Frequently Asked Questions

IHT training is designed for watchmakers, technical and after-sales professionals, luxury watch brands, retailers, educational institutions and organisations seeking to develop deeper horological knowledge or technical capability. The appropriate programme will depend on the participants’ existing knowledge, professional roles and learning objectives.

IHT offers two principal training pathways: FHH Academy Certification and Technical Training. FHH Academy programmes develop theoretical horological knowledge and industry understanding. Technical Training focuses on the construction, operation, diagnosis and servicing of mechanical watches through practical instruction. Bespoke programmes may also be developed around an organisation’s requirements.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Academy offers an internationally recognised certification in theoretical horology. As an FHH Academy accredited trainer, Michael Dubs brings this programme to participants in Singapore and the region, helping professionals develop horological knowledge, industry insight and greater confidence when communicating about fine watchmaking.

The content is tailored to the participants and may include mechanical watch construction, movement architecture and operation, diagnosis and troubleshooting, servicing principles, complications and advanced mechanisms. Training is led by Swiss Federal Master Watchmaker Michael Dubs and draws on more than 30 years of professional watchmaking experience.

Yes. IHT can develop bespoke programmes according to your team’s experience, roles and learning objectives. Contact us with information about your organisation, participants and desired outcomes, and we will recommend an appropriate scope, format and level of instruction.

Technical Training may be conducted at the IHT Swiss Watch Atelier in Singapore or online, depending on the programme content and learning objectives. Practical instruction requiring movements, tools or bench work may be better suited to an in-person format. IHT will recommend the most appropriate arrangement after understanding your requirements.

No previous experience is required for IHT’s introductory masterclasses, talks or workshops. Participants are guided by Swiss Federal Master Watchmaker Michael Dubs. Some advanced masterclasses are designed as a continuation of an earlier IHT experience or for more experienced enthusiasts; any prerequisites will be stated on the individual programme page.

Choose Introduction to Watchmaking for a first hands-on encounter with a mechanical movement. Fundamentals of Swiss Watchmaking combines watchmaking theory, heritage and practical movement work in a full-day programme. Build Your Own IHT Watch allows you to assemble and complete an IHT mechanical watch of your own. Decorate Your Own Movement continues the build experience through traditional Swiss finishing techniques, while Build Your Own Paul Gerber–IHT Watch is IHT’s most advanced experience. If you are unsure, contact us and we will help you choose.

You will not be asked to disassemble a personal watch brought to the atelier. For introductory programmes, IHT provides a suitable mechanical movement for the practical work. In Build Your Own IHT Watch, you assemble and complete an IHT mechanical watch. During Decorate Your Own Movement, participants work directly on their own IHT watch movement.

You may book an individual place on an available scheduled masterclass. Private experiences are also available for friends, families, collector groups and special occasions. Contact us with your preferred date and group size to discuss the most suitable format.

Introduction to Watchmaking is open to participants aged 13 and above. Age requirements may differ for other programmes because of their duration, complexity and the precision required. Please check the individual programme page or contact IHT before booking for a younger participant.

Yes. An IHT gift card offers the recipient an opportunity to discover authentic Swiss watchmaking for themselves. It is a thoughtful gift for watch enthusiasts, collectors and anyone curious about craftsmanship and mechanical objects. Please contact us if you wish to buy a gift card.

IHT offers Watchmaking Talks, Watchmaking Workshops, Private Events and Team Experiences. The formats range from presentations and live demonstrations to guided hands-on activities and curated experiences for invited guests.

A Watchmaking Talk introduces mechanical watchmaking through stories, visuals and live demonstrations led by a Swiss Master Watchmaker. A Watchmaking Workshop adds hands-on interaction with watchmaking tools, movements and mechanical components under expert guidance.

IHT engagements can be created for corporate teams, families, private groups, collectors and invited guests. Private Events are particularly suited to private banks, family offices, luxury brands and organisations planning client-appreciation experiences. Team Experiences encourage connection, conversation and collaboration through a shared encounter with mechanical watchmaking.

Yes. IHT engagements are curated around the audience and purpose of the event. When enquiring, share your occasion, participant profile, group size and what you would like guests to experience. IHT can then recommend the most suitable format and level of participation.

Yes. IHT’s watchmaking workshops can be brought to your audience. The appropriate arrangement will depend on the selected format, group size, venue and technical requirements. Contact IHT with your event details so the team can assess the setting and recommend a suitable experience.

IHT provides Vintage Restoration, Complications Support, After-sales Servicing and Technical Consultancy. Each service is approached with respect for the watch’s history, mechanical integrity and long-term preservation. The appropriate service will depend on the timepiece, its condition and the support required.

IHT provides after-sales servicing and maintenance for selected mechanical watch brands and is an authorised service partner for selected independent watchmakers. Whether a watch can be accepted will depend on its brand, movement, condition, authenticity and the availability of technical information and parts. Contact us with the brand, model and details of the issue so we can advise on the next step.

IHT will inspect and assess the timepiece before providing a service quotation setting out the proposed scope of work, estimated charges and payment terms. Work begins only after you accept the quotation. If further issues are discovered during servicing, IHT may provide an updated quotation for your approval before continuing with additional work.

Yes. IHT provides specialist restoration for vintage mechanical timepieces, including watches valued for their history, character or personal significance. Each restoration is approached with technical sensitivity and respect for originality. The recommended scope will depend on the watch’s condition, previous interventions and what is required to preserve its mechanical integrity.

Yes. IHT provides specialist assessment and support for high-complication timepieces, including perpetual calendars, tourbillons, minute repeaters and other advanced mechanical movements. Support may include diagnosis, mechanical troubleshooting, servicing assistance, restoration advice, parts-sourcing support and specialist watchmaking guidance. Each timepiece is assessed individually.

Fees depend on the movement, complication, condition and technical requirements of the watch. IHT will provide a service quotation after inspecting and assessing the timepiece. Complications support and technical consultancy fees are also determined individually according to the scope and complexity of the work.

IHT provides independent technical guidance for collectors, independent watchmakers, brands and organisations developing or evaluating mechanical watch projects. Consultancy may include movement selection, complication advice, technical feasibility, watch design and concept review, supplier or craftsman guidance, and production and servicing considerations.

Where the agreed work qualifies as a Complete Service—including full movement disassembly, inspection, cleaning, reassembly and fresh lubrication—the work carried out and components replaced during that service are covered by IHT’s 12-month warranty. Coverage is subject to the conditions and exclusions in IHT’s Service Agreement.