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- 235 Marshall Avenue
- Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
- T • 651.846.1600
- F • 651.846.1703
- Toll-Free • 1.800.227.6029
- TTY • 651.846.1548
Saint Paul College Programs
Watchmaking and Micro Mechanical Technology
Program Requirements
• Watchmaking Certificate
• Micro Mechanical Technology Diploma
Watchmaking Certificate
| Course | Cr | |
|---|---|---|
| WMCM 2300 | Watchmaking - Calendar | 5 |
| WMCM 2301 | Watchmaking - Automatic | 5 |
| WMCM 2302 | Watchmaking - Quartz | 5 |
| WMCM 2303 | Watchmaking - Precision Timing | 5 |
| WMCM 2304 | Watchmaking - Chronograph | 5 |
| WMCM 2305 | Watchmaking - Capstone/Career Prep | 5 |
| Total Program Credits | 30 | |
| Optional Electives: | ||
| WMCM 1480 | Horological Lab 1 | 3 |
| WMCM 1580 | Horological Lab 2 | 3 |
| WMCM 2480 | Horological Lab 3 | 3 |
Micro Mechanical Technology Diploma
| Course | Cr | |
|---|---|---|
| WMCM 1200 | Micro Mechanics - Filing 1 | 5 |
| WMCM 1201 | Micro Mechanics - Filing 2 | 5 |
| WMCM 1202 | Micro Mechanics - Turning 1 | 5 |
| WMCM 1203 | Micro Mechanics - Turning 2 | 5 |
| WMCM 1204 | Micro Mechanics - Tool Making 1 | 5 |
| WMCM 1205 | Micro Mechanics - Tool Making 2 | 5 |
| WMCM 1206 | Micro Mechanics - Mainsprings | 5 |
| WMCM 1207 | Micro Mechanics - Gear Train | 5 |
| WMCM 1208 | Micro Mechanics - Escapement | 5 |
| WMCM 1209 | Micro Mechanics - Balance Wheel | 5 |
| WMCM 1210 | Micro Mechanics - Hairspring 1 | 5 |
| WMCM 1211 | Micro Mechanics - Hairspring 2 | 5 |
| WMCM 1212 | Micro Mechanics - Timing | 5 |
| WMCM 1213 | Micro Mechanics - External Parts/Capstone | 4 |
| Subtotal | 69 | |
| General Education Requirements | 3 | |
| Total Program Credits | 72 | |
| Optional Electives: | ||
| WMCM 1480 | Horological Lab 1 | 3 |
| WMCM 1580 | Horological Lab 2 | 3 |
| WMCM 2480 | Horological Lab 3 | 3 |
Course Descriptions
WMCM 1200 Micro Mechanics - Filing
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of the micro mechanical processes by acquiring skills and knowledge through the use of hand tools such as hand files, jeweler's saw and various vices and clamps. Students will make many tools required in later courses while starting to build the dexterity needed for this field of study. The proper use of measuring instruments, the reading of technical diagrams and metallurgy will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1201 Micro Mechanics - Filing 2
In this course students will learn to utilize the tools they made in the previous course to hand file precision flats and spheres. Emphasis will be placed on the production of pieces to close tolerance specifications. The use and function of optical magnification for inspection will be taught and used to assess the student's capabilities. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1202 Micro Mechanics - Turning 1
In this course students will learn the proper use and function of a watchmaker's lathe and turns to make cylindrical shapes to precise measurements. The students will learn to shape, sharpen and use hand gravers to cut brass and steel wire. The cutting of right angles and radii will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1203 Micro Mechanics - Turning 2
In this course students will build on the skills, knowledge and dexterity acquired in previous courses by turning wire to smaller dimensions and to closer tolerances. The burnishing of metals for appearance and strength will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on the finish of work pieces produced. An assessment of student learning to date will be given and graded by Swiss industry professionals. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1204 Micro Mechanics - Tool Making 1
In this course, students will learn the basics of mechanical interaction through the use of a tap and die to form internal as well as external threads and the hand fitting of components to extremely close tolerances. Students will also learn hardening techniques to make springs of various shapes, sizes and uses. The decorative finishing of metals will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1205 Micro Mechanics - Tool Making 2
In this course students will put to use all the skills and knowledge acquired in the filing, turning and tool making courses to manufacture precision and complex tools and devices. The student will also learn connection techniques such as soldering and gluing. The polishing and plating of metals will be introduced and an electronic portfolio of work will be created. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1206 Micro Mechanics - Mainsprings
