Comments on: Watchmaking is Monotonous

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:42:08 +0000

If you don’t get in this year and you don’t want to wait a full year you might consider one of the schools that have a January Start, I believe that includes OSU.

By: alan

alan — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:25:04 +0000

Thanks again for the insight! that information is extremely helpful. I’m really looking forward to the hands on part and finding out whether or not I will be a good fit. I like to think I would be but there’s only one way to really find out. I don’t think I would be totally upset if I had to wait until next year, and if all goes well, I’m definitely planning on at least doing that. It would be nice to get in there right away and get started but at the same time, it wouldn’t be so bad to wait as I have to make the move essentially across the country (I’m in cincinnati, oh). But I really look forward to checking out the school and getting started. Oh and that’s great news about finding work related to the field. I hadn’t even anticipated that! Thanks again for your input and good luck in there. I hear it’s not exactly easy, haha.

By: Perdita

Perdita — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:24:26 +0000

All 12 spots were taken when I started, but often people have money problems right before the quarter starts and end up withdrawing. There was one student that made it through the first week and dropped out, and was replaced by a latecomer. Another student dropped out about 1 or 2 months in, but it was too late to have a student take his place.

It is not impossible that space will clear up by fall. In fact, it is likely. I am not sure how far down on the waiting list you would be. It doesn’t seem like we had that many people come in to test for this fall, so you may have a chance.

The testing process will give you a good idea if the field is right for you. If you feel comfortable with the tests, you will probably be admitted for next year if not this year. If you find the tests are difficult, especially the hands-on tests, you may want to reconsider going into this field. But the teachers will explain all that to you when you get here.

Also there are definitely more opportunities for outside work here than in Lititz. Ben Bridge hires an intern every year form the second year class, and there are small watch stores that sometimes hire students. There are many non-watch related jobs available, too. It depends on what you are willing to do. Expect to spend 40+ hours a week in class, and additional open lab hours are encouraged.

Next year is going to be crowded! We only have 4 students in the second-year class right now and 11 in the first year. Next year it will be 23 total students (at least to start with). Crazy.

By: alan

alan — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:32:05 +0000

Thanks a ton for the input, guys! I’m nervous / excited at the same time, haha! Yes, I’m applying at NSCC. I considered Lititz, but I was concerned about the town and my wife (web designer) finding work, etc). NSCC did say they were already full for this year but that they always had a few students drop out at the last second. So we hurried up and got me in there for the test. Should an opening come available (and my fingers are really crossed, lol) then I should have my chance. Were all 12 spots taken in your class, perdita?

Guess I will do some more work on fractions / ratios.. by hand!

By: J.Peter

J.Peter — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:26:03 +0000

Alan, good luck. Everything I have said about applying at LWT applies to NSCC as well. Like Perdita said, the math is not a big deal. It’s of the type 1/x = 3/9, solve for x. Basic algebra with emphasis on fractions and ratios.

Perdita, I don’t have any first hand experience with Ben Bridge but I have heard third hand that they don’t pay very well and the morale is not great. You would certainly have the potential of seeing a wide variety of current production watches. I don’t expect they do much vintage or restoration work. If you want to know what it’s like there call and ask them. Ask them if you can speak with some employees, they’ll be up front with you.

By: Perdita

Perdita — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:29:29 +0000

Do you have any opinions on what working at Ben Bridge is like? My teacher worked there for a while and he makes it sound like a variety of watches go through a place like that.

Also hi to Alan. It sounds like you are going to apply at NSCC. I am currently a student there and it is pretty cool. Erik and Elaine are great teachers. I won’t be there Thursday but I wish you good luck on your tests. Get plenty of rest the night before, and be prepared to concentrate on a variety of mental and dexterity tests. If coffee makes you jittery, you should avoid it. The math is not too bad, just arithmetic and algebra. You might want to review doing math by hand a little (no calculators allowed!)

Again, good luck! Perhaps I will see you there in September.

By: alan

alan — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:46:08 +0000

Hey thanks for this! I’ve been visiting your site frequently since I found it a few weeks ago and I believe I’ve read all your archives now. This type of information is really beneficial for me. I’m flying to Seattle Thursday to take the tests and hopefully get invited. If you have any advice you can offer, it would be appreciated. You can email me if you have time. For one.. how much math was there when you took the tests? I’m quite rusty in that department. Also how hard was it going to such a strenuous school and supporting a family? How many hours did you work? I don’t have a kid but I am married and want to provide the best (or what I can) for her. Thanks for any advice and keep up the great work! I love the site!