Swatch Group is paying tribute to the graduates of the Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School who completed their studies in the summer.
Based in Miami, the school has now trained scores of watchmakers over since its first intake 20 years ago.
Graduates have completed an intensive 1,800-hour course that covers the fundamentals of micromechanics and the servicing of both mechanical and quartz watches.
The curriculum is integrated directly with the Swatch Group’s on-site customer service center, giving students hands-on training.
Swatch Group covers their tuition fees and offers every graduate a place in one of its service centers.
“Thanks to our group’s founder and the namesake of our school, Mr. Nicolas G. Hayek, Senior, who had a vision for such a program, we have celebrated 20 years since our school began with so many amazing students being taught and made so many great memories during that time,” a statement from Swatch Group describes.
The school is a vital part of Swatch Group’s operation in the United States, with graduates emerging with highly-demanded skills.
Many graduates are hired by the Swatch Group, with potential employment opportunities at prestigious brands such as Omega, Breguet, and Longines in service centers located in Miami, New Jersey, Los Angeles and Seattle.
“Mr. Hayek knew that fine timepieces were meant to be worn, enjoyed and passed along for generations. He wanted to make sure that when a customer invested in a Swiss watch, they would have the assurance of properly trained professionals to keep them working for years to come,” Swatch Group says.
Arnaud Michon, president for Swatch Group US and CEO for Omega USA, posted a congratulatory message to the graduates of 2025.
“Twenty years ago, this school was founded with a clear mission: to preserve and perpetuate the art of watchmaking in North America. Since then, every year, talented students have been trained, certified, and welcomed into the Swatch Group family. To all our graduates past and present: thank you for carrying forward a tradition of precision, passion, and artistry,” he says.
