THE TRAINING CENTER

How did you get involved in watchmaking, and what does the Watchmaking training program include?

Since childhood, I was fascinated by discovering the internal workings of electronic and electrical devices. I loved holding a screwdriver, even if I didn’t yet know how to use it properly.
A close family friend, whom I consider the "spiritual father" of my profession, noticed my ability to work with my hands and understand how mechanical parts function together. He suggested that I pursue watchmaking.
I completed a three-year program at the Greek Public School of Watchmaking, earning my degree in Watchmaking. After graduation, I worked in various Greek companies as a:

• Watch Technician
• Customer Service Manager
• Technical Consultant
• Sales & Service Department Director
• Assistant Technical Director at Rolex Hellas S.A. for eight years

Later, I worked as:

• Administrative Consultant for the P. Kyriakidis Group of Companies
• Watchmaking Instructor at the Greek Public School of Watchmaking

In 2012, I passed the entrance exams for WOSTEP, the Swiss watchmaking school, considered one of the world’s leading independent watchmaking institutes. After graduating, I returned to Greece and founded Watchmaking, the first private Lifelong Learning Center for Watchmaking.
Our school offers training programs, technical department management, workshop setup, and repair & maintenance services for all types of watches.
 
Watchmaking Training Program

The Watchmaking curriculum consists of one academic year:

• Two five-month training cycles
• Total duration: 10 months (684 hours)
• Classes run from September to June

Our training programs are fully recognized by the Greek government and provide a state-issued certificate of knowledge. However, like all Lifelong Learning Centers, Watchmaking does not issue a public vocational license.
Graduates can continue their education abroad by pursuing a postgraduate degree through private international programs.
We also offer:

• Fast-track courses for those with prior watchmaking experience
• Specialized watchmaking seminars
• A 3-day workshop for watch enthusiasts & hobbyists

Why Did You Choose to Return to Greece Instead of Working in Switzerland?

I have always believed that Greece has great potential, as long as there is willpower and determination—even if the government is not always supportive.
Patriotism, family, and my desire to create something new and innovative motivated me to return to Greece. Despite the economic crisis, I worked hard to establish the first private Watchmaking Lifelong Learning Center in Athens.
Although Switzerland offers a high quality of life, the culture and lifestyle are very different from Greece.
And no matter how many years pass, in any foreign country, you will always be seen as "the outsider."

What Skills Does a Watchmaker Need? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Interested in This Profession?

I would highly encourage any young person to pursue watchmaking!
A successful watchmaker needs:

• Patience
• Perseverance
• Discipline
• Attention to cleanliness
• Focus & precision
• Courage & a touch of perfectionism

Watchmaking is closely linked to micromechanics, making it an exciting career whether one becomes a:

• Watch technician
• Watch designer
• Watch manufacturer

As long as humans need to measure time, watchmaking will always remain relevant and fascinating.

thediplomat.gr - 13 June 2016
To Chara Pagkaloy
See the Article