To a growing number of forward-thinking jewelers, experienced watchmakers are an integral part of the service offered to every customer. Better service, particularly on-site, can add higher value to any watch purchase. But the clock is ticking when it comes to finding qualified craftsmen. “Half of all watchmakers worldwide are over 50 years old,” says Josiane Simonin of the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP). When the rising demand for mechanical watch repair skyrocketed several years ago, a big gap started to appear between the demand for good watchmakers and the supply in the U.S. Several manufacturers have worked diligently to establish or bolster training at the retail and repair shop levels. But they’re still running to catch up with demand as jewelers sell more fine watches and realize that an on-site watch repair service is a major consu