The Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, established in 2023 in Dallas, Texas, has announced that its inaugural class will commence in September 2024, and applications are currently being accepted. Here’s everything you need to know to determine whether you should apply and become a Rolex watchmaker.
Watchmakers often take pride in passing their savoir-faire to the next generation, but few can match the scale at which Rolex executes this feat. The Geneva-based luxury watchmaker produces approximately 1.1 million watches annually, creating a substantial pool of intricate mechanical watches requiring skilled service. It’s no secret that Rolex replica watches endure for years, even decades, after their production. As a Rolex watchmaker, you’ll find yourself with ample work at hand.
The Rolex watchmaker’s training program will commence annually in September 2024, with courses starting in March and September thereafter. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and interested students are encouraged to apply promptly. The training center boasts a team of nine administrators and instructors with extensive experience in watchmaking and education, eager to welcome students to the state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas, Texas.
Described by Rolex as an “innovative 18-month course,” the program offers robust technical training, conceptual education, and a special six-month focus on servicing Rolex watches. Students are prepared for successful careers beyond the training period, with mentorship and a strong emphasis on fundamentals. No prior watchmaking knowledge or experience is required, and students begin working on watches immediately. Notably, the Rolex Watchmaking Training program is the only one in the United States to dedicate a full six months to Rolex watches.
Each course concludes with a final exam at Rolex headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Graduates who become Rolex Certified Watchmakers are eligible for job placement within the Rolex affiliate network.
The Rolex Watchmaking Training Center is a tuition-free program, providing all necessary tools and learning materials. Additionally, students receive a monthly stipend of $1,800 to cover living expenses, enabling full-time engagement in the program. With approximately 9,000 craftspeople and staff across its four manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Rolex prioritizes the well-being of its workforce.
The program aims to create new educational and career opportunities for aspiring Rolex Certified Watchmakers and to ensure a pool of skilled professionals to support retail and service partners long term. Students who withdraw or fail the final exam are not obligated to compensate the company, and graduates are not required to join Rolex or its affiliates immediately after completing their training.
Applications for the inaugural class at the Rolex Watchmaking Training Center are available on the newly launched website, along with additional program details, administrator and instructor profiles, and news updates.