Luxury watch titan Rolex has announced that some changes will be taking place in its highly respected watchmaker education programs across the United States.  

In the interest of consolidating the skills training which students need to gain American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) and Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program (WOSTEP) certifications, Rolex has created a new oversight organization--the Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance (SAWTA).  

Comprised of Rolex representatives as well as members of the AWCI and WOSTEP, SAWTA will utilize a single comprehensive final examination to evaluate watchmaking students.  Those who pass this rigorous examination will earn certifications from all three groups, in addition to a diploma from the specific school they attend.   According to Rolex, the progressive curriculum will establish a new standard of excellence in US-based watchmaking education.