Timeless Triumph: Unveiling Geneva's New Watchmaking Campus

Geneva Watchmaking Campus

Switzerland's renowned watchmaking industry boasts ample financial resources for production facilities. However, the critical shortage lies in a skilled workforce. By 2028, it's projected that we'll face a deficit of 4,000 workers, exacerbating the demand from manufacturers, which currently employ 60,000 individuals.

Growth

While initiatives like Rolex's announcement of a new factory in Bulle, creating 2,000 jobs over the next decade, are commendable, long-term planning is crucial. Despite a projected industry downturn in 2024 due to global economic challenges, strategic foresight is imperative. Following a record-breaking 2023 and a minor setback in 2024, the industry anticipates a resurgence by the end of the decade.

The new Campus

With this backdrop, the inauguration of Switzerland's oldest watchmaking school's new premises is a significant milestone. The modern facilities, conducive to interdisciplinary learning, will accommodate over 300 students. However, meeting the industry's escalating demand for skilled talent remains a challenge.

The new campus, nestled in the heart of Geneva's watchmaking hub, Plan-les-Ouates, boasts proximity to renowned manufacturers like Patek Philippe and Rolex. Supported by the Wilsdorf Foundation, this initiative aligns with governmental efforts to foster employment in a vital sector of the Swiss economy.

Partnerships between manufacturers and the school, including dual career paths, further enrich the educational experience. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with 3D printers and material analysis tools, ensuring they're well-prepared for the workforce.

Traditional craftsmanship remains integral to the curriculum, with courses covering intricate skills like block polishing and movement decoration. The school's tradition of crafting a pocket watch, in collaboration with Chopard's L.U.C. manufacture, upholds rigorous quality standards.

Despite producing fewer watches, the industry's labor demands surge due to increased complexity and the pursuit of in-house movements. This shift necessitates a skilled workforce adept in modern techniques.

In conclusion, the Geneva School of Watchmaking's new campus marks a significant step in addressing the industry's workforce challenges. While mourning the loss of Director Pierre Amstutz, whose vision shaped this endeavor, we celebrate the collective effort that brings this institution to new heights.