Master Time—Train for a Career in Watchmaking
Precision. Patience. Craftsmanship. Watchmakers and horologists don’t just repair timepieces—they preserve history, engineer precision, and create functional works of art.
And right now, skilled watchmakers are a rare breed.
With the resurgence of luxury timepieces and vintage restorations, the demand for trained horologists is growing. Whether you dream of restoring antique pocket watches, crafting bespoke mechanical movements, or working with prestigious brands, mastering this trade requires specialized training, steady hands, and an eye for detail.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of top watchmaking and horology schools—places where you’ll learn the art and science of timekeeping, gain hands-on experience with intricate mechanisms, and train for a watchmaking career that blends tradition with innovation.
Ready to make every second count? Explore the best watchmaking schools below.
$28,390
$58,140
$79,150
Veterans Watchmaker Initiative - Estimated Cost: No Charge
Location: DelawarePrograms Offered
Watchmaking Trade SchoolsSchool Details
This program is just for veterans and prepares them in a variety of watchmaking careers. The programs are available free of charge to veterans and includes:
- Watch Technician
- Watchmaker
- Jewelry Repair
Gem City College
Location: IllinoisSchool Details
Gem City College offers programs in cosmetology and horology.
The horology programs include clock repair and watchmaking. They also offer jewelry design and college press courses under this program. The cosmetology program includes hairdressing and training to become a cosmetology teacher.
North Bennet Street School - Estimated Cost: $32,617
Location: MassachusettsPrograms Offered
Locksmith Trade Schools, Musical Instrument Repair Schools, Watchmaking Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Below are some of the top programs from the school with details on program length and estimated costs as of 2023.
- Locksmithing and Safe Repair: 9 months with an estimated cost of $24,000
- Furniture Design and Manufacturing: 18 months with an estimated cost of $57,500
- Building & Home Inspector: 9 months with an estimated cost of $30,000
- Carpentry: 18 months with an estimated cost of $55,000
- Musical Instrument Repair: 9 months with an estimates cost of $28,000
- Precision Production: 18 months, with an estimated cost of $53,000
American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute
Location: OhioPrograms Offered
Watchmaking Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Classes are available both online and in-person at AWCI. Courses are available for beginners as well as experienced watchmakers.
National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors
Location: PennsylvaniaPrograms Offered
Watchmaking Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Several programs and workshops are offered in their PA location across a variety of timepieces.
Paris Junior College
Location: TexasPrograms Offered
Watchmaking Trade SchoolsSchool Details
The watchmaker education (horology) program began at Paris Junior College in 1942. There are three watchmaking options to choose from.
- Degree program is sixty credit–hours over four semesters. In only sixteen months you can earn your Associate of Applied Science in Horology Technology.
- Certificate in watchmaking is a 45-credit hour Certificate of Horology Technology which can be completed in as little as sixteen months.
- Certificate of Fine Watchmaking which can be accomplished in as little as twelve months and is a 36-credit hour course.
