And all of a sudden, learning how to properly make watches becomes a priority in one’s life. This is precisely what happened to students at WOSTEP, the Watchmakers Of Switzerland Training and Educational Program. Coming from Australia, South Korea, and Norway, to name just a few countries, these students were perhaps once upon a time jewelers, chefs, or opera singers. Now they attend the two-year course (3,200 hours) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where this educational foundation is located. When they’re done, these students will be master watchmakers. And they are among the horological elite as demand is huge for the few places offered, and the selection process very demanding.
Founded in 1966 by a consortium of various Swiss watch companies wanting to improve the quality of their after sale service watchmakers worldwide, it became an independent non-profit foundation in 2006. WOSTEP also offers other, shorter and more specialized classes on site.
WOSTEP has developed a concept of standardized classes, which includes all materials such as workbenches, tools, and of course a teaching syllabus. Thus, the school can ensure reactive and efficient international presence that respects the same high level of education as in Neuchâtel.