History of WOSTEP

2024
  • 2022

    New: Our new 1-year program "Customer Service Watchmaker Program" is now given in Neuchâtel. 

     

  • 2020

    New: The different techniques related to polishing course has been splitted on 3 different courses.

    1) Lapping course

    2) Preperation techniques course

    3) Final finishing techniques course

    Director: Johann Kunz-Fernandez

  • 2019

    New 5-day course: Lapping course

    New parternship between FHH Academy and WOSTEP which gives birth to a day of introduction to watchmaking!

    First meeting of school principals is held in Neuchâtel.

    The fifth Forum is held in Neuchâtel with the participation of teachers from Partnership schools. 

  • 2018

    New: Train the Trainers - Teachers development program, a new course given by the WOSTEP Foundation and Exprimerie. 

    Director ad: Marco Schommer

     

  • 2016

    WOSTEP celebrates its 50 years in watchmaking education.

    The Worldwide Partnership celebrates its 20th anniversary.

    The fourth WOSTEP Forum is held in Neuchâtel.

    President: Patrick Jaton

  • 2015

    New 3-day course: Introduction to polishing

  • 2014

    The WOSTEP 1800-hour program, recognised by the CP and the SEFRI, is introduced to the Worldwide Partnership.

    The first W-01 school watches are completed by students of the Worldwide Partnership.

    The third WOSTEP Forum is held in Neuchâtel.

  • 2013

    First 4-month Customer Service polishing technician program.

    Intermediate examinations are updated for the WOSTEP 3000-hour program now involving complete and encased product.

    The pivot gauge examination is phased out and the balance staff examination is introduced.

    Specialised tooling is developed by WOSTEP for the Worldwide Partnership.

  • 2012

    3-week pilot course in polishing

    Development of the 4-month CS Polishing Technician Program

    The WOSTEP in-house school watch calibre W-01 is introduced to the Partnership.

    Students who excel in the W-01 project are given the opportunity to submit their piece to C.O.S.C for chronometer certification.

    The second WOSTEP Forum is held in Neuchâtel.

  • 2010

    Development of the school watch WOSTEP 01.

    The first WOSTEP Forum is held in Neuchâtel, instructors and industry representatives attend from around the World.

    The WOSTEP 640-hour Encasing Technician program is introduced to the Worldwide Partnership.

  • 2009

    OFIAMT (Swiss Federal Office for Industry, Trade and Labour) and the OPET (Swiss Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology) now called SEFRI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) recognise the 3'000-hour WOSTEP program which becomes an official part of adult watchmaking education in Switzerland.

  • 2008

    Introduction of the Encasing Technician program.

  • 2007

    The Worldwide Partnership graduates 12 sessions in 6 countries.

  • 2006

    WOSTEP 40th anniversary.

    Creation of the WOSTEP Foundation.

    President: Maître Jean-Patrice Hofner

  • 2005

    WOSTEP has over 100 members including representatives of the leading watch brands, manufacturers of movements and complicated watches, retailers in Switzerland and abroad, watchmaking organisations, allied trades and firms that manufacture electronic and workshop equipment, spare parts and tools.

     

  • 2004

    The Worldwide Partnership defines required infrastructure and provides additional services to promote the highest standards in watchmaking education worldwide.

  • 2003

    The Worldwide Partnership now provides examinations in English, French, German, Japanese, Swedish and Mandarin.

    Director: Marteen Pieters

  • 2002

    The WOSTEP Foundation offers now 27 courses for watchmakers, teachers and sales people in 4 languages.

  • 1999

    8 schools graduate students in the United Kingdom, United States of America and France.

  • 1998

    The Worldwide Partnership develops educational models for classroom instruction.

  • 1997

    5 of the first Worldwide Partnership schools graduate their first students of the 3000-hour program.

    The Partnership is now implemented in English, French and German speaking schools.

  • 1996

    WOSTEP celebrates its 30th anniversary and inaugurates its new premises.

    Presentation of the World-wide Partnership to 10 new English-speaking watchmaking schools.

  • 1995

    Presentation of the World-wide Partnership to 9 French-speaking watchmaking schools.

    5 schools introduce the 3'000-hour program.

  • 1994

    The concept of the Worldwide Partnership is first presented to offer opportunities Worldwide to budding watchmakers.

    The methodical guide for the 3000-hour watch repairer program is published.

  • 1991

    WOSTEP celebrates its 25th anniversary.

  • 1989

    Some training sessions and education programs offered in Neuchâtel are also offered around the world.

  • 1986

    WOSTEP becomes a non-profit association with 23 members. Mr. Roland Frêne is the president.

  • 1984

    First session of the course on complicated watches.

  • 1977

    The Refresher Course is now a 20-week session held twice a year.

  • 1976

    Director: Mr. Antoine Simonin

  • 1970

    The Refresher Course is opened to watchmakers from all over the world.

  • 1966

    WOSTEP opens in Neuchâtel with a 1-year course for North American watchmakers. 

    Director: André Farine