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
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
