Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacturer in continuous operation, honored the NAIOSW graduating class of 2014 and recognized its Best Student in a special award ceremony and private luncheon on Wednesday, August 13, prior to the evening’s graduation ceremony. Vacheron Constantin is the first Swiss watchmaking brand to partner with the NAIOSW. 

The luncheon was attended by Vincent Brun, President of Vacheron Constantin North America, and Laurent Mugnier, Director of After Sales Service, Vacheron Constantin. 

Developing and supporting watchmaking skills is an inherent value of Vacheron Constantin, where master watchmakers have transmitted their skills over 10 generations. From the day Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his first workshop in 1755, he recruited an apprentice with the idea to share his watchmaking knowledge. This moment was the foundation of a fundamental value of the Manufacture: the transmission of know-how and skills from master to apprentice. Last year, on September 17, 2013, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its founding anniversary by creating the Vacheron Constantin Institute, with the forward-thinking mission to develop human capital. Vacheron Constantin’s support of the NAIOSW is part of its commitment to support watchmaking education throughout the world. 

The North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking opened its doors in 2009 with a mission to preserve the art of fine watchmaking and meet an increasing demand for qualified watchmakers and craftspeople. The highly selective program accepts only six students per year to give its students one-on-one training with instructors who are among the finest in the industry. 

“We are proud to support the education of these new Certified Watchmakers,” said Vincent Brun, President of Vacheron Constantin North America. “The graduates have demonstrated hard work and dedication to fine watchmaking, which are intrinsic values of Vacheron Constantin. We look forward to their continued success in preserving the craft of high watchmaking in the United States.” 

After a week-long final examination, all six students in the 2014 class graduated. They are: Sean Blanco, Christian Busta, Homer Capetillo II, Frank Kerner, Curtis Miller, and Tyler Posto. All students were recognized and given a special gift: a Vacheron Constantin watchmaker’s pocket knife, personalized with the Graduate’s initials. 

During the graduation luncheon, Curtis Miller was honored with the Best Student Award by Vincent Brun. As the recipient of this award, Mr. Miller will travel to the Geneva, Switzerland headquarters of Vacheron Constantin for an internship with the manufacture’s master watchmakers. 

The NAIOSW is part of The Institute of Swiss Watchmaking (IOSW), founded in 2008 in partnership with Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP), an independent institution based in Switzerland and recognized as an exemplary training center in the field of watchmaking. WOSTEP partners with watchmaking schools throughout the world to ensure high training standards and quality education in accordance with the demanding criteria of the Swiss fine watchmaking industry. 

Two certificates are offered at the NAIOSW: the Watch Encasing Technician Certificate which requires 640 hours of training over four months, and the Watchmaker Certificate which requires 3,000 hours over two years. The two-year Watchmaker program provides an advanced education and training. Both programs meet the exacting requirements of the "Swiss Made" standard and feature a student-centered learning environment offering the student both knowledge and understanding based on theory and experience. The Institute trainers have a more than 50 years of watchmaking and teaching experience combined.