Frequently Asked Questions

The bench test takes place during the last two weeks of July.

The registration deadline to the Watchmaker program is March 31st of the year preceding the beginning of the program. 

The price of CHF 34'600.- tuition fee includes without accommodation:

• Tuition, administrative support and expenses
• Toolkit and theory books of horology
• Special courses on specific products, visits of factories
• Resources (infrastructure, tools, machines, movements, spare parts)

An additional CHF 9'240.- is required as a prepaid financial guarantee by the State of Neuchâtel to ensure domestic needs are covered.

The 2-day bench test consist of various elements designed to allow us to become familiar with prospective candidates ant their aptitude for mechanical tasks and related disciplines. 

It is also an opportunity for candidates to appreciate exactly what the program entails and decide whether it is right for them.

The emphasis is on identiying strengths and potential and not on passing or failing. English, basic mathematics (equations and rudimentary algebraic operations) and logics are also tested.

No watchmaking knowledge or previous watchmaking experience is required.

• To be over 21 years old
• Have a previous work experience outside the watchmaking field
• The course is taught in English, which students must be able to write and speak fluently.
• No watchmaking experience is required

Condition of admission:

The candidates must undergo a 2-day test at WOSTEP to ascertain their manual dexterity.

Please, be aware that this course is very intensive and requires a strong motivation.

WOSTEP offers participants to courses of 2 weeks and more, the possibility to stay in a students apartment (subject to availability) located close to the school.

Hotels in Neuchâtel city and surrounding area:

Hotel	Phone	E-mail	Website
In or near the centre of the city
Hôtel des Arts - Neuchâtel	+41 32 727 6161	info@hoteldesarts.ch	www.hotel-des-arts.ch
Hôtel L'Ecluse - Neuchâtel	+41 32 729 9310	info@hoteldelecluse.ch	www.hoteldelecluse.ch
Auberg'Inn - Neuchâtel	+41 32 721 4420	info@auberginn.ch	www.auberginn.ch
Hôtel L'Aubier - Neuchâtel	+41 32 710 1858	lecafe@aubier.ch	www.aubier.ch
Hôtel Alpes & Lac - Neuchâtel	+41 32 723 1919	info@alpesetlac.ch	www.alpesetlac.ch
Hôtel Beaulac - Neuchâtel	+41 32 723 1919	hotel@beaulac.ch	www.beaulac.ch
Near the city - with bus stop nearby
Hôtel du Cheval Blanc - St-Blaise	+41 32 753 3007	lechevalblanc@bluewin.ch	www.hotel-cheval-blanc.ch
Hôtel Les Vieux Toits - Hauterive	+41 32 753 4242	hotel@vieux-toits.ch	www.vieux-toits.ch

Please, contact the Swiss Embassy in your country or have a look on the Swiss Confederation internet site: State Secretariat for Migration

Differences between the Customer Service Watchmaker and the Watchmaker programs:

In summary, the Customer Service Watchmaker program prepares the graduate to carry out servicing of modern mechanical and quartz watches using spare part replacement to return the watch to factory specifications.

Although there is approximately seven weeks of micro-mechanics, it is not as in-depth as the Watchmaker program.

The Customer Service Watchmaker program uses these first seven weeks to develop basic manual dexterity through exercises in shaping wood and brass materials.

The Watchmaker program places a lot of emphasis on making tools and watch components from carbon steel. This involves a deeper understanding of materials and heat treatment processes to give the tools and components the required properties necessary to function. It gives more in-depth training on repair and adjustment in general than the Customer Service Watchmaker program (for example; balance staff replacement, escapement adjustment, hairspring adjustment, dynamic poising procedures, etc).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both programs prepare graduates for employment in the field of watchmaking.

A Watchmaker program will potentially give more possibilities on graduation due to the more in-depth content, but many companies today prefer to give training in-house, so the Customer Service Watchmaker program is considered to be a good base for the company to develop graduates on.