Watch Technology Institute

Thank you to the for their generous support of the WTI program and its students. For 2023, 5 current and incoming students received scholarships across 3 different categories. The school itself also received a Howard Robbins Award to continue its horological mission.

Nearing the end of the year, which means WTI is renewing its membership to the AWCI. As 1 of 6 schools in the Research & Education Council (REC), our students benefit by receiving a free year of membership in this trade association. Students get access to online educational resources, monthly copies of the Horological Times, and deeper engagement with the industry. Happy to join the Lititz Watch Technicum, North American Inst. of Swiss Watchmaking, Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, Paris Junior College, and Gem City College in developing watchmaking education in the US!

An example of the student-made Incabloc pushers and anvils.

Threads are the last major manufacturing topic covered before the end of Fall quarter. Students learn to cut threads using taps and dies on their watchmaking lathes. With a little bit of planning and clean-up from a graver, two pieces can be joined easily and securely. Students are tasked with making a hand-pushing stylus along with multiple tips. The tips can be made from polycarbonate, acrylic, PEEK, polyimide, or vulcanized fiber rod stock.

Some scenes from this week as students make center punches, barrel closers, and Horia bits.