To learn watchmaking, two major approaches now compete: joining a traditional in-person school or opting for online training. Each path has its advantages depending on your life plans.

Traditional schools offer a rigid academic framework and direct supervision. However, they require devoting several years full-time, often living close to Switzerland or the major French schools, and places are very limited. For someone working or retraining, this option is sometimes simply not feasible.

Online training offers total freedom. It adapts to your schedule and lets you learn from anywhere. Thanks to high-definition macro video technology and 3D animations, theoretical and visual understanding is now remarkably effective.

For a point-by-point comparison of cost, pace, entry requirements and hand skills, read how to learn watchmaking online — and see the four units of our online watchmaking course.

At Décalibre, we combine the rigour of a traditional school programme with the absolute flexibility of digital learning. Discover our curriculum and study at your own pace.

To see what Swiss schools actually teach, read our review of Ten Swiss watchmaking schools, and of the manual they use, Théorie d'horlogerie.