Horology Certificate Program ~ Course Overview ~ Grading Criteria


Dress Code : All students must wear white lab coats.
This is a industry standard.
( long sleave, knee length , button front)
No open toed shoes are allowed in the lab.


A 10X eye loupe or double loupe if you wear glasses is required.
Eye loupes are available in the tool kit. Students may wish to
procure them before the course starts to get used to wearing them.
They are available through most Watch Material Supply Houses such as Borel.

Begin Program

Basic Horology I -Grading Criteria HRGY 1319 Intro to Hand Tools ,Organization,Cooperation,Completion of paper work ,Measuring Tools ,Nomenclature,Accuracy Development of hand eye coordination, Part identification, avoiding broken or lost parts, Clean work, tools, bench laypout, Material Systems, Accurate watch identification, Part number identification, Clarity of paper work, Crowns, Crystals, Gaskets, Case tubes, Proper type and fit of crowns, Proper type and fit of gasket, Proper type and fit of gaskets, Proper type and fit of case tubes, Proper appearance with case style, ~~ Intro to Cleaning Lecture/Written test questions Hairspring Theroy Lecture/Written test questions

Basic Horology II - Grading Criteria HRGY 1320 Basic Cleaning and Overhauling Proper care and use of watch cleaning machines as per instruction. Layout of cleaning work area, Techniques for watch cleaning to industry standards with no dirt, residue, rust , foreign matter left on watches after cleaning and overhauling. Proper oiling techniques, Proper use of other lubricants. Proper care of watch projects without loss or damage to components. General overall appearance of project when turned in. Introduction to Hairspring Truing Project hairsprings are first distorted by the instructor and must be formed back to original shape on frosted glass using tweezers. Grading is based on trueness in the round and in the flat of hairsprings corrected by the student. This will determine pass or fail of the project. The spring is either good or it is not. Attention to detail in the degree of accuracy, cleanliness and the absence of scratches and other damage also affect the grade. Appearance is also important as is the neatness of the work area and tools.

Basic Horology III - Grading Criteria HRGY 1321 Hairspring Truing Stage#2 Continuation of Intro. To Hairsprings from HRGY 1320. Grading is based on trueness in the round and in the flat of hairsprings corrected by the student. The spring is either up to industry standards or it is not. Attention to detail in the degree of accuracy, cleanliness and the absence of scratches and other damage will affect the grade. Appearance is also important as is the neatness of the work area and tools. Train Wheel Truing Train wheels distorted by the instructor are corretcted by the student. Grading is based on trueness in the round and in the flat of the finished wheel. Nine ( 9 ) watch train wheels and three( 3 ) train wheel in selected watches are trued in this project. The wheels are either up to industry standards or not. Attention to detail in the degree of accuracy, cleanliness and the absence of scratches and other damage will affect the grade. Appearance is also important as is the neatness of the work area and tools. Balance Staff Fitting Knowledge or staff nomenclature and the relationship to the balance wheel are a factor in assuring a precise and secure fit in the staffing process. Accurate ordering, cleanliness, tool selection and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage on projects will affect the grade. Staff Removal Knowledge or staff nomenclature and the relationship to the balance wheel are a factor in assuring a precise removal of balance staffs from balance wheels. Nine( 9 ) Wheels are used in this project. Accuracy, cleanliness, tool selection and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage on projects will affect the grade. Balance Truing Knowledge or staff nomenclature and the relationship to the balance wheel are a factor in assuring a precise truing of balance wheels. Nine( 9 ) Wheels are used in this project. Accuracy, cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage on projects will affect the grade. Poising Proper knowledge of the theory and practice of balance wheel poising are essential. Nine ( 9 ) wheels are used in this project. Accuracy, cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage on projects will affect the grade. Fit Hairsprings Proper knowledge of the theory and practice of hairspring installation are essential. Nine ( 9 ) wheels are used in this project. Proper alignment of the installation, Accuracy, cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage on projects will affect the grade. Balance Theory Lecture / Testable Staff 11 Ligne Mens Watch Replace the balance staff, Clean , Overhaul , and electronically time a gents 11 ½ ligne mechanical wrist watch. Accuracy in part ordering, installation of the staff cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage will affect the grade. The overall appearance on projects and the daily rate ( gain or loss of time when running) and positional errors of the finished watch are also key grading factors

