Note: The main teaching language is Finnish.
Applications can be made to our school to study watchmaking or micromechanics through Opintopolku.fi. We organise two-day entrance exams for those students successful in the selection process.
At the end of the application period, applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be sent an invitation to the entrance exams. After registering for the entrance exams, we will send the applicant-specific schedules and any other related information.
As a part of the entrance exam process, preparatory tasks are to be done before the entrance exams. If the applicant’s mother tongue is something other than Finnish, a YKI 3 or B1 level test result is required. A basic education certificate (primary school/high school) and any diplomas from vocational or university studies are required as an attachment to the application.
More information: Eija Karppinen, +94355770, eija.karppinen(at)kelloseppakoulu.fi
Student selection test for watchmaker and micromechanic studies
All applicants with the required basic education are invited to the two-day entrance exams after the application period has ended. The method and length of the selection exam will depend on the number of applicants. The various parts of the entrance exam can also be scheduled for three days. The selection exams will be held on April 15-17, 2024, and are free of charge. They also consist of a psychological suitability assessment and interview, as well as an interview at the watchmaking school and aptitude tests.
Beyond the initial preparatory tasks, there is no need to prepare for the entrance exams. They aim to measure a person’s suitability for the field. Based on the suitability shown in the selection test, 30 new students will be selected, 15 for watchmaking, and 15 for micromechanics.
Notification of selection for watchmaker and micromechanic studies
Student selections will be announced on the website on May 16, 2024, provided the applicant has given permission for the name to be published. Contact by e-mail will be made to all applicants successful in their application. Places not accepted or canceled will be automatically given to the next person in reserve immediately when a place becomes available. The selected student must confirm acceptance of the study place by the date mentioned in the email (June 19, 2024).
The application for watchmaking and micromechanic studies starting in autumn 2024 starts on 1 December 2023 at 12:00 and ends on Friday 22 March 2024 at 12:00.
(Note: You can apply for Artisan (watch and jewellery merchant) studies at any time – more information below.)
Watchmaking Studies
A watchmaker specialises in the repair of clocks, meters, and similar precision devices that require high accuracy, as well as in the manufacture of related parts. They are skilled in creating tools and using the basic instruments of the watch industry, employing correct work methods and materials.
A watchmaker is a top professional in the industry, capable of repairing various types of watches and manufacturing them with parts precise to the hundredth of a millimeter. They often use traditional methods and tools, working by hand.
Watch maintenance and repair, along with the manufacture and finishing of watch parts, are essential components of watchmaking studies. There are many optional courses, including repairing old watches, working with precious metals, and product development. These optional courses are common to both watchmaking and micromechanics students. A watchmaker graduate is qualified to repair and sell watches in retail or wholesale settings or to operate as an independent entrepreneur. Many graduates also find employment in related fields that require precision work skills.
Micromechanic Studies
A micromechanic is an expert in precision craftsmanship, with skills rooted in mechanics and electronics. They are capable of producing prototypes and small series for company product development tasks.
During their training, micromechanics learn about various mechanical watches, which are precise and technically demanding devices. In watch maintenance and repair work, they acquire the skills necessary for handling, assembly, and lubrication of parts. They also learn the cleanliness standards of precision equipment and the techniques for testing and continuously evaluating work quality.
The micromechanic training program has been developed in collaboration with the precision industry. The three-year training includes several periods of on-the-job training at companies in the field. In the final year, micromechanics undertake an independent product development project under the guidance of a supervising teacher.
Graduates from the micromechanics program work in a wide range of fields. They have been employed by space technology companies, machine shops, innovative small industrial companies, companies in the optical sector, instrument technology and medical fields, as well as Finnish and international research institutes.
More information about the studies
Studying in the watchmaking and micromechanics programs is focused on face-to-face learning, primarily on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm. We emphasize the systematic development of manual skills, progressing in an upward direction. Based on our decades of experience, we know this requires extensive work hours and constant guidance from professional teachers. Each student receives a personal study plan based on their previously acquired skills. It is also possible to study through an apprenticeship under the guidance of an experienced workplace instructor. Part-time study alongside work is not an option in our program.
During their studies, students need tools, books, and materials, with total costs ranging from approximately €1900 to €2300, mainly incurred in the first year. These tools and books often serve a long career after school. A computer is also necessary for completing the common parts of the degree (mainly online studies in cooperation with Omnia) and for modeling exercises. For compulsory students, Kellospäppakoulu provides the necessary equipment on loan.
The academic year at the watchmaking school starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. Local teaching begins in early August and concludes at the end of May. There is a one-week break in October, a two-week break at Christmas, and an eight-week break in February.
Artisan Studies
At the watchmaking school, you can pursue an artisan degree through an apprenticeship contract, specialising in demanding sales work in the watch and jewellery industry. Apprenticeship training combines theoretical studies with practical tasks, supported by workplace counselors and professional teachers from Kelloseppäkoulou. This training is suitable for both new employees and those already working in watch and jewelry stores. The contract can also be structured as a training contract, which involves unpaid learning at the workplace. You can read more about the apprenticeship program here.
VIDEOS OF STUDIES
The students of the watchmaking school talk about their studies and their experiences of working in the field.
Lida Lanki
What do watchmaking studies consist of? Lida, a student in the watchmaking school, talks about her watchmaking studies and work experience in the field. Today (Spring 2024) Lida works in Kari Voutilainen's studio in Switzerland.
Rene Valta
Rene, a student in the watchmaking school, tells more about his studies and employment opportunities for watchmakers.
Julli Huikkonen & Eetu Kolppanen
What is the difference between a watchmaker and a micromechanic? The students tell about the studies of micromechanics and watchmakers.
WHY APPLY TO the finnish school of WATCHMAKING?
High-quality teaching
Competent and encouraging teachers.
Years of experience
Training in traditional watchmaking skills since 1944.
Working environment
A warm and close community spirit.
our address
Vanha maantie 11, 02650 Espoo, Suomi