{"id":22337,"date":"2018-10-16T14:00:07","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T21:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/?p=22337"},"modified":"2018-10-15T17:34:48","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T00:34:48","slug":"how-to-become-a-watchmaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Watchmaker"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite doom-mongers spending the last few years predicting the death of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/luxury\">high-end mechanical watches<\/a> in favor of the long-on-convenience-but-short-on-artistry Smart models, the popularity of these luxury wrist machines has rarely been greater. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While that is obviously a good thing, it does create problems of its own. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As anyone who has sent their treasured timepiece away for a repair, or even just a service, and had to wait an excruciating length of time to get it back again will tell you, the world needs more watchmakers.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14818\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14818\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14818\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3.jpg\" alt=\"Sending your watch in for repair can be expensive\" width=\"800\" height=\"684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3-768x656.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rolex_Daytona_116515-3-445x380.jpg 445w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14818\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sending your watch in for repair can be time consuming and expensive. If only the world had more watchmakers&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the U.S. especially, where we buy more than 750,000 high value pieces each year, the need for highly trained experts to look after them all is an urgent one. The New York repair center for Patek Philippe, for example, deals with more than 10,000 watches annually, but has just 19 watchmakers on staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a Watchmaker<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It takes a certain type of person to join the small but select ranks of the world\u2019s watchmakers. Most certainly not a job just anyone can do, it requires both a very specific list of personal attributes as well as a huge amount of training.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15563\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15563\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"What does it take to be a watchmaker? If you're obsessed with watches that's a good start\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Rolex_Submariner_16610v-5D3_2193-Edit.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-15563\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">What does it take to be a watchmaker? If you&#8217;re obsessed with watches that&#8217;s a good start<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obviously, the first and most important characteristic you should possess is a passion for timepieces. Or, an obsession might be a better way to describe it. Only with a deep-rooted fixation and desire to understand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/rolex-info\/overview-different-watch-movement-types.html\">the complex inner workings<\/a> of a mechanical watch will you be able to progress through the various stages of your education. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, chances are if you are considering a career as a watchmaker, that level of dedication is a given. But you will also need to have excellent vision as well as superb hand-to-eye coordination. Everything about watchmaking is based on the utmost precision, often working with components that are measured in millimeters and tolerances measured in microns. Steady hands and keen eyesight are an absolute necessity. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of that, strong analytical skills are another prerequisite. Everything that goes into a watch has a purpose, even if it is not immediately apparent to the naked eye. Being able to see the bigger picture, how systems work together and create the unified whole, is a talent to either possess or work hard to develop. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_21806\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21806\" style=\"width: 665px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-21806\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA-1024x800.jpg\" alt=\"Glash\u00fctte Original\" width=\"665\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA-1024x800.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA-768x600.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA-486x380.jpg 486w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/wf-halvedCTA.jpg 1350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 665px) 100vw, 665px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-21806\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Training to become a watchmaker takes countless hours and a fair investment of money<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become trained to the point of employability. Getting hands-on experience is crucial\u2014 this is not something you can teach yourself from reading about it or binge watching YouTube videos.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, what is the best way to learn the art of watchmaking?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprenticeship <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are basically two paths to becoming a watchmaker; going to school or winning yourself an apprenticeship. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both have their pros and cons and the only right choice is the one that\u2019s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13842\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13842\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13842\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement-1024x966.jpg\" alt=\"Finding the right apprenticeship is challenging\" width=\"800\" height=\"755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement-1024x966.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement-300x283.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement-768x725.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement-403x380.jpg 403w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Zenith-El-Primero-Range-Rover-Special-Edition-movement.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13842\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Finding the right apprenticeship is challenging<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With apprenticeships, the biggest hurdle, at least in the beginning, is finding someone willing to take you on. Although the luxury watch market is certainly enjoying some rude health at the moment, it can still be a major challenge securing a place working side by side with a master watchmaker. