[1][2] The school, founded by Rolex in 2001, was created to help make up for the deficiency of skilled watchmakers in the United States.

[5] Offering free tuition to its inaugural September 2001 class, Rolex received hundreds of applications, but accepted only twelve students.

[2] Charles Berthiaume, director of the school, told the Associated Press "With the shortage of watchmakers, we're literally missing a generation.

"[7] The Technicum offers a two-year, 3000+ hour SAWTA (Swiss American Watchmaker's Training Alliance) curriculum.

[10] By 2017, the Lititz Watch Technicum had put 148 students though its 3,500 hour training program with an 85% graduation rate.