Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking

The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking was a watchmaking school located at 40-24 62nd street, Woodside, New York.

The following text is from the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking Training Manual Twelfth Edition 1980.

:The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking was founded in 1945 by the late Arde Bulova, Chairman of the Board of the Bulova Watch Company, who wished to repay, in some small measure, the sacrifice and service of returning disabled veterans after the Second World War.

:To have known Arde Bulova would be to understand why he established this School and named it in honor of his beloved father and teacher, Joseph Bulova. His father not only taught his son the art of expert craftsmanship but also instilled in Arde Bulova an awareness of the importance of training men for a trade so they might lead purposeful and meaningful lives.

:Mr. Arde Bulova was one of the rare men of vision who wanted to combine his love and insistence for perfection in craftsmanship with his desire to aid men in finding a useful vocation.

:After the Second World War, Arde Bulova was able to turn his dream into a working reality. He set up a tuition-free school to teach disabled servicemen the skilled art of watchmaking under the most expert supervision and with an all-inclusive curriculum in a pleasant environment where similar interests and problems developed a close-knit, affable group of men working toward common goals.

:So, in 1945, without fan-fare or headlines heralding his contribution to society, the cornerstone of the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking was laid, stating simply, "To Serve Those Who Served Us."

:The School provided a dramatic answer to a real need...to train the disabled veterans in a trade for which there was an increasing demand.

:To insure gainful employment for these disabled men for the future, the school's operation was based on the principle that from the finest curriculum, teaching methods and most experienced staff would emerge the most skilled craftsmen. This theory has been proven and remains as the basis for continued operation to the present time. Students of the Bulova School enjoy the culmination of years of watchmaking achievements and progress which has been carefully compiled and organized into their comprehensive training program.

:By 1950, as the demand for the skilled watchmaker continued to increase, the School began to accept disabled civilians for training. Many were and still are referred by the State Divisions of Vocational Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Centers.

:Striving to be forward thinking in its approach to advances in education, 1958 marked the commencement of a new course of instruction conceived with the intention of meeting the growing demands of industry for precision workers. The new Precision Technician Course provides the student with the basic fundamentals for employment in areas such as instrument makers, instrument repairs, mechanical-electrical assembler, bench machinist and other comparable precision objectives. This course takes an average time of eight months for completion.

:The Watchmaking Course, considered one of the finest of its kind in the world, allows an average time of 18 months for completion depending on the individual's progress according to his ability and effort. Upon completion of the course, the graduate is able to repair all kinds of watches including the more complicated types such as automatics, calendars, chronographs, electric and the new Accutron timepiece.

:Unique in its training procedure, the School is also outstanding for the other facilities it provides.

:These include such conveniences as a medical department on the School premises which consists of an Infirmary Dispensary and an Exercise Room. The department has the services of a Physician, a Physical Therapist, a full time Registered Nurse and a visiting Physical Medicine Consultant. Medical service and commonly used medications are free to the student.

:Additionally, the school has a library with a wealth of material on the science of horology; many rare volumes are available for student use. Also included in the library are books for reference and relaxation.

:The School has recreation space provided in the main building for music, cards and games.

:There are complete kitchen facilities which provide well-balanced and nutritive meals.

:A two-story air-conditioned dormitory is available for those wishing to reside at the school. The lower floor of dormitory is especially designed to accommodate wheelchair students. Each room is equipped with adequate closet and chest space and a television set.

:A new building, opened in 1965, is a dual-purpose air-conditioned structure adjacent to the main building and existing dormitory. Entering the new addition from the main building via a ramped tunnel, the lower floor of the structure contains a magnificent 50' x 30' heat-controlled swimming pool expertly designed for the disabled with the paraplegic given prime consideration. The pool area is complete with locker room facilities, lavatory and shower space all planned to meet the specific requirements of wheelchair students. The second floor of the building, accessible by elevator or ramp, houses additional classrooms, machine shop, TV lounge room and supplementary shower and lavatory facilities.

:Adjoining the new building is a gymnasium with a complete basketball court, archery targets, table tennis equipment, snooker table and other sports provisions which implement a full wheelchair sports program. The gym is used for Bulova Watchmaker Team League and demonstration games, basketball practice, archery meets, school assemblies, parties and meetings.

:All of the buildings of the School are linked together by a complete tunnel ramp system for optimum use by wheelchair students and other disabled.

:One of the most distinctive services offered by the Bulova School is its Job Placement Bureau. Presently, and for many years past, there are more job opportunities than qualified graduates to fill the positions. Although the student may not be able to work in a locale of his own choosing, he will, if properly completing his training, be placed in a good position of one is desired.

:Requirements for admission to the school are based on those factors necessary for success in watchmaking and precision work, namely: Interest, Technical Comprehension, Mechanical Aptitude and Finger Dexterity. Applicants are required to take a battery of tests which can be administered by the Rehabilitation Counselor at the School or by any approved psychological service.

:Graduates of the School have come from forty of the fifty states and foreign countries as distant as Israel, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Surinam in Dutch Guiana, plus Italy and Puerto Rico.

:All of the facilities coupled with the excellent teaching staff provide depth and quality of training plus comprehensive rehabilitation for all of the students of the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking.

The closing of the the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking

The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking was poised to move to a new location in the Borough of Manhattan. Funding for the school was cut off and the school did not have enough funds to open the school at the new location, so the plans to move the school did not come to fruition. A last ditch effort was made to keep the school in Woodside, but the parties involved failed to come to an agreement. The Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking has been closed ever since.

The building in Woodside was sold to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which presently occupies the same building where the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking used to be.