Basic Horology IV - Grading Criteria HRGY 1322 Staff 10 Ligne Mens Watch Replace the balance staff, Clean , Overhaul , and electronically time a gents 10 ligne mechanical wrist watch. Accuracy in part ordering, installation of the staff cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage will affect the grade. The overall appearance on projects and the daily rate ( gain or loss of time when running) and positional errors of the finished watch are also key grading factors Staff 6 ¾ Ligne Ladies Watch Replace the balance staff, Clean , Overhaul , and electronically time a gents 6 ¾ ligne mechanical wrist watch. Accuracy in part ordering, installation of the staff cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage will affect the grade. The overall appearance on projects and the daily rate ( gain or loss of time when running) and positional errors of the finished watch are also key grading factors Hairspring Pinning Collet and stud nine ( 9 ) wrist watch hairsprings. Proper pinning of these components are necessary to assure a secure and accurate fit . Selection of component collet and studs , centering of the collet , leveling the spring at the collet, collet and stud pin fitting and finishing , leveling of the stud are key factors. Removal of these components will then be performed. Accuracy , cleanliness, tool selection, tool use and organization are key points. Scratches, loss of parts and other damage will affect the grade.

Month 4 End of 1st Semester

Start of Second Semester

Intermediate Horology I - Grading Criteria HRGY 2301 Roller Jewels Roller jewel selection, removal, installation and alignment are to be performed to industry standards. Heat control and proper use of shelac in the installation process and security of the fit of the roller jewel are essential. Time keeping of the finished watch will be concidered the ultimate test of a satisfactory installation. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts. Six ( 6 ) unmounted roller tables will be fitted with roller jewels and roller jewels will also be fitted to three ( 3 ) watches One 1 1 1/2 ligne ~ One 10 ligne ~ One 6 3/4 ligne Pallet Jewels Pallet jewel selection, removal, installation and alignment are to be performed to industry standards. Heat control and proper use of shelac in the installation process and security of the fit of the Pallet jewels are essential. Time keeping of the finished watch will be concidered the ultimate test of a satisfactory installation. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts. Pallet jewels will be removed and installed in six ( 6 ) pallet forks Guard Fingers Guard Finger selection, removal, installation and adjustment are to be performed to industry standards. Security of the fit of the Guard Pin is essential. Time keeping of the finished watch will be concidered the ultimate test of a satisfactory installation. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts. Guard fingers will be removed and installed in six ( 6 ) pallet forks Pallet Arbors Pallet arbor selection, removal, installation and adjustment are to be performed to industry standards. Security of the fit and the adjustment of the hieght of the pallet arbor is essential. Time keeping of the finished watch will be concidered the ultimate test of a satisfactory installation. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts. Pallet Arbors will be removed and installed in six ( 6 ) pallet forks Escapements Having performed sequential repairs to escapement components the student will now perform matched escapement set ups using a large scale model of the detached lever escapement. ( admirably know in the trade as "The Crib Toy" ) After satisfactory sequential adjustment of the escapement model the student will perform escapement repairs/adjustments on three ( 3 ) watches One 1 1 1/2 ligne ~ One 10 ligne ~ One 6 3/4 ligne Time keeping of the finished watches will be concidered the ultimate test of a satisfactory Repairs. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts.

Intermediate Horology II - Grading Criteria HRGY 2302 Hairspring Adjustments The student will correct instructor introduced hairspring errors . Designed to develop confidence and job speed this unit of instruction stresses centering and leveling the hairspring to the balance bridge, formation of the hairspring concentric curve, adjustment at the regulator pin and swiss key and corrective bends. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade. Regulator Pin Adjustments The student will correct , adjust and trouble shooting problems of regulator pins. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade. Hairsprings in the Watch The student will correct instructor introduced hairspring errors in watch movements. Designed to develop confidence and job speed this unit of instruction stresses centering and leveling the hairspring without removal from the watch, formation of the hairspring concentric curve, adjustment at the regulator pin and swiss key and corrective bends. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade. Swiss Key Function and Replacement Friction Jeweling

Intermediate Horology III - Grading Criteria HRGY 2303 16 Point Check System Given various wristwatches of different sizes and manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, hairspring work and care of the crystal, case ,dial and hands are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. 10 watches are normally completed by the average student , 16 by ‘ B‘ level students and more then 20 by ‘A’ level students. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. The complete 16 point check system is detailed in a technical manual in the horology classroom. The steps are to be listed from memory on the written final exam.

