ColumnistsFeb 20, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Life After Rolex WatchesFeb 23, 2024
Rolex to Open New Watchmaking School in Dallas
The Rolex Watchmaking Training Center will welcome its first class this fall.
This fall, Rolex will welcome the first class of students to the Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, its new, tuition-free school in Dallas. Students will learn to make and repair Rolex watches, like the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 pictured here, during the 18-month course.
Dallas—Rolex is set to open a new watchmaking school in Dallas this fall in an effort to address the worldwide shortage of watchmakers.
The Rolex Watchmaking Training Center (RWTC) is located within the Rolex Service Center on North Harwood Street in Uptown Dallas.
The brand said the school, which is currently under construction, will occupy the fourth floor of the building.
It will accept 15 students for the inaugural class, set to commence in September, and 15 in each class thereafter beginning in March and September annually.
RWTC is a tuition-free school that will offer an 18-month program during which students will receive technical training alongside more conceptual education.
Six months of the program will be spent focusing on the repair and service of Rolex watches. It is the only program in the United States to offer this, according to Rolex.
“For decades, mechanical watchmaking has been experiencing a resurgence as new customers learn to appreciate the tradition and craftsmanship that goes into making these special timekeepers. But crucially, there aren’t enough watchmakers to keep up,” the brand states on the school’s newly launched website.
“The goal of the Rolex Watchmaking Training Center is to play a vital role in preserving the art and heritage of watchmaking while equipping a new generation of watchmakers with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the industry. We expect employment opportunities to continue to be plentiful across North America and beyond.”
The center is not Rolex’s first watchmaking school in the United States.
The brand has operated the Lititz Watch Technicum in Lititz, Pennsylvania, since 2001. Like the RWTC in Dallas, the school shares space with one of the brand’s service centers.
Rolex confirmed that the Lititz school is still open but declined to comment when asked what the opening of RWTC will mean for its future.
The brand also has a training center in Geneva, Switzerland.
Related stories will be right here …
The Rolex Watchmaking Training Center (RWTC) is located within the Rolex Service Center on North Harwood Street in Uptown Dallas.
The brand said the school, which is currently under construction, will occupy the fourth floor of the building.
It will accept 15 students for the inaugural class, set to commence in September, and 15 in each class thereafter beginning in March and September annually.
RWTC is a tuition-free school that will offer an 18-month program during which students will receive technical training alongside more conceptual education.
Six months of the program will be spent focusing on the repair and service of Rolex watches. It is the only program in the United States to offer this, according to Rolex.
“For decades, mechanical watchmaking has been experiencing a resurgence as new customers learn to appreciate the tradition and craftsmanship that goes into making these special timekeepers. But crucially, there aren’t enough watchmakers to keep up,” the brand states on the school’s newly launched website.
“The goal of the Rolex Watchmaking Training Center is to play a vital role in preserving the art and heritage of watchmaking while equipping a new generation of watchmakers with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the industry. We expect employment opportunities to continue to be plentiful across North America and beyond.”
The center is not Rolex’s first watchmaking school in the United States.
The brand has operated the Lititz Watch Technicum in Lititz, Pennsylvania, since 2001. Like the RWTC in Dallas, the school shares space with one of the brand’s service centers.
Rolex confirmed that the Lititz school is still open but declined to comment when asked what the opening of RWTC will mean for its future.
The brand also has a training center in Geneva, Switzerland.
RWTC also is not the only watch school in the Dallas area.
The Neuchâtel, Switzerland-based Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program, or WOSTEP, operates the North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking in Fort Worth.
WOSTEP has schools worldwide that are operated in partnership with brands; its partner in Fort Worth is the Richemont Group, which owns Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, Baume & Mercier, and Cartier, among others.
(WOSTEP also has a school in Miami it operates in partnership with Swatch Group, the Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School.)
Those interested in applying to become members of RWTC’s inaugural class can do so on the center’s website.
The deadline to apply for the program is April 15. Prospective students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
There is no cost to attend RWTC, and students receive an $1,800 month stipend for living expenses.
Rolex also covers the cost of flying to its headquarters in Geneva to take the final exam.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Watchmaking is not the only facet of the jewelry industry in need of skilled manpower.
There is also a need for bench jewelers, a problem myriad organizations are trying to address including MJSA and the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Late last year, BIJC announced plans for a new bench jeweler education program aimed at high school students.
The program is taking place this school year, and the curriculum focuses on gem-setting, laser repair, casting, and molding.
“Our collective goal is to make it known that these jobs exist and there’s a real need for new bench jeweler talent in the industry,” Annie Doresca, BIJC past president, said at the time the program was announced in September.
There is also a need for bench jewelers, a problem myriad organizations are trying to address including MJSA and the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
Late last year, BIJC announced plans for a new bench jeweler education program aimed at high school students.
The program is taking place this school year, and the curriculum focuses on gem-setting, laser repair, casting, and molding.
“Our collective goal is to make it known that these jobs exist and there’s a real need for new bench jeweler talent in the industry,” Annie Doresca, BIJC past president, said at the time the program was announced in September.
More on Watches
The Latest
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
