement. Topics covered will be; disassembly and reassembly, common problems, movement layout, and escapement adjustments. (more…)

An in-depth study of a typical Sessions mantel movement. Topics covered will be; disassembly and reassembly, common problems, movement layout, and escapement adjustments. (more…)

In this course you will learn how to properly handle and service cuckoo clocks including adjusting all of the levers and synchronizing the action of the bellows and figures. (more…)

Learn to setup, service, and adjust modern musical cuckoo clocks. (more…)

Learn to service and repair most electric clocks. (more…)

United electric clocks are quickly becoming collectable and command higher prices if they are working. This class will discuss how to restore these movements so the clocks can be enjoyed to the fullest. (more…)

Learn to disassemble, clean, and repair telechron motors for electric clocks. (more…)

Learn to turn, thread, slot, and heat treat screws to match the style in a vintage clock. (more…)

Mainsprings are wound by a hook on the arbor which catches the inner coil of the mainspring When this hook is damaged, it can be an intimidating repair. This class will cover not only replacing an arbor hook but also how to replace a barrel hook. (more…)

This is a deceptively difficult process which involves micro-machining and custom-fitting. Reproduction French hands rarely fit properly and this lesson will cover machining and fitting new hand collets as well as pointing out critical areas of clearance. (more…)

Often considered one of the most difficult movements to work on, this Westminster chime mantel movement responds very well to restoration when one knows what to watch out for. Included in this lesson are tips on the pitfalls which can catch the unaware, servicing techniques, and reassembly procedures. (more…)

Modern German triple-chime grandfather movements can be quite complicated to set up. this session will discuss in detail how to synchronize the chime and strike trains in the popular Hermle 1161 movement in order to insure flawless performance. While the topic will center around chime and strike train setup, other...

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Re-pivoting is an advanced restoration technique which replaces a worn or broken bearing surface (pivot) on the end of a gear shaft. Learn how this can be done using several different methods. (more…)

Learn how to identify and repair damaged wheel teeth as well as replacing a tooth when it is too far gone. (more…)

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