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you do manage it, the rewards for the effort are substantial. There\u2019s no doubt that receiving one-on-one training is the best and quickest way to learn any new skill. Although watchmaking school classes are usually only made up of a handful of students, nothing beats having a teacher dedicated to you and you alone. It can literally knock years off your learning experience. The training can also be tailored to your way of working and the speed with which you pick things up, without having to worry about lagging behind the rest of the class.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The obvious downside is you will have to find some way to support yourself for the duration. Apprenticeships usually aren\u2019t paid and you are going to need either a considerable lump sum behind you, or else get yourself another job to fund your studies. Depending on a number of factors, you may not be able to cover all your expenses with a part time income and it might be necessary to take a full time job and make your apprenticeship part time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other issue you should consider is the relevance of the training you receive. Many master watchmakers can get stuck in their ways, shunning the most up-to-date techniques and qualifications in favor of the way they have been doing things for decades. The skills they are teaching you may not be up to the latest industry standards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watchmaking School<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it is easier to get a place in a watchmaking school than it is to find an apprenticeship position, there are still many more applicants than there are spots available in class.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_22338\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22338\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"WOSTEP is the only internationally recognized provider of courses within the industry that deals with Swiss watches\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2-380x380.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-22338\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">WOSTEP is the only internationally recognized provider of courses within the industry that deals with Swiss watches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or WOSTEP, is the only internationally recognized provider of courses within the industry that deals with Swiss watches. Started in 1966, it has affiliate schools all over the world, but sadly, only two in the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Fort Worth, Texas, and <\/span><b>The<\/b> <b>Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Miami both offer the 3,000-hour WOSTEP certification, in either a two or three year course. With each only accepting a trickle of new admissions every year, they can be exceptionally difficult to get into, but the incentive is the ability to find work almost anywhere in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another highly regarded course is the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swiss American Watchmakers in Training Alliance <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(SAWTA) program offered by several schools around the country. Probably the most popular training base is the <\/span><b>Lititz Watch Technicum <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in Pennsylvania, followed closely by the <\/span><b>Watch Technology Institute <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at <\/span><b>North Seattle Community College<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The program was set up by Rolex specifically to address the shortfall in watchmakers skilled enough to work on their pieces, a problem that started back in the 80s after the industry had been brought to its knees by the quartz crisis. All SAWTA schools are funded by the brand and conform to their standardized curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undecided?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obviously, choosing to enter the watchmaking profession is a big decision, one to which you are going to have to commit at least two years of your life. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be a daunting prospect, but fortunately there are ways to dip your toes into the horology world without having to take the plunge immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_22339\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22339\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM.png\" alt=\"the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute\" width=\"800\" height=\"323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM.png 3338w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM-768x310.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM-1024x414.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Screen-Shot-2018-10-15-at-5.28.35-PM-585x236.png 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-22339\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute offers a few short classes to help get you ready for a watchmaking career<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AWCI, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.awci.com\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, offers several short taster courses on many aspects of the craft, ideal for cutting your teeth before deciding on a total, and expensive, change of career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 5-day <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch 100: Introduction to Watchmaking<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> class is perfect for making sure it is the right move for you, before advancing on to more in-depth studies. An even shorter foray is the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build a Watch<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> day, where you assemble an ETA 6497 caliber, case it up, install dial and hands and create your very own timepiece. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The institute also runs several higher education classes, more focused on covering specific elements of watchmaking. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a watchmaker is a challenging but ultimately hugely rewarding career. Restoring an old and worn timepiece to its former glory is something very few people can do, and gives a great deal of satisfaction. And it is a profession that is constantly changing. As new technologies and new watches emerge all the time, your education as a watchmaker is never finished. You will be learning until the day you retire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it may be a hard slog to get started, and the training is likely to push you to your limits, it is a wonderful industry to be a part of. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And with the market for luxury watches only going from strength to strength, your newly acquired skillset is likely to become increasingly in demand. