Rolex to support watchmaking craftsmanship

Watchmaking it's a profession of great tradition and respect, it is a highly specialized skill that takes years to master.

In recent times the demand of luxury watches has been growing and with that the need for watchmakers to take care of them or even manufacture them, so a skilled certified watchmaker is a rarity in today's digital world.

But the problem is that not enough people is choosing this career path.

Fortunately there's people who, like us, appreciate this art and is doing something to keep watchmaking and it's tradition alive and that's Rolex:

"In an effort to keep the industry ticking, Rolex Watch USA Inc. recently gave a $1 million grant to Oklahoma State University’s Okmulgee campus. The five-year partnership will provide funding and logistical support to the school’s watchmaking program."

"Oklahoma State-Okmulgee uses the American Watch and Clock Institute course of study, which is designed to specifically service high-grade watches, officials said. The watchmaking program started in 1946 when the college opened."

"Charles Berthiaume, senior vice president of technical operations for Rolex, said that in the 1970s there were 45 watchmaking programs nationwide; that number has dwindled to about 12. He said several closed when electronic watches caused a shift in the marketplace and many potential watchmakers chose other career paths."

"But the early ’90s saw a resurgence of interest in luxury high-grade watches."

“They remained in the market and customers were looking for a watch of this level and looking at mechanical watches because it represents craftsmanship and more value,” he said. “That interest has not decreased; if anything it continues very strongly.”

“Rolex is one of the companies that enjoy a strong market sale and we noticed these schools needed professional support,” he said. “We are supporting and giving back to the future of the profession.”

Links:

Oklahoma State University

OSU-Okmulgee watchmaking program receives a Rolex