Watch Technology Institute is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort.
** The deadline for Watch Technology applications is January 31st, 2025.
Applicants must complete online and in-person bench testing for consideration.**
Program Overview
Degrees & Certificates
Two-year degree for students who want to start a career immediately after graduation.
- Credits to complete: 184.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 9 | Part Time - Part Time Option Not Available
Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates.
- Credits to complete: 164.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 8 | Part Time - Part Time Option Not Available
How to Apply:
WTI starts a new student cohort every Fall quarter. Applying early is highly recommended as the application process involves several steps. Students will need to:
- Apply with North Seattle College to receive a ctcLink ID number
- Submit a completed WTI application form and personal statement
- Complete an online mechanical comprehension exam
- Complete an in-person bench test at WTI
Once these steps are finished, WTI will be able to make a decision on the application. Acceptance into the WTI program is a competitive process; the program receives more applications than spots available in the cohort. International students and veterans utilizing their educational benefits are also welcome to apply.
Description:
The Watch Technology Institute (WTI) at North Seattle College offers a full-time, 2-year program specializing in professional watch repair. The 3,000-hour program is supported through partnership between Rolex Watch USA, Inc. and NSC. The program’s mission is to graduate watchmakers qualified to work in modern retail and service center environments.
Students will develop skills covering:
- Repair of watch movements
- Refinishing of cases & bracelets
- Movement dialing and casing
- Water-resistance testing
- Customer service & retail application
Students have the option of pursuing either the Certificate in Watch Technology (164 credits) or the Associate of Applied Science in Watch Technology (184 credits). Students are also eligible to test for 3rd-party certification through the Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance (SAWTA).
Program Pathway Map
Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer. Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway. Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.
SAWTA Curriculum:
Starting in 2008, WTI adopted the SAWTA curriculum as the foundation for its program coursework. SAWTA was created under the guidance of Rolex Watch USA, Inc. to further develop watchmaking education within the United States. Students will learn basic micromechanics, manufacturing simple parts using hand tools and a watchmaking lathe. Students will learn the basics of servicing and adjusting watches, gaining proficiency in areas such as escapements, hairsprings, and precision timing. Students start with manual-wind, mechanical movements, then work their way through quartz, automatic, and automatic chronograph movements. The curriculum also covers dialing/hand installation, casing, water-resistance testing, case/bracelet refinishing, estimating, and customer service skills. By the program’s conclusion, students will be proficient in owning the entire process of a standard watch service.
Employment Possibilities:
WTI graduates can expect to find themselves in demand, particularly among high-end retailers and service centers. The industry continues to see a shortage of qualified watchmakers and employers are motivated to hire students. Retail watchmaking positions are located across the country, while service center roles are generally located in major metropolitan areas. Students willing to relocate will enjoy a greater number of employment opportunities. Extended training and internship opportunities may be available for those students interested in joining the Rolex retailer network for their employment.
Questions? Please see our FAQ's page!
The entrance exams are a set of tests that WTI uses to determine aptitude for learning watch repair work. No experience is necessary for any of the exercises. Instructions and demonstrations are given for each exercise. The first test is administered online. The remaining tests are given in the Watch Technology Institute classroom and usually take six to eight hours to complete. There are both written and practical exercises. The written exercises include a standard mechanical aptitude test, a math quiz covering basic high school math concepts and a problem-solving exercise. The practical exercises involve filing, fine wire manipulation and working with a simple watch movement.
The 40-hour instruction week makes work outside somewhat difficult, but some students have been able to work part-time in the evenings and/or on weekends.
Unfortunately no. Because of the structure of the program, North's program have to offer a continuous sequence of courses over two years. Classes run daily all four quarters (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), including Summer Quarter. There is an independent watch and clock repair school in the Seattle area that has a flexible schedule. For more information, see the Northwest School of Horology.
No, there is no housing on campus, but there are many apartments and houses for rent nearby. Online sources for researching housing options include ApartmentList, Seattle Rentals, Craigslist and Trulia Rentals Seattle. NSC is in Seattle’s Northgate area.
North does not have a formal job placement service. However, the institute generally receives more job postings than there are students to fill them. The majority of the postings are for positions in the U.S. Seattle Colleges has a student recruitment website that is intended to connect students with local employers. The site is called Career Hub and can be found here: NSC Career Hub. Watchmaking positions are generally found on other websites.
A list of all the watch schools in the U.S. and Canada is available from the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute.
Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.