The Birmingham Assay Office is pleased to announce its latest new training course – Understanding Watches. Delivered by watch industry expert Peter Tales MBHI, this hands-on course is intended for retail staff or enthusiasts who already have some experience of watches. The one day course will provide an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects and benefits of different types of watches, improving confidence when selling or assessing a watch. The course gives each delegate a chance to handle and study watches closely, and disassemble items using standard basic tools. It will teach basic practical skills which will enable delegates to diagnose possible faults and carry out maintenance repairs. The course also includes a rare opportunity to see ‘behind the scenes’ and visit the Hallmarking Operation at the Birmingham Assay Office, which is not usually open to the public. Understanding Watches is the latest addition to the Birmingham Assay Office’s Education and Training portfolio, which includes courses on understanding diamonds, coloured gemstones, Hallmarking, buying second hand jewellery, touch acid testing and product safety for fashion accessories. Michael Allchin, Chief Executive and Assay Master, says: ‘The Birmingham Assay Office is a unique training provider. Its ‘hands on’ courses are taught in small groups and are delivered by experienced industry practitioners. All tutors share their expertise and market insight with delegates on every course, which makes learning at The Birmingham Assay Office an invaluable experience. I am delighted that our current education and training portfolio has expanded again to include this new course on understanding watches.’ Peter Tales created Horology Consulting in 2010 following a successful career with the Signet Group, managing their watch and jewellery repair business. Originally trained as a jewellery designer, Peter has also worked for Seiko UK and learned his watchmaking skills with an independent Omega service agency. With many years experience in retailing and repair services, Peter’s expertise also includes business management, staff training and development, and performance measurement and analysis. As well as running Horology Consulting, Peter is a Senior Examiner at the British Horological Institute. Understanding Watches will run on Wednesday 18^th September, Wednesday 23^rd October and Tuesday 12^th November 2013. The course fee is £195 plus VAT with a maximum of six delegates per course. It provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

More detailed information on the course along with a booking form can be found online: www.theassayoffice.co.uk/training-and-education.html For more information and to book a place please call T: 0871 871 6020 or Email: gem@theassayoffice.co.uk

** NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2013 – UNDERSTANDING WATCHES**

UNDERSTANDING WATCHES – 1 DAY COURSE - £195+VAT per delegate

**The course also includes a rare opportunity to visit the Hallmarking Operation at the Birmingham Assay Office, which is not usually open to the public.

** The course provides 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

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