There are less than 2,000 watchmakers in the U.S., so Rolex has opened a trade school in Texas to tackle the shortage-it's already rivaling Harvard | Fortune

"The luxury watch manufacturer launched its Watchmaking Training Center in 2023, and in the years since, has trained dozens in the art of making timepieces. The program emerged from a haunting truth: the craft was dying out, with fewer than 2,000 professional watchmakers left in the U.S., according to recent reporting from GQ."

"In 2024, more than 560 applications applied to the Rolex program's 27 open spots. That's a 4.82% acceptance rate-nearly as competitive as getting into Harvard University. The 18-month program has admitted a whole host of talent: from indecisive students and college dropouts, to recent high school graduates, ex office workers, and blue-collar professionals."

"Once trainees wrap up the program, they have one last task to become professional watchmakers: take the Rolex final exam at its headquarters in Geneva. If they pass, they become Rolex-certified watchmakers, and could earn an average annual salary of $95,000 (£70,000), according to GQ."

Rolex established its Watchmaking Training Center in 2023 to combat the declining watchmaking profession, which has fewer than 2,000 professional watchmakers remaining in the U.S. Despite this shortage, Rolex sells over one million watches annually. The 18-month tuition-free program in Dallas accepts candidates from diverse backgrounds, including students, high school graduates, office workers, and blue-collar professionals with no prior watchmaking experience. The program achieved a 4.82% acceptance rate in 2024, comparable to Harvard's selectivity. Trainees study Rolex watch design, machinery, and repair techniques. Upon completion, graduates must pass a final exam at Rolex's Geneva headquarters to become certified watchmakers, with average salaries reaching $95,000 annually.

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