Intermediate Horology IV - Grading Criteria HRGY 2304 Advanced Hairspring Work Continuation of hairspring adjustment and repairs in operating watch movements. The student will correct instructor introduced overcoil as well as flat hairspring errors to assure the watches proper time keeping as tested by electronic testing equipment . Designed to develop confidence and job speed this unit of instruction stresses centering and leveling the hairspring to the balance bridge, formation of the hairspring concentric curve, adjustment at the regulator pin and swiss key and corrective bends. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade. Removal of Tangles The student will remove tangles and knots from hairsprings without damage to the spring. Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade as will Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade. Adjustment at Regulator Student will adjust the regulator pins and keys in watches with both flat and overcoil hairsprings to assure the watches proper time keeping as tested by electronic testing equipment Correcting Hairspring Positional Errors Hairsprings will be adjust in project watches to compensate for errors in the watches position as checked on electronic testing equipment. Forming Overcoils Overcoil hairsprings will be formed to blueprint specification using the Loosier Curve design. Accuracy of the formation or this curve in the round and in the flat will be subject to very close inspection . The absence of unnecessary bends will be vital in producing an acceptable project Large , medium and small hairsprings will be used in these projects and will be form evolving to the left and evolving to the right. Vibrating a Hairspring To a Watch The student will be provided a ETA 6497 watch movement , a collet, a stud, a hairspring, stud pins, roller table , balance staff and balance wheel . The student will staff and true the balance wheel, install the roller and static poise the balance. The student will vibrate the hairspring to the balance to insure it proper operating frequency of 18000 beats per hour using a vibrating tool. The student will the center the hairspring to the balance bridge . the watch will then be clean , oiled and timed and adjust to correct positional errors using electronic test equipment . The overall accuracy of the work and time keeping will affect the grade Neatness of the work area and cleanliness of the project will affect the grade . Scratches , damage, broken and lost parts will effect the project grade.

Month 8 ~ End of Second Semester
Start 3rd Semester

Intermediate Horology V - Grading Criteria HRGY 2305 Gravers Grinding to shape , hardening and heat treating , lapping and mirror polishing 6 tool steel gravers for the watchmakers lathe. The gravers properly hardened tempered as to be able to cut drill rod steel. The shape must be kept square and the cutting edges must be razor sharp. 18 hours Unless otherwise stated all watchmakers lathe projects must be held to blueprint specification of Tolerance : Diameters ~ .001 mm + .000mm , - .001mm Lenths ~ + - .10mm Projects must be without scratches, dents or other surface irregularities and must be polished unless stated otherwise. 4mm double shoulder brass 4mm double shoulder steel 0.5mm double shoulder brass 0.5mm double shoulder steel 0.2mm double shoulder brass 0.2mm double shoulder steel

Intermediate Horology VI - Grading Criteria HRGY 2306 Unless otherwise stated all watchmakers lathe projects must be held to blueprint specification of Tolerance : Diameters ~ .001 mm + .000mm , - .001mm Lenths ~ + - .10mm Projects must be without scratches, dents or other surface irregularities and must be polished unless stated otherwise. 0.5mm cone pivot brass 0.5mm cone pivot steel 0.2mm cone pivot brass 0.2mm cone pivot steel 12mm Balance Staff 6mm Balance Staff 21mm Stem in Brass

