Courses & Materials > Distance Learning Courses
Distance Learning Course – Technician Grade
For those pursuing a career, this qualification is recognised and in demand by employers across the horology servicing sector, and is the first step towards the qualification of the prestigious MBHI.
Since 1858, the British Horological Institute has been training the world’s finest horologists, professionals and passionate enthusiasts. Whether you’re building a career in horology, restoring pieces from your own collection, or developing the skills to buy and sell with confidence, this course is your first step to the most respected qualification in the field: MBHI status, recognised worldwide as a mark of technical excellence.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Working through approximately 1,400–1,700 guided study hours across self-contained lessons, you’ll develop foundational skills in clock and watch servicing & repair and the theoretical knowledge to identify faults both simple and complex, by completing each stage on your own schedule, from your own bench.
What you’ll study
- Advanced practical and theoretical techniques in clock and watch servicing and repair
- Introductory skills into workshop and manufacturing small components
- Sample examination papers and a full accredited exam syllabus
Qualifications you can achieve
Level 3 — BHI Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks or Watches.
Awarded by the BHI, the UK’s leading industry specialist in Horology.
What’s included
- One binder of 12 lessons, posted to you wherever you are in the world (Optional)
- Full accredited exam syllabus and practice examination papers
- As a BHI member: access to 160 years of the Horological Journal archive, the BHI Members Forum, the Museum of Timekeeping collection, and the world’s most comprehensive horological library
Where it takes you
For those pursuing a career, this qualification is recognised and in demand by employers across the horology servicing sector, and is the first step towards the qualification of the prestigious MBHI. For enthusiasts, it’s the credential that sets your knowledge and skill apart, backed by one of the oldest and most respected horological institutions in the world.
FAQs
You can download the Introduction and Lesson 1 below. This will provide you with further information about the course and advice about setting up a workshop area, tools and equipment, and a glossary of horological terms.
- The course is designed to be accessible by all levels. It will help you progress from complete novice to aspiring professional
- No prior qualifications or experience is necessary
- You will need an understanding of basic arithmetic and a certain amount of mechanical aptitude, but usually this can be achieved with practice
- You need to join the BHI as an associate member and this membership is open to all. There are many benefits of joining the BHI including receiving the monthly Horological Journal.
- There are no age restrictions to study the course. To take our accredited examinations you must by 16+
- You can start the course at any time, completing the lessons at your own pace. As a general guideline the course comprises of material to be completed in 420 guided study hours
- On completion of the course you can apply to take accredited examinations and then progress to either the clock or watch pathway of the BHI Intermediate and Final Grade DLC
Tutor Feedback: You also have the option to buy tutor feedback. This allows you to email or post your answers to the end of lesson questions and your practical test pieces for marking and assessment by one of the Institute’s professional tutors.
BHI Short Courses: We recommend that if you are studying the DLC that you attend the associated training courses we hold at Upton Hall. These will help you not only to gain qualifications, but our tutors will be able to guide you and answer your questions within the relaxed atmosphere of our classrooms. Our class sizes are six students maximum allowing our tutors to help you individually as well as a group.
If you are planning to go down the watch pathway, we advise you to attend ‘Service and repair of quartz watches, and ‘making small components’, at our headquarters. We also recommend that you attend ‘Servicing and repair of manual winding watches. Although this is not examinable at Level 3 Technician Grade, it is worth gaining the certificate of attendance should you be looking to go into employment at this stage. It is a part of the Level 4 training but, at this stage beneficial that prospective employers will see that you have some training with mechanical watches.
If you are looking to enter the clock repairs industry, although there are not as many employment opportunities, there is a shortage of skilled clock repairers, especially in the UK, and business opportunities for those who prefer to work for themselves. To achieve Level 3 technician Grade, we recommend you attend ‘single train clock’ and ‘making a small component’ courses.
In addition to the courses directly related to the Technician Grade, we run the following courses to help you build your workshop skills.
