Lititz Watch Technicum
 | |
| Industry | Fine mechanics |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Defunct | July 2025 |
| Headquarters | Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Products | Chronographs Mikromechanics |
| Website | lititzwatchtechnicum.org |
The Lititz Watch Technicum was a watchmaking school located in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and was designed by an architect Michael Graves.[1][2] Founded by Rolex in 2001, the school was created to help make up for the deficiency of skilled watchmakers in the United States.[3][4] In the mid-1970's, there were 44 watchmaking academies in America, but by 2001 the number had dwindled to just ten,[5] and in 2019 only six remained.[6] The 54,000 square foot facility on Wynfield Drive also housed the Rolex service center.[5]
Offering free tuition to its inaugural September 2001 class, Rolex received hundreds of applications, but accepted only twelve students. Ranging age from 17 to 37,[5][7] they were taught in three classrooms over an 11-month academic year, eight hours a day, five days a week.[2] Charles Berthiaume, director of the school, told the Associated Press "[w]ith the shortage of watchmakers, we're literally missing a generation."[7]
The Technicum offered a two-year, 3000+ hour SAWTA (Swiss American Watchmaker's Training Alliance) curriculum. Tuition was free but students paid for the cost of their toolkits, which was around $7,000, along with housing and meals.[8] The program focused on micromechanics and watch service for high-end, luxury watches with a strong emphasis on chronographs.[9]
In 2010, the school, established as a nonprofit foundation, became an educational subsidiary of the Rolex corporation. At the time, principal Herman Mayer was one of its three instructors and 21 students were enrolled.[10]
By 2017, the Lititz Watch Technicum put 148 students through its 3,500 hour training program with an 85% graduation rate.[5]
The school closed in July 2025 and its training programs were moved to Dallas, Texas. The existing service center expanded into the space previously occupied by the school.[11]
References
- ^ "An education in precision - Science". rolex.org. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ a b Arnold, Leslie (July 27, 2001). "Rolex seeks students". Central Penn Business Journal. ProQuest 236230255.
- ^ "Lititz Watch Technicum is Encouraging New Generation of Watchmakers". king5.com. October 18, 2016. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "Watchmaking school opens at new Rolex site in Pennsylvania". September 5, 2001. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Petrosemolo, Art (July 13, 2017). "Timeless Profession: Lilitz Watch Technicum training the next generation of watchmakers". Lilitz Record Express. pp. A1, A18. Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Steele, Allison (December 23, 2019). "He runs time". The Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. A8, A15. Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Strawley, Art (November 23, 2001). "Time to restore a craft: School works to save art of watchmaking". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Associated Press. p. 34, 35. Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Writer, CHAD UMBLE | Staff (December 17, 2017). "6 interesting facts about Lititz". LancasterOnline. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
- ^ "Lititz Watch Technicum is Encouraging New Generation of Watchmakers". king5.com. October 18, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ Umble, Chad (March 4, 2010). "Watch school no longer nonprofit". Intelligencer Journal. p. 16. Retrieved August 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Umble, Chad (August 22, 2025). "Rolex closes its watchfixing school in Lititz, which had deep roots in local watchmaking history". LancasterOnline. Retrieved December 23, 2025.