The Chair of Watch Design is a course of study integrated into the Bachelor in Jewelry and Accessory Design and the Master in Fashion and Accessory Design.

Over the course of their training, students will develop a set of skills specific to watch design. They will be mentored by both teachers and specialized professionals involved in the vast network of Swiss and Genevan watchmakers. They will receive a thorough grounding in watchmaking that will touch upon every stage of watch design. The Master program in watch design consists of the formulation of a proposal and the artistic direction of a watch design project on a 1:1 scale extending from the creation of a prototype (often a working one) to the development of subsequent marketing strategies. This will include collaborations and workshops within the industry, working with brands and partners in the field, which is part of the unique nature of this program.

The Chair of Watch Design is built around four complementary bases. Students will be mentored throughout, progressively acquiring the fundamentals, and learning the management of complex projects. The course of study will integrate culture, conception, experimentation and professionalization through a series of projects, all closely involved with the realities of the watchmaking industry.

Culture, customs and future outlook

Developing a deep understanding of the watchmaking world, its history, its know-how, the nature of the market and its contemporary evolution.

Conception and product development

Conceiving watch-related objects, bringing together the tools of design, digital modeling, and technical construction.

Experimentation, prototyping and materialization

The transformation of a project proposal into a tangible object through experimentation, formulation of a prototype, working in collaboration with technical workshops, and external partners.

Project, collaboration and professionalization

The development and completion of projects created through interactions with manufacturers, brands, and other external partners, integrating the strategic, economic, entrepreneurial and marketing aspects particular to watch design. This portion, a veritable synthesis of all the skills the student has acquired along the way, culminates with the accreditation of the diploma.

Once they have completed their training, Master’s students will be able to:

• Provide artistic direction for a watch design project: define a creative and strategic vision, analyze trends in the sector and in brands, conceive innovative projects and conduct an autonomous creative process through to its completion
• Design complex watch products to industry specifications: master advanced skills in 2D and 3D design, develop products that integrate the principles of watch construction, including materials, manufacturing processes and complications, in order to complete advanced, detailed prototypes
• Manage the development of a watch project: lead the development of a project, including coordination with industrial partners, technical, economic and industrial feasibility studies, cost control and the formulation of a development strategy that includes market research and a business plan
• Put together a development strategy for a watch product: create a global development strategy that incorporates marketing, packaging, digital communications, and product presentation to manufacturers, brands and professional juries

Upon completion of their studies, graduates go on to work in independent studios or in-house at a watch brand as junior designers, project managers or, for Master’s graduates, creative designers. A testament to the relevance of this unique program, a large majority of both Bachelor and Master’s graduates from this specialized course of study have found work in the sector:

• Watch Designer, either for a company, manufacturer, or in an independent studio
• Independent Watch Designer (contract work or consulting)
• Artistic Director
• Project Manager, Product Development
• Coordinator with Technical Offices
• Designer

Le cursus se déploie sur deux années consécutives. Les trois premiers semestres sont consacrés à la recherche, à l’expérimentation et au développement de projets personnels au sein de l’Atelier / Laboratoire de la Chaire en design horloger. La deuxième année culmine avec le Master Thesis, articulant un mémoire et un projet pratique de diplôme.

Admission to the Master's programme of the Chair of Watch Design requires:

• a university-level or UAS (HES) Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent foreign qualification
• a degree with a specialization in the relevant field, or one year of recent, documented professional experience in the field of study concerned
• English level B2

If you do not hold the required qualification, you may apply for admission under special conditions. The applicable terms are set out in the Admission Requirements section.