Swatch Group U.S. and the Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School based in Miami has an enticing proposition for anyone interested in becoming a professional watchmaker.

First, let’s learn some facts about the watchmaking school. There are four Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking Schools located on three continents – Shanghai was the very first one in 1999, and then two in German watchmaking cities of Glashütte and Pforzheim, and finally in Miami. In the past 22 years, more than 1,000 students have followed the different watchmaker trainings.

What is more interesting is that Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School has partnered with the prestigious WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Programme) for the curriculum. Think of the WOSTEP alumni like Kari Voutilainen, Stephen Forsey, the Grönefeld Brothers, Stephen McDonnell, John McGonigle, and Peter Speake-Marin. It is a long list of brilliant watchmakers. If you successfully complete the courses in Miami, WOSTEP certifies you with an internationally recognized watchmaking diploma.

So, what is the main purpose of the watchmaking school? First and foremost, for selfish reasons, they train professional watchmakers and future customer service specialists for the Swiss watch industry. As watchmakers are getting old, they need to establish a pipeline of younger talent. The Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School in Miami is directly integrated into Swatch Group’s on-site customer service centers. The proximity to the daily business offers real-time insights and knowledge for the training program. Upon completion of the courses, students are hired as watchmakers in Swatch Group’s customer service centers in the US or worldwide.

To become a customer service watchmaker, it takes 1 year with 1,800 hours curriculum. Students receive hands-on training on the basics of micromechanics, fundamentals of watchmaking in after sales service, casing components, servicing both mechanical and quartz watches, and complications like chronographs. The expertise gained upon completion allows the servicing of high-grade watches.

Additionally, students not only learn to master traditional watchmaking arts and crafts, but also are equipped to deal with the continuous development of new products, materials, tools and processes to meet the needs of modern customer service organizations.

This leads us to the most important part – motivation. Swatch Group is offering a generous incentive to recruit students for the Miami watchmaking school. A monthly stipend will be available to all students beginning September 2022 to assist with cost of living expenses during the 1 year program. This new incentive along with the already tuition free education provides an even greater opportunity to all prospective students looking for a career in watchmaking.

It is a long list of brands a customer service watchmaker could support. Swatch Groups owns under its umbrella – Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot, Omega, Longines, Rado, Union Glashütte, Tissot, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Swatch and Flik Flak.

It is really tough to think of any downside to enjoying the scenery in Miami, getting your living expenses covered, and getting a job upon completion of one year of watchmaking school.

Find out more here.