American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute
Supporting and Advancing Horology through Education and Cooperation
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February 2022
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 course is a foundational course ideal for someone who is a collector, new to watchmaking or wanting to know more about how a watch works.…
Find out more »WATCH 180: Basic Watch Servicing
The purpose of this course is to teach the student the basics of a modern mechanical watch with some complication, such as a calendar or another feature. The size of the movements used will be smaller than those used in the Introduction class and the 21st Century class. They will consist of both new and older regulation technologies. Some of the major focus points will be on oiling with precision, timing analysis, troubleshooting and calendar lubrication and assembly. This class…
Find out more »March 2022
Watch 220: Modern Mechanical Chronograph
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…
Find out more »April 2022
Watch 250 The Essential Micromechanics – The Watchmakers Lathe I
Join us at AWCI headquarters for one of these great Lathe classes. In Watch 250 you will learn Basic Micromechanics skills on the lathe. 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 be covered.
Find out more »May 2022
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…
Find out more »Watch 210: Quartz and Quartz Chronograph Service Procedures and 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,…
Find out more »July 2022
Watch 240: The Swiss Lever Escapement
Join us at AWCI Headquarters for a 5 day course working on the lever escapement theoretically and practically. Fundamentals of the escapement, how to check and make adjustments will be covered. Lubrication and how adjustments will effect timing will also be covered in the class.
Find out more »August 2022
Watch 155: Fundamentals on Quartz Watches
Join us for this New class which will focus on technician level quartz troubleshooting, diagnostics and service. This class will work with you in preparation for our new quartz Technician certification. In this hands on class we will work to identify movements by brand, dimensions and features for quartz watches. Multiple pieces of timing equipment will be used to diagnose and test quartz movements. Testing parameters and quality control measures will be covered in this class. Cost: $1095 for…
Find out more »Watch 175: Case and Bracelet Refinishing
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 high expectations concerning the quality of the watch repair which includes the refinishing of the case and bracelet. Knowledge is the key. Our formal training program includes concepts and…
Find out more »September 2022
Watch 102: Watchmaking Theory
Join AWCI for this course which explains the inner workings of a watch. It is a must for anyone considering taking the CW21. It allows you to understand not only functional issues, but theoretical ones as well. Lubrication, isochronism, automatic systems, calendar systems, and much more will be covered. Tests will be given at the end of each section, with answers reviewed. A great way to learn and practice theoretical test taking. No prerequisites for the class. Highly encouraged to…
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