Since the beginning of Rolex, time, precision and craftsmanship have been the keys to creating a timepiece of legendary proportions.  Wilsdorf and Davies recognized that in order to accomplish their vision they would need nothing less than the most skilled artisans. This need has not changed. In a world of instant gratification and mass production, what sets Rolex apart is their everlasting dedication to excellence.  In keeping with this standard, they continually strive to preserve the art of watchmaking by founding their own schools, and also by contributing to other institutions worldwide that teach the craft.

Rolex has created institutes throughout the world, such as the Lititz Watch Technicum in Pennsylvania, in the United States, the Tokyo Watch Technicum in Japan, and the Rolex Training Centre in India.  These schools take a select number of students through an intense two-year program which prepares them for the rigorous demands of the watchmaking industry.  While these schools serve a small sampling of apprentices, Rolex recognizes that a larger degree of artisans can be reached through the watchmaking programs of other institutions.

Over the years, Rolex has provided funding to several US colleges to develop and maintain exemplary watchmaking programs.   In 2000, the North Seattle Community College was awarded a 5-year, $1 million grant for their Watch Technology Institute, a Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Education Program (WOSTEP) partnership school.  In 2005, their grant was renewed.   In 2004, another 5-year, $1 million grant was established for Saint Paul College in Minnesota to underwrite their Watchmaking and Micro Mechanical Technology program.  The latest institution to receive the benefits of Rolex funding is Oklahoma State University.  In February, 2008, Rolex awarded a 5-year, $1 million grant to their Watchmaking and Microtechnology program.

Rolex understands that, without continued financial support for superior watchmaking education, this art form will surely dwindle away to nothing.   Rolex wants to ensure that the industry will continue to thrive not just for their sake, but as a whole.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pm and is filed under Rolex Culture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.