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite doom-mongers spending the last few years predicting the death of high-end mechanical watches in favor of the long-on-convenience-but-short-on-artistry Smart models, the popularity of these luxury wrist machines has rarely been greater. While that is obviously a good thing, it does create problems of its own. As anyone who has sent their treasured timepiece away for a repair, or even just a service, and had to wait an excruciating length of time to get it back again will tell you, the world needs more watchmakers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22338,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1630],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2286],"class_list":["post-22337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob&#039;s Rolex Blog | Watch Resources<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob&#039;s Rolex Blog | Watch Resources\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Bob&#039;s Watches\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bobswatches\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Paul Altieri\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@bobswatches\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@bobswatches\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Paul Altieri\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Paul Altieri\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/22b37643d599dce1a5947061baa91033\"},\"headline\":\"How to Become a Watchmaker\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\"},\"wordCount\":1435,\"commentCount\":2,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/10\\\/wostep_2.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Resources\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\",\"name\":\"How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob's Rolex Blog | Watch Resources\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/10\\\/wostep_2.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00\",\"description\":\"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/10\\\/wostep_2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/10\\\/wostep_2.jpg\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":1600},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\\\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Resources\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/resources\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"How to Become a Watchmaker\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Bob&#039;s Watches\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Bob's Watches\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/02\\\/bobs-watches-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/02\\\/bobs-watches-logo.png\",\"width\":600,\"height\":138,\"caption\":\"Bob's Watches\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/bobswatches\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/bobswatches\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/bobswatches\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/bobs-watches\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/BobsWatches\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/bobswatches\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\\\/rolex-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/22b37643d599dce1a5947061baa91033\",\"name\":\"Paul Altieri\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=gfb4a2a02993ff88bb170deea88d2fb81\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Paul Altieri\"},\"description\":\"Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle\\\/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.bobswatches.com\",\"https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Bobs_Watches\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob's Rolex Blog | Watch Resources","description":"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob's Rolex Blog | Watch Resources","og_description":"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...","og_url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html","og_site_name":"Bob&#039;s Watches","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bobswatches","article_published_time":"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":1600,"url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Paul Altieri","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@bobswatches","twitter_site":"@bobswatches","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Paul Altieri","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html"},"author":{"name":"Paul Altieri","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/22b37643d599dce1a5947061baa91033"},"headline":"How to Become a Watchmaker","datePublished":"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html"},"wordCount":1435,"commentCount":2,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg","articleSection":["Resources"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html","url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html","name":"How To Become A Watchmaker | Bob's Rolex Blog | Watch Resources","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg","datePublished":"2018-10-16T21:00:07+00:00","description":"The decision to become a watchmaker is not one to be taken lightly. It is going to take a significant investment in both time and money to become one...","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/wostep_2.jpg","width":1600,"height":1600},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/how-to-become-a-watchmaker.html#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Resources","item":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How to Become a Watchmaker"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/","name":"Bob&#039;s Watches","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#organization","name":"Bob's Watches","url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/bobs-watches-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/bobs-watches-logo.png","width":600,"height":138,"caption":"Bob's Watches"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bobswatches","https:\/\/x.com\/bobswatches","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bobswatches\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/bobs-watches\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/BobsWatches\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/bobswatches"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/22b37643d599dce1a5947061baa91033","name":"Paul Altieri","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=gfb4a2a02993ff88bb170deea88d2fb81","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Paul Altieri"},"description":"Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle\/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bobs_Watches"]}]}},"authors":[{"term_id":2286,"user_id":2,"is_guest":0,"slug":"paul","display_name":"Paul Altieri","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/50af9d21f497d6059e6da43edc940c99353eec96f9c4db365b54db9d3135c1b0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com","last_name":"Altieri","first_name":"Paul","job_title":"","description":"Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry.  His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. \r\n\r\nAlongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle\/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. \r\n\r\nPaul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22337"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22340,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22337\/revisions\/22340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22338"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22337"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=22337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}