BHI horology course

The BHI horology course is the de facto standard qualification in the UK for those repairing clocks and pocket watches. Designed and moderated by the British Horological Institute, the course consists of three years' part time study and aims to provide students with a basic competence in both practical and theoretical horology. Upon successful completion of the course candidates are awarded graduate membership of the BHI, entitling them to append the letters "Grad. BHI" to their name.

Alternative qualifications

There are few alternative qualifications available in the UK. One such is the WOSTEP (standing for "Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Programme") course, which trains people in the repair of fine quality watches. Another course is the "Restoration and Conservation of Antique Clocks" offered at the West Dean College of fine art and craft. This latter course is considered to be much more challenging than the BHI course; indeed it would seem that the BHI course (or an equivalent skill level) is an unofficial prerequisite.

ee also

* WOSTEP
* British Horological Institute

External links

* [http://www.bhi.co.uk/training.htm BHI course information]
* [http://www.bhi.co.uk/repairer.htm BHI list of approved repairers]