Zadkine

Located in Schoonhoven, the Netherlands’ historic centre for jewellery and craftsmanship, Vakschool Schoonhoven, part of Zadkine, is the country’s leading institution for professional watchmaking and clockmaking education. Its horology department offers structured vocational programmes ranging from a three-year Allround Uurwerktechnicus qualification to the four-year Uurwerktechnisch Restauratiespecialist programme at MBO Level 4. Students learn to repair, maintain and restore mechanical and electronic watches and clocks while developing skills in precision machining, component finishing, diagnostics, conservation and customer service. In the advanced programme, students can specialise in luxury watches, restoration and conservation, or design, and complete professional placements with multiple companies. Entrepreneurship is also part of the curriculum, preparing graduates to work for luxury watch brands, specialist workshops and restoration businesses or to establish their own atelier. Through its combination of technical depth, recognised qualifications and strong industry exposure, Vakschool Schoonhoven remains one of Europe’s most comprehensive vocational centres for horological education.