Basic Hand Skills in the Workshop including Health and Safety
How to achieve the best results with hand tools
Basic Lathe, Milling & Drilling including Health and Safety
Introduction to workshop equipment and techniques DLC level 3
Clock and Watch Workshop – Machine
Builds on the skills course by developing safe machine techniques and skills necessary for DLC Level 3 practical coursework and repair skills
Local BHI Branches: Branches across the UK [and abroad] offer a calendar of events throughout the year including lectures, auctions, tours and a chance to meet like minded people and make contact with professional members.
BHI Members Forum: As a member of the BHI you will gain access to the Members Area of the BHI website which includes the Members Forum where you can discuss all topics relating to horology in a knowledgeable community of BHI members.
Library and Collection: For further research to support your studies becoming a member will give you access to the unique clock and watch collection of the Museum of Timekeeping housed at the headquarters of the BHI as well as the world’s most comprehensive library of horological books and material.
The BHI Technician Grade prepares students to take the examination for the EAL/BHI nationally accredited Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing (Level 3)
- The BHI is an accredited examination centre
- Some examination units contribute towards further qualifications.
- EAL awards certificates to candidates when the qualification is completed. Interim certificates showing the units gained at each examination session are issued by the BHI
- There are awards and prizes available for high achieving students in different categories that are presented at the BHI Annual Awards Day. These include the BHI Bronze Medal, BHI Branch prizes, memorial prizes and industry sponsored prizes.
- Awards Day is one of the most important dates in our calendar and is a chance to showcase, reward and discuss the achievements of all our students. For new members it is a time to meet the next generation of horologists, spend the day in friendly discussion and enjoy a range of diverse horological seminars
Our awarding body EAL is the UK’s leading industry specialist awarding organisation.
- This formal qualification is recognised and in demand by employers in the horology servicing sector of the industry
- For students looking to join a horological company this qualification is in demand for positions, for example as a watch service technician for the major brands of high quality movements
- If you are training to become a self-employed horologist this course provides the skills needed
- Exams provide a target for learning, enabling you to check your progress against recognised standards
- It is a thorough grounding of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to progress to the BHI’s higher level courses and qualifications.
This is available to anyone, worldwide
A small workshop area with bench equipment and basic hand tools as listed in the Introduction. For the practical exercise a small materials kit is available from www.livesteammodels.co.uk
Reviews
No Reviews Found
Price range: £750.00 through £1,615.00
Please ensure you have completed the required course(s) before booking, see "Course Requirements" below for more details.
Since 1858, the British Horological Institute has been training the world’s finest horologists, professionals and passionate enthusiasts. Whether you’re building a career in horology, restoring pieces from your own collection, or developing the skills to buy and sell with confidence, this course is your first step to the most respected qualification in the field: MBHI status, recognised worldwide as a mark of technical excellence.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.
Working through approximately 1,400–1,700 guided study hours across self-contained lessons, you’ll develop foundational skills in clock and watch servicing & repair and the theoretical knowledge to identify faults both simple and complex, by completing each stage on your own schedule, from your own bench.
What you’ll study
- Advanced practical and theoretical techniques in clock and watch servicing and repair
- Introductory skills into workshop and manufacturing small components
- Sample examination papers and a full accredited exam syllabus
Qualifications you can achieve
Level 3 — BHI Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks or Watches.
Awarded by the BHI, the UK’s leading industry specialist in Horology.
What’s included
- One binder of 12 lessons, posted to you wherever you are in the world (Optional)
- Full accredited exam syllabus and practice examination papers
- As a BHI member: access to 160 years of the Horological Journal archive, the BHI Members Forum, the Museum of Timekeeping collection, and the world’s most comprehensive horological library
Where it takes you
For those pursuing a career, this qualification is recognised and in demand by employers across the horology servicing sector, and is the first step towards the qualification of the prestigious MBHI. For enthusiasts, it’s the credential that sets your knowledge and skill apart, backed by one of the oldest and most respected horological institutions in the world.
FAQs
You can download the Introduction and Lesson 1 below. This will provide you with further information about the course and advice about setting up a workshop area, tools and equipment, and a glossary of horological terms.
- The course is designed to be accessible by all levels. It will help you progress from complete novice to aspiring professional
- No prior qualifications or experience is necessary
- You will need an understanding of basic arithmetic and a certain amount of mechanical aptitude, but usually this can be achieved with practice
- You need to join the BHI as an associate member and this membership is open to all. There are many benefits of joining the BHI including receiving the monthly Horological Journal.
