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The Watchmaking classrooms and labs at OSU Institute of Technology create the perfect environment for technical learning in the microtechnology world. The classrooms can accommodate up to 36 students, with generous workspace for each. Thanks to the support of the Swiss Watch Industry, equipment is always up-to-date and current with modern industry standards.

The classrooms have a number of qualities that serious watchmaking students will appreciate. They are very well organized, immaculately clean and receive continuous streams of diffused lighting through the abundant windows that face north and south throughout the entire length of the building. This gives students a distinct visual edge when concentrating on the various operations accomplished during the work day. The classrooms are located on a wing on the upper level of the building so students can focus without the distraction of hallway activity.

As with most watchmaking workshops, benches are equipped with Witschi Watch Expert timing machines for mechanical watches and centrally located Witschi Q-test 6000 units for quartz watch diagnosis. The newest models of case and bracelet polishing units were recently donated to the program for refinishing operations on watch cases and crystals. Newly acquired cleaning machines further emphasize the modern functionality of the classroom environment at OSU Institute of Technology.

Instructional aids include enlarged models of watch components, high-power LCD projectors, and microscope mounted cameras. This allows faculty to deliver theory and practical service instruction with ease. Students also have access to the watchmaking technical library, the campus library, and to online information for modern watches. Essential for the teaching process, a well-stocked supply of up-to-date watch mechanisms (movements), spare parts and technical documentation are readily available to the instructional staff for practical instruction.

The Micromechanics classroom features sturdy benches which are well designed for tasks such as filing, sawing and manufacturing watch parts as well as specialized tools. Students in this section wear blue lab coats to protect their clothing from filings, grinding powders and oil. The Intermediate watch repair classroom introduces benches with arm rests and white lab coats for the students. The advanced benches position the learner to begin the study of the basic timekeeping mechanism with its various functions and allow them to comfortably disassemble and reassemble the intricate mechanism that is the heart of the watch.

The white lab coats are worn to protect the delicate watch parts from contaminants that may be present on the clothing of the students and instructors. The Section Three classroom continues the white lab coat tradition and features modern European style workbenches with adjustable arm-rests and substantial storage for the abundant tools every watchmaker needs. As the level of concentration increases throughout the program, the classroom environment changes in a logical fashion to meet those needs and to present the student with an authentic workshop setting.

Throughout the two-year program, a clean, organized workspace is critical to creating the frame of mind that a watchmaker needs to concentrate. Students keep their benches well organized with tools arranged in perfect order. In addition, the faculty at OSU Institute of Technology knows that the key to a professional career with corresponding income means that the students and graduates themselves are an integral part of their working environment. Consequently, students at OSU Institute of Technology wear professional attire -- neck-ties for men -- as well as lab coats in colors suited for their particular function. This holistic approach to a demanding, highly technical education develops the OSU Institute of Technology graduate into a successful professional able to compete on a global basis with the best watchmakers in the industry.