Engineering
MAS in Watch Design
The Master of Advanced Studies in Watch Design (MAS-CH) allows you to master the new challenges related to watch movement and casing.
Program
The MAS in Watch Design responds to the permanent evolution of research and development in watchmaking. It focuses on the study of watch movements, both electronic and mechanical, and on watch decoration.
This is the most advanced course dedicated to watch design.
Links and documents
Content
The MAS-CH is composed of several theoretical (Tuesday evenings) and practical (Thursdays) modules that can be taken independently.
Theoretical modules
Mechanical watchmaking
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Theory of mechanical watchmaking | 20 | Damien Prongué (HE-Arc) |
| Introduction to mechanical engineering | 12 | Nicolas Déhon (Breitling) |
| Manufacture of watch components | 8 | Nicolas Déhon (Breitling) |
| Strength of materials | 16 | Jean-Daniel Lüthi (HE-Arc) |
| Introduction to LEAN MANAGEMENT | 8 | Philippe Liscia (HE-Arc) |
| Barrel spring | 4 | Maurizio Tucci (Sellita) |
| History of watchmaking | 4 | Sylvain Varone (CPNE) |
Advanced mechanical watchmaking
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Microengineering components and processes | 8 | Florian Serex (HE-Arc) |
| Setting | 8 | Jean-Luc Helfer (ETA) |
| Flexible guides | 4 | Pascal Winkler (ETA) |
| New technologies | 4 | Pierre Cusin (Nivarox) |
| Interlocking construction elements | 12 | Christophe Guerry (HE-Arc) |
| Complications I | 6 | Sylvain Varone (CPNE) |
| Complications II | 6 | Alain Zaugg (Independant) |
Electronic watchmaking
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic watches | 8 | Damien Prongué (HE-Arc) |
| Introduction to electronic construction | 8 | Vittorio Zanesco (ETA) |
| Integrated circuits | 8 | Cédric Barbelenet (CSEM) |
| Lavet motors | 8 | Jörg Berthoud (ETA) |
| Batteries | 6 | Yann Beaufils (Independand) |
| Quartz | 6 | Thierry Hessler (Micro Crystal) |
Materials
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Polymers | 8 | Irena Milosevic (hepia) |
| CVD and PVD coatings | 8 | Oksana Banakh (HE-Arc) |
| Ceramics | 8 | Ollivier Pujol (Rolex) |
| Galvanic treatments | 8 | Pierre-Antoine Gay (HE-Arc) |
| New materials | 8 | Andreas Blatter (PX group) |
| Precious metals | 8 | Tuomas Jalanti (Rolex) |
| Additive manufacturing | 4 | Eric Boillat (EPFL) |
| Watch tribology | 4 | Eric Rosset (hepia) |
Advanced theory
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Oscillation theory | 16 | Jean-Daniel Lüthi (HE-Arc) |
| Connected watches | 16 | Dave Calame (HE-Arc) |
| Time-frequency | 4 | Pierre Thomann (Indépendant) |
Practical modules
Movement construction 1
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Movement construction 1 | 136 | Alain Zaugg (Indépendant), Loïc Pellaton (Ulysse Nardin), Nicolas Déhon (Breitling), Damien Prongué (HE-Arc) |
Watchmaking laboratories
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Practical training | 24 | Sylvain Varone (CPNE) |
| Measurement of mechanical movements | 16 | Gilles Greub (HE-Arc) |
| LEAN MANUFACTURING workshop | 8 | Philippe Liscia (HE-Arc) |
| Watch simulations | 32 | David Weber (HE-Arc) |
| Interlocking construction | 32 | Christophe Guerry (HE-Arc) |
| Materials | 16 | Raymond Constantin (HE-Arc) |
Complication design
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Complication design | 48 | Alain Zaugg (Indépendant) |
Movement construction 2
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Movement construction 2 | 80 | Alain Zaugg (Indépendant), Loïc Pellaton (Ulysse Nardin), Damien Prongué (HE-Arc), Romain Clivaz (Aleph Insight) |
Electronic laboratories
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic motion measurement | 16 | Gilles Greub (HE-Arc) |
| Connected watch | 32 | Dave Calame (HE-Arc) |
Finished watch
| Course | Periods | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Finished watch | 72 | Stéphane Bourquin (hepia) |
This continuing education program ends with a 300-hour Master’s thesis in a company, during which a teacher monitors and advises you.
Links and documents
Skills
You will be able to analyse and design a watch movement, whether mechanical or electronic, as well as the watch case.
Target Audience
The MAS-CH is intended for holders of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent (HES, EPF, University) degree in microengineering or in another field.
Holders of an ES diploma or equivalent may be admitted depending on the places available. Three years of professional experience must be proven.
Access to the MAS-CH is based on a dossier. Candidates are admitted definitively after validation by the Haute Ecole Arc on the basis of the qualifications obtained and, secondarily, of professional experience.
Degree Awarded
Duration and Organization of Studies
Duration of studies
Part-time: 5 semesters
Location
Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Genève
Partners
This program is jointly organized by the Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie, the Haute Ecole du paysage, d’ingénierie et d’architecture de Genève (hepia) and the Convention patronale de l’industrie horlogère.
Admission
Next opening
September 21, 2027 (registrations for the 2025-2027 edition are closed)
Registration deadline
May 31, 2027 (limited seats)
Fee
24 000 CHF
Links and documents
Perspectives
At the end of this MAS, you will master the new challenges related to the design of watch movements and watch cases. This will enable you to manage large-scale projects within the technical offices and R&D units of watchmaking companies.
Apply now!
Class of 2025-2027
Full (registrations only for the waiting list until May 31, 2025)
Contact
Agenda and News
No events are planned in the near future.