In this course students will learn through theory and practical exercises the use of mainsprings as a power source for micro mechanical mechanisms. The students will also learn to fit arbors for proper end-shake and side-shake. Bearing surfaces and lubrication will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1207 Micro Mechanics - Gear Train
In this course students will learn the theory of wheel and pinion ratios through the use of algebraic calculations as well as the practical application of power transmission through the gear train. Students will also learn to set jeweled bearings and precision oiling. Wheel truing and pivot straightening will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1208 Micro Mechanics - Escapement
In this course students will learn the theory of escapements from a historical and modern point of view. Students will also apply this theory by making adjustments to several modern and antique escapements. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1209 Micro Mechanics - Balance Wheel
In this course students will learn the theory of balance wheel development throughout history and its relationship to precision timekeeping. In practical application students will perform balance staff replacements, truing and poising manipulation to modern and antique balance wheels. Roller jewel replacement will be introduced. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1210 Micro Mechanics - Hairspring 1
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of hairspring manipulation by straightening hairsprings in the flat and round as well as forming and correcting over-coils. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1211 Micro Mechanics - Hairspring 2
In this course students will learn to collect, vibrate and stud hairsprings for several modern movements. Students will also learn the formation of terminal curves in relation to the regulating pins. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1212 Micro Mechanics - Timing
In this course students will learn to use the timing machine and amplimeter as a diagnostic tool and a means of assessing beat and timing eroors. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 1213 Micro Mechanics - External Parts and Capstone
In this course students will learn to replace dials, hands, crowns, crystals, and gaskets. Students will also learn waterproof testing, case refinishing and band sizing. Students will also complete their college watch and electronic portfolio. 4C/0/4/0
WMCM 1480 Horological Lab 1
This horological lab is designed to allow completion of hands-on skill activities and enhance the practical aspects of courses related to WMCM courses. 3C/0/3/0
WMCM 1580 Horological Lab 2
This horological lab is designed to allow completion of handson skill activities and enhance the practical aspects of courses related to WMCM courses. 3C/0/3/0
WMCM 2300 Watchmaking - Calendar
In this course students will learn the theory of historical and modern watch calendar mechanisms. Practical skills will be taught on several modern calendar movements. Instantaneous, non-instantaneous and quick-set mechanisms will be covered. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2301 Watchmaking - Automatic
In this course students will learn the theory of historical and modern automatic winding watch mechanisms. Practical skills will be taught on several modern automatic movements. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2302 Watchmaking - Quartz
In this course students will learn to diagnose and repair quartz watch movements. The proper use of electronic diagnostic equipment to determine resistance, low voltage working limit and consumption will be covered. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2303 Watchmaking - Precision Timing
In this course students will learn the theory of dynamic poising, Isochronism and chronometric standards. The students will apply this knowledge by precisely timing several timepieces of suitable quality. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2304 Watchmaking - Chronograph
In this course students will learn to diagnose, disassemble, reassemble and adjust chronograph movements. Cam, pillar wheel and other chronograph movements will be covered in detail. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2305 Watchmaking - Capstone/ Career Preparation
This course will serve as final preparation for capstone assessment such as the AWI Certified Watchmaker examination, the Saint Paul College Certified Watchmaker examination and the WOSTEP final examination. The students will also receive training in workshop organization, resume writing, interviewing skills and job searching options. 5C/2/3/0
WMCM 2480 Horological Lab 3
This horological lab is designed to allow completion of handson skill activities and enhance the practical aspects of courses related to WMCM courses. 3C/0/3/0
