The Watch Coordinator certification, launched by the Japan Watch Importers Association in 2012, has now grown into a standard qualification with approximately 2600 qualified individuals. Why has it become so popular? We explored its significance.
Text by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2020 issue of Kronos Japan]
"CWC" -Certified Watch Coordinator-
The Watch Coordinator (CWC) certification program run by the Japan Watch Importers Association is a qualification system aimed at training watch salespeople in order to increase customer satisfaction throughout the industry. Shinobu Tashiro, a certified salesperson at the Zenith Boutique Ginza, explains:
"I studied for the exam by getting the latest information on watches from magazines and reading textbooks. It was my first time working in the watch industry, but I was able to learn the basics from scratch, from how watches work to the history of the industry."
Indeed, the official textbook contains a wide range of information, from the history of the watch industry's development to the structure of the coaxial escapement. "The textbook was easy to study because it was packed with detailed photographs. The section on movement overhauls was quite challenging, though, as I had to remember the names of parts like the mandarin duck..." Apparently, to pass the exam, you even need to memorize the overhaul procedure for the ETA2824-2. If watch sales staff have this level of knowledge, customers can feel confident in consulting with them not only at the time of purchase but also during after-sales service. This should significantly lower the barrier to entry for new customers who consider luxury watches intimidating. By broadening the reach of watch lovers, CWC is a fundamental supporter of Japan's watch culture.
After obtaining CWC certification, participants will also undergo practical training in disassembly and assembly using a Unitas ETA6497. This means that, despite the differences between automatic and manual winding watches, participants will have the opportunity to learn the intricate details of overhaul procedures and put them into practice. Even if you're not a salesperson, many watch enthusiasts will find this intriguing. There are also opportunities to deepen your knowledge of watches, such as lectures by independent watchmakers and social gatherings for certified individuals. The CWC will stimulate enthusiasts' desire for more knowledge about watches, both during and after qualification studies. The next exam date is January 27, 2021.
