Watchmaking... The ancient craft of the future
At Paris Junior College they like to give a hairspring an even break ! For some reason a watch never comes to the students unless there is something wrong with it. For centuries people have been breaking timepieces and it does not look as if that will ever change. As apprentices have done for close to 500 years, today they still must learn the heart and soul of a watch. With dedication and practice, skills develop that breath new life back into tiny, fascinating little machines." its a black art , not a cookbook " as one of them likes to put it. Since 1942 people have come to Paris to learn watch repair. They have become part of a worldwide family. If They go anywhere in the world and meet fellow watch aficionados they will most likely both know some of the same people. Over the years hundreds of Watchmaking students from all over the globe have started careers and developed lifelong friendships in Paris, Texas. Watchmaking truly is an international language.
Mechanical wrist watches are the primary focus. The courses at TIJT cover
the basics as well as automatics,
calendars, timers and chronographs. After all , thats where the money is being
made. The procedures taught include nomenclature, material
systems, cleaning, lubrication, hairspring manipulations,
jeweling, escapements, regulation and the dynamics of timekeeping
to name a few. These are hands on courses with lectures and
demonstrations designed to prepare the apprentice to be a
professional watch repairer. Sorry , if You are looking for
some sort of hobby shop class this isn't it. However, if Your
seriously considering this trade as your life's work then read on.
Turning is an important requirement for any watchmaker.
Lathe projects produced to blue print specs. of 1/100 mm or less
are the norm. Staffs , stems , threading, pivot polishing ,
turning between centers
and tempering are carried out.
If your interested in being more then a parts changer and
You want to run with the bad
dogs then get good with a graver "
To See Recent Photos of the Class Click here.
Micromechanics is actually starting from scratch and making
tools and working watch parts. 'Sound tough? , Well it can be at
times. If You are first grounded in the proper techniques of fine
metal working Your chances of success are much better. Crude
actions such as hammer, twist and bend must evolve to become form
, shape and fashion. It is an art.
Electronic watches namely Quartz
in all the different forms are
presented. State of the art timeing equipment and an extensive
inventory of movements and technical information assures that
training in this rapidly changing area of the business stays
current. Accutrons are offered as an elective. TIJT is the only
school that can still offer training for all facets of tuning fork movements both American
and Swiss. Sure they are hard to come by, that is all the more reason to
learn to repair them....they are collectable !
Tools for the Horology Program may be purchased
with a payment plan. Tuition is based on residency status for 12
credit hours All courses are done in residence at the
Applied Science Complex on the Campus of Paris Junior College in
Paris ,Texas. Enrollment for all courses is in Fall, Spring and
Summer. Classes meet Monday thru Thursday 8:00a.m. to
4:00p.m.during Fall and Spring and 7:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. in Summer.Housing and area cost of living rank as some of the
most affordable in the nation according to a recent alpha dollar
comparision done by Coldwell Banker. Recently Paris was named one
of the top 100 small towns in America! 
To See The list of Required Courses Click here.
To See Recent Photos of the Class Click here.
Special Thanks to Professional Jeweler
For Awarding Cooltime
Jewelry Site of the Week