- There are no age restrictions to study the course. To take our accredited examinations you must by 16+
- You can start the course at any time, completing the lessons at your own pace. As a general guideline the course comprises of material to be completed in 420 guided study hours
- On completion of the course you can apply to take accredited examinations and then progress to either the clock or watch pathway of the BHI Intermediate and Final Grade DLC
Tutor Feedback: You also have the option to buy tutor feedback. This allows you to email or post your answers to the end of lesson questions and your practical test pieces for marking and assessment by one of the Institute’s professional tutors.
BHI Short Courses: We recommend that if you are studying the DLC that you attend the associated training courses we hold at Upton Hall. These will help you not only to gain qualifications, but our tutors will be able to guide you and answer your questions within the relaxed atmosphere of our classrooms. Our class sizes are six students maximum allowing our tutors to help you individually as well as a group.
If you are planning to go down the watch pathway, we advise you to attend ‘Service and repair of quartz watches, and ‘making small components’, at our headquarters. We also recommend that you attend ‘Servicing and repair of manual winding watches. Although this is not examinable at Level 3 Technician Grade, it is worth gaining the certificate of attendance should you be looking to go into employment at this stage. It is a part of the Level 4 training but, at this stage beneficial that prospective employers will see that you have some training with mechanical watches.
If you are looking to enter the clock repairs industry, although there are not as many employment opportunities, there is a shortage of skilled clock repairers, especially in the UK, and business opportunities for those who prefer to work for themselves. To achieve Level 3 technician Grade, we recommend you attend ‘single train clock’ and ‘making a small component’ courses.
In addition to the courses directly related to the Technician Grade, we run the following courses to help you build your workshop skills.
Basic Hand Skills in the Workshop including Health and Safety
How to achieve the best results with hand tools
Basic Lathe, Milling & Drilling including Health and Safety
Introduction to workshop equipment and techniques DLC level 3
Clock and Watch Workshop – Machine
Builds on the skills course by developing safe machine techniques and skills necessary for DLC Level 3 practical coursework and repair skills
Local BHI Branches: Branches across the UK [and abroad] offer a calendar of events throughout the year including lectures, auctions, tours and a chance to meet like minded people and make contact with professional members.
BHI Members Forum: As a member of the BHI you will gain access to the Members Area of the BHI website which includes the Members Forum where you can discuss all topics relating to horology in a knowledgeable community of BHI members.
Library and Collection: For further research to support your studies becoming a member will give you access to the unique clock and watch collection of the Museum of Timekeeping housed at the headquarters of the BHI as well as the world’s most comprehensive library of horological books and material.
The BHI Technician Grade prepares students to take the examination for the EAL/BHI nationally accredited Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing (Level 3)
- The BHI is an accredited examination centre
- Some examination units contribute towards further qualifications.
- EAL awards certificates to candidates when the qualification is completed. Interim certificates showing the units gained at each examination session are issued by the BHI
- There are awards and prizes available for high achieving students in different categories that are presented at the BHI Annual Awards Day. These include the BHI Bronze Medal, BHI Branch prizes, memorial prizes and industry sponsored prizes.
- Awards Day is one of the most important dates in our calendar and is a chance to showcase, reward and discuss the achievements of all our students. For new members it is a time to meet the next generation of horologists, spend the day in friendly discussion and enjoy a range of diverse horological seminars
Our awarding body EAL is the UK’s leading industry specialist awarding organisation.
- This formal qualification is recognised and in demand by employers in the horology servicing sector of the industry
- For students looking to join a horological company this qualification is in demand for positions, for example as a watch service technician for the major brands of high quality movements
- If you are training to become a self-employed horologist this course provides the skills needed
- Exams provide a target for learning, enabling you to check your progress against recognised standards
- It is a thorough grounding of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to progress to the BHI’s higher level courses and qualifications.
This is available to anyone, worldwide
A small workshop area with bench equipment and basic hand tools as listed in the Introduction. For the practical exercise a small materials kit is available from www.livesteammodels.co.uk
Clocks
Watches
Beginner/DLC Level 3
Learn from home
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to post a comment.