Horology is the fascinating science of measuring time. From antique clocks to modern chronographs, horologists master the skills of design, restoration, and repair, blending centuries-old traditions with today's precision technology.
If you're passionate about becoming a master watchmaker or a specialist in clock restoration, the right training is essential. That’s why Eternal Tools has curated this global guide to 35 of the finest horology schools. Whether you’re seeking a diploma, weekend workshop, or WOSTEP qualification—there’s a path here for every aspiring horologist.
Australia
1. Australian Antiquarian Horological Society Inc.
Clock restoration and conservation classes, plus workshops in repairs. Visit site
2. The Watch & Clockmakers School of WA, Gosnells.
Full courses in clock and watch repair. Visit site
Austria
3. HTL Karlstein (Higher Technical Federal Teaching Institute).
Technical high school offering horology programs. Visit site
Belgium
4. Technicum Noord-Antwerpen, Antwerp
Vocational training in clock and watchmaking. Visit site
5. IATA Institute, Namur
Training in watch and clock craftsmanship. Visit site
Cambodia
6. Prince Horology, Phnom Penh
Private horology school teaching traditional skills. Visit site
Canada
7. Ecole National D'Horlogerie, Quebec
Located in Quebec, the National School of Watchmaking trains individuals for a duration of 1800 hours over 1 ½ years to obtain a vocational diploma. Visit site
China
8. Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking Schools
Shanghai based. 3000h WOSTEP. Visit site
Denmark
9. Den Danske Urmagerskole, Ringsted
Clock and watchmaking education. Visit site
Finland
10. Kelloseppakoulu, Espoo
Three-year vocational programs for watchmakers. Visit site
Germany
11. Flüthe Uhrenseminare, Telgte
One of the finest horology schools in Germany, Hessische Uhrmacherschule offers a wide range of workshops and programs. Two-day watchmaking seminars. Visit site
12. Glashütte Original Watchmaker School
Three-year watchmaker training. Visit site
13. Hessische Uhrmacherschule, Hessenpark
Workshops and programs in horology. Visit site
Italy
14. Creative Academy, Milan
Offers horology and design courses. Visit site
Japan
15. Hiko Mizuno College, Tokyo
Two-year courses cover watch movement, theory, metalwork, quartz watch and antique watch repair. Following this is a three-year course studying the skills for chronograph watches to become a master Watchmaker. Visit site
Netherlands
16. Vakschool, Schoonhoven
Vocational horology education. Visit site
Spain
17. La Merce
The only official public school in Spain in which you can study for 2 year clockwork mechanics. Assembly, disassembly and manufacture of parts for wristwatches and large clocks.. Visit site
Sweden
18. IHU Urmakarskolan
WOSTEP-affiliated program. Visit site
Switzerland
19. KHWCC
This independent school teaches classical watchmaking to a very high standard to all international students.
Full skill training 4000h, short courses and tailor-made classes for companies and watchmakers. Visit site
20. CFPT - Geneva
Three to four-year training in horology. Visit site
21. École Technique Vallée de Joux
Training in microtechnology and micromechanics. Visit site
22. WOSTEP, Neuchâtel
Financed by its members of leading Swiss watch brands, WOSTEP is an independent institution offering many courses in watchmaking, chronographs and chronometry.. Visit site
United Kingdom
23. British Horological Institute Seminars & Distance Learning Course
The Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks/Watches – Level 4, and the Diploma in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks/Watches are both courses provided by the British Horological Institute. These qualifications aim to provide a national standard and prepare students for employment in clock and watch servicing.
24. West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex, Antique Clock Conservation & Restoration
A renowned school for antique clock conservation and restoration, West Dean College gives students the chance to work in workshops at dedicated workbenches. Their Clocks programmes prepare students for opportunities in national and international institutes including museums, Royal Collections, and private client work.
25. Birmingham City University
BA (Hons) in Horology. Visit site
26. Quality Time Clock Courses
Beginner to advanced classes. Visit site
27. The British School Of Watchmaking
The WOSTEP programme at the British School of Watchmaking teaches students the skills needed to service and repair both mechanical and electronic Swiss watches to the highest standards.
28. Epping Forest Horology Centre
Evening classes in clock/watch restoration. Visit site
United States
29. NAWCC, Columbia, PA
The NAWCC offers a variety of educational workshops for anyone from the curious beginner to the advanced horologist. Contact: Steve Humphrey, Executive Director: shumphrey@nawcc.org Visit site
30. AWCI Bench Courses
AWCI’s continuing education program includes various Bench Courses offered around the US. Courses include Balance Staff & Timing, Adjustments, Quality Control, Quartz Watch Repair & Diagnostics, Mechanical Chronographs, Oiling Procedures and Servicing ETA Quartz Chronographs. Visit site
31. Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, IL
Gem City College School of Horology offers a wide range of horology courses. Visit site
32. Lititz Watch Technicum, Lititz, PA
Combining centuries-old watchmaking techniques with modern diagnostic tools, Lititz Watch Technicum offers rigorous training using state-of-the-art electronic equipment. Visit site
33. Norwest School of Horology
A school teaching both watch and clock repair for students at all levels. Norwest School of Horology is the only independent school for the study of watch and clock repair in Seattle. They offer a range of courses in watch repair, clock repair and micro-machining. Courses are open to anyone with an interest in learning! Visit site
34. Oklahoma State University, Watchmaking & Microtechnology, OK
Since 1946, OSU Institute of Technology's School of Watchmaking has trained some of the best luxury watchmakers in the world. Contact: Jason Champion, Program Chair: jason.champion@okstate.edu Visit site
35. York Time Institute
York Time Institutes offers a 54 week Diploma Program in Horological Conservation, Restoration and Repair, as well as customised weekend and evening courses for horological professionals, collectors and hobbyists. Visit site
36. The North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking (NAIOSW), Dallas
NAIOSW is a WOSTEP partnership school. With a 6-to-1 student-teacher ratio, it offers detailed training in Swiss watchmaking. Contact: Stanley McMahan, Reference Instructor: stanley.mcmahan@iosw.com Visit site
37. Watch Technology Institute, North Seattle
In partnership with SAWTA (Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance) and supported by Rolex learn the art and science of watchmaking in an intensive 2 year course. Visit site
38. Veterans Watchmaker Initiative
The Veterans Watchmaker Initiative is a full-time watchmaking school for disabled American veterans to be retrained in the art of horology. They are currently expanding to a new facility that will house 54 students full-time. They are a certified nonprofit company. Visit site
39. Paris Junior College, Texas
For students wishing to pursue a Certificate in watchmaking, The Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas offer a 45-credit hour Certificate of Horology Technology in as little as sixteen months and a 36-credit hour Certificate of Fine Watchmaking which can be accomplished in as little as twelve months. Visit site
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you know of any horology courses or schools not listed here, please get in touch. We're always keen to expand this valuable list.
Don’t forget to browse Eternal Tools' full range of watchmaking tools to support your training.