Intermediate Horology VII - Grading Criteria HRGY 2307 Unless otherwise stated all watchmakers lathe projects must be held to blueprint specification of Tolerance : Diameters ~ .001 mm + .000mm , - .001mm Lenths ~ + - .10mm Projects must be without scratches, dents or other surface irregularities and must be polished unless stated otherwise. 19mm Stem in Steel Stem for Watch Cut off Balance Hubs Screwdriver Project (intro to repivoting exercise) Pivot Repairs/ Jacot Tool Burnish Train wheel Pivots Burnish Balance Pivots Automatic Watches Nomenclature/Materials and Ordering Parts Trouble Shooting Automatics

Intermediate Horology VIII - Grading Criteria HRGY 2308 Automatic Watches Given various automatic wristwatches of different sizes and manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. The process will follow the same order as the 16 point check used in HRGY 2303. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, hairspring work and care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. 20-25 watches are normally completed by the average student , 25-35 by ‘ B‘ level students and more then 35 by ‘A’ level students. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. The complete 16 point check system is detailed in a technical manual in the horology classroom.

Month 12 ~ End 3rd Semester
Start 4th Semester

Advanced Horology Systems I -Grading Criteria HRGY 2341 Timers / Stop Watches Given various Stop Watches / Timers of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. The process will follow the same order as the 16 point check used in HRGY 2303. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, hairspring work and care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. 6 Stop Watches / Timers are to be completed. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. The complete 16 point check system is detailed in a technical manual in the horology classroom. Simple Chronographs Given various Simple Chronographs of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. The process will follow the same order as the 16 point check used in HRGY 2303. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, hairspring work and care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. 6 - 8 Simple Chronographs are to be completed. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. The complete 16 point check system is detailed in a technical manual in the horology classroom.

Advanced Horology Systems II -Grading Criteria HRGY 2342 Calendar and Automatic Chronographs Given various Calendar and Automatic Chronographs of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. The process will follow the same order as the 16 point check used in HRGY 2303. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, hairspring work and care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. 6 - 8 Calendar and Automatic Chronographs are to be completed. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. The complete 16 point check system is detailed in a technical manual in the horology classroom.

Advanced Horology Systems III Grading Criteria HRGY 2343 Using VOM The student will perform checks of of electronic components using a Watch Multitester. Battery voltage, resistor ohms and circuit amperage will be checked using a component board and readings will be recorded. Systems will be checked using selected batteries in circuit . All readings will be recorded and passed off by the Instructor. Grading will be based on the accuracy of test readings and calculation performed. Neatness of paper work is also a factor. Quartz Analog Given various Quartz Analog Watches of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. There are 15 standard Calibres used in this section although this will depend on availability. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced.

Advanced Horology Systems IV Grading Criteria HRGY 2344 Quartz Chronographs Given various Quartz Chronograph Watches of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, proper oiling , lubricating, care of the crystal, case ,dial , hands and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. There are 3 standard Calibres used in this section although this will depend on availability. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. Quartz Digital Given various Quartz Digital Watches of different manufactures the student will perform the necessary sequential steps to complete overhauls as if they were being prepared for an actual paying customer. Attention to detail in the completion of the watch movement, its time keeping, cleanliness, care of the crystal, case ,dial , and strap or band are to be considered . Scratches, damage and loss of parts will subtract from the overall project grade. A Job work sheet is to be completed for each watch project. Calibres used in this section will depend on availability. Quality of workmanship and difficulty of the projects will be assessed as will the students ability to work independently. Watches that are not repaired to industry standards will not be accepted for grading. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. Water Proof Testing Using the Bergeon 5555 presure tester the student will perform waterproofing checks on watch cases. Grading will be based on the ability to locate leaks in the watch cases and make the necessary adjustments or repairs to insure a water tight seal . Case and Band Repair The student will size and adjust standard watch bands and demonstrate refinishing procedures. Attention to detail in fitting of parts and the accuracy of the refinish/polishing will determine the grade of the projects. Replacements for broken or lost parts will not always be available in the TIJT lab or in the industry, therefore care must be taken to insure that components are not mishandled or misplaced. Electives : Projects Accutrons , Tuning Fork and Balance Wheel Electric Watches

Graduation Recognition Ceremony ~ Award Diplomas Month 16 ~ End of 4th Semester ~ Course Complete