American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute
Supporting and Advancing Horology through Education and Cooperation
Explore Watchmaking
Electronic Distance Learning
Watchmaking can be a lucrative career or an exciting hobby. No matter what your intentions are we invite you to explore the world of watchmaking.
Our mission is Supporting and Advancing Horology through Education and Cooperation. All of our classes are designed with the highest standards of horological repair in mind. Whether this is your first course or your hundredth, we hope you will learn skills and techniques to improve your understanding and handling of timepieces.
Our distance learning courses are on-line, hands-on classes in horology. They require focus, discipline, and preparation, and are not a substitute for in-person learning but can help fuel your passion for horology.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in horology, we invite you to learn more at the following pages:
Beginning Watchmaking
Explore Watchmaking - Level I
Basic Assembly
In our Level 1 Watch Exploration remote workshop we help you disassemble and reassemble the gear train of a hand-wound mechanical watch without having to leave the comfort of your own home. You will learn the names of the basic components, their function, and how all of the components interact.
The remote workshop is taught by one of AWCI's certified watchmakers using the GoToMeeting platform. We provide most of the tools and materials and guide you through the process of establishing a temporary workshop in your home. Once you receive the classroom kit, you will join a live digital classroom with no more than 5 other participants and will be able to ask questions.
We want everyone to succeed in disassembling and reassembling the watch movement, but we can't reach through the computer screen to help you out. We have adjusted our in-person curriculum to give the best experience and the highest likelihood of success and we guarantee you will leave with a better understanding of mechanical timepieces.
Technology Requirements
In order to participate in a distance learning class you will need a tablet or computer with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone located near your workspace.
Testimonials
The remote learning Explore Watchmaking was an incredible experience. The class size was limited to five students so the instructors were able to follow each student very closely. The class was very well thought out and was tailored for students with zero experience, yet moved at an acceptable pace for students with some experience like myself. The class covers the disassembly and assembly process in great detail, focusing on how the parts interact with each other. There is no substitute to having someone experienced walk through the assembly process and answer questions along the way.
Ricci H. - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
This class is perfect for the person that doesn't have the time or the ability to travel for a course, we all have jobs and family's, to experience what its like to be a watchmaker. Its an amazing class where you can interact with real watchmakers that guide you and through what it takes to service a watch movement in real time. The best part is that you can do it all without leaving home, and in a time frame that anyone can fit into their life. If you ever wanted to know what it's like to be a watchmaker, take this course! You wont be disappointed.
Mike L. - Bedford, New Hampshire
All in all, well worth my time. The 4 hours flew by! I look forward to more online courses and, if I can, to come to your facilities in person for more workshops. Ideally, I want to continue my education to a point where I can be a reasonable good watchmaker at least as a hobby. We’re off to a good start!
James M. - New York
FEB
25
MAR
7
In order to complete this class you will need at least the following tools:
- 1.60mm Screwdriver
- 2.50mm Screwdriver
- Brass Tweezers
- Watchmaker's Pick (Plexi-Stick)
- 4X Magnification Loupe & Loupe Wire
- 16 1/2 Ligne Movement Holder
- Parts Storage Container with at least 10 compartments
The 7812-AWCI Toolkit also includes the following tools:
- Bergeon 1282 Leather Buff Stick
- Bergeon 6767 Spring Bar Tool
- Bergeon 7026-00 Tweezers
- 2.00mm Screwdriver
- 1.20mm Screwdriver
- 1.00mm Screwdriver
- Spare Screwdriver Blades
- Bergeon 2819-MINI JAXA Case Opening Wrench
- Bergeon 7403 Case Knife
- Bergeon 5394-P Casing Cushion
- Bergeon 7982-60 Case Protection
- Microfiber Cloth
You will also need an elevated work surface. See our setup guide for suggestions.
I have my own tools
- 4-hour Live Class
- ST-3600 Movement
- 30-day Access to recording
I need to borrow tools
- 4-hour Live Class
- ST-3600 Movement
- 30-day Access to recording
- We ship you a toolkit to use during the class and a return label
I'll keep the toolkit
- 4-hour Live Class
- ST-3600 Movement
- 30-day Access to recording
- Bergeon 7812-AWCI Toolkit
- Bergeon 16 1/2 ligne movement holder
- Parts Storage Box
ETA 6497 Top Elabore
- Upgrade from the ST-3600 movement to a beautiful Swiss Made ETA 6497 movement with Geneva stripes and blue screws.
April 11
Explore Watchmaking - Level II
The Escapement
In our Level 2 Watch Making Exploration remote workshop we study the escapement and the winding and setting components of the watch. Succesful completion of Basic Watch I is required before registering for Basic Watch II.
The remote workshop is taught by one of AWCI's certified watchmakers using the GoToMeeting platform. We provide most of the tools and materials and guide you through the process of establishing a temporary workshop in your home. Once you receive the classroom kit, you will join a live digital classroom with no more than 5 other participants and will be able to ask questions.
We want everyone to succeed in disassembling and reassembling the watch movement, but we can't reach through the computer screen to help you out. We have adjusted our in-person curriculum to give the best experience and the highest likelihood of success and we guarantee you will leave with a better understanding of mechanical timepieces.
I have my own tools
- 4-hour Live Class
- 30-day Access to recording
I need to borrow tools
- 4-hour Live Class
- 30-day Access to recording
- We ship you a toolkit to use during the class and a return label
I'll keep the toolkit
- 4-hour Live Class
- 30-day Access to recording
- Bergeon 7812-AWCI Toolkit
- Bergeon 16 1/2 ligne movement holder
- Parts Storage Box
Explore Watchmaking - Level III
Lubrication (Coming Soon)
In our Level 3 Watch Making Exploration remote workshop we guide you through the important skill of lubricating watch movements. All watches require lubrication and its application must be very controlled and precise. Too much oil is just as bad as not enough.
The remote workshop is taught by one of AWCI's certified watchmakers using the GoToMeeting platform. We provide most of the tools and materials and guide you through the process of establishing a temporary workshop in your home. Once you receive the classroom kit, you will join a live digital classroom with no more than 5 other participants and will be able to ask questions.
Successful completion of Level I and Level II are required before embarking upon exploration level III. We want everyone to succeed in disassembling and reassembling the watch movement, but we can't reach through the computer screen to help you out. We have adjusted our in-person curriculum to give the best experience and the highest likelihood of success and we guarantee you will leave with a better understanding of mechanical timepieces.
Explore Watchmaking - Level IV
Timing Adjustments (Coming Soon)
In our Level 4 Watch Making Exploration remote workshop we discuss basic timing adjustments including regulation.
The remote workshop is taught by one of AWCI's certified watchmakers using the GoToMeeting platform. We provide most of the tools and materials and guide you through the process of establishing a temporary workshop in your home. Once you receive the classroom kit, you will join a live digital classroom with no more than 5 other participants and will be able to ask questions.
This is one of the hardest workshops for us to conduct remotely because of the equipment requirements. Successful completion of Levels I, II, and III are required and participants must have access to a timing machine or app before embarking upon exploration level IV.