Prerequisites for the apprenticeship as a watchmaker

School leaving certificate: Abitur (German university entrance qualification), Fachabitur (vocational college qualification), intermediate school leaving certificate with good grades

Beginning, duration and salary

The apprenticeship as a watchmaker begins each year and takes three years. Our training centre is located in Glashütte in Saxony, traditionally known as an important centre of the watchmaking craft. You will receive a salary staggered according to the years of training and live in our Wempe trainee flat share free of charge during the first year.

Theoretical training

The theoretical portion of the apprenticeship is taught in cooperation with the renowned vocational training centre for watchmakers in Glashütte – we are very proud to be able to offer you an apprenticeship at this level of quality. Your theoretical training periods are organised in blocks of time.
Examinations during the apprenticeship

1. Interim exam
2. Written and oral final exam

The final examinations are taken before the Dresden Champer of Crafts.

Practical training

During your in-company training time, you become familiar with the high-quality Wempe watch collections, the technology behind them, and of course the individual parts of a watch. Another important component of your apprenticeship as a watchmaker is repair: We teach you all the steps involved, from repairing to servicing different watches and larger clocks, as well as the care and refurbishment of watch casings and feature components. Administrative tasks related to this work and the extended skills needed to use Wempe's in-house merchandise management system are also important facets of your training.

Exclusive practical programme at Wempe

We are also committed to preparing you for your later professional experience, such as working in retail. That's why we offer you a training option that you won't find anywhere else in the industry: Even before you take your finals, you can apply and expand your skills at one of the Wempe locations. You work in the watch service team and directly contribute the craft you have learned right there on site.

Our extended training options as part of your apprenticeship

As an apprentice at the Wempe Academy, you benefit from extensive individual qualification options and learning programmes from day one. Trainings and workshops are part of your daily routine. In addition, you can take regular visitations and courses in various world-renowned watchmaking manufactories. And after you have completed your apprenticeship, we support you in planning the next steps of your career with valuable extended education and training opportunities.

First-rate opportunities and chances in the job market

Only Wempe offers you such a range of opportunities: After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship as a watchmaker, you can work either in Wempe's own watch manufactory in Glashütte, in the central service centre in Glashütte or Hamburg, or as a service watchmaker in one of the many Wempe locations – even abroad. You decide where your journey takes you.