Diderot High School: A Unique Hub for French Watchmaking Education

What does the future hold for watchmaking in France? At the Bijorhca trade show, Stéphane Gaston, Deputy Director of Professional and Technological Training at Lycée Diderot, proves that French watchmaking is far from obsolete.

While Switzerland is one of the first countries that comes to mind when thinking about watchmaking, France has no reason to feel overshadowed by its rich heritage. Stéphane Gaston highlights this as he recounts the history of Lycée Diderot, where he oversees training programs. “Auguste Hilaire Rodanet, the founder of the first watchmaking school in Paris, had a vision of keeping French watchmaking at the forefront,” explains the educator. This vision is now coming to life at Lycée Diderot, which has been preserving and advancing French watchmaking since 2005. The school, now home to 1,200 students in watchmaking programs, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Rodanet's vision.

Watchmaking: A Modern Craft to Learn as Early as High School

 

What do they learn at Diderot High School? The curriculum includes programs for 9th graders, 10th graders, and high school graduates, as well as one-year professional reconversion programs for adults. Students gain quartz and mechanical watch repair skills and qualifications leading to licenses in restoration, design, conception, and creativity.

Digital technology also plays a significant role in watchmaking education at Lycée Diderot. Stéphane Gaston highlights tools like Chronopedia, an open-data encyclopedia on watchmaking, and 3D modeling software that allows for creating components and even entire movements. “This makes it possible to check the work and ensure the product functions correctly before final production. Watchmaking involves working with precious materials, so 3D printing helps avoid waste,” explains Gaston. He also points to 3D simulation, demonstrating how the mechanisms will function. These developments clearly indicate that French watchmaking is not just surviving but thriving. 



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