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The British Horological Institute Limited

Frequently Asked Questions

On this page, we'll try to give answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you can't find the answer here, feel free to contact us.

Please remember that there is a vast amount of information in these pages, and you may well be able to find the answer to your question using the 'search the site' button above, or by browsing the 'Hints and Tips' pages.

  Question Answer

DLC FAQs

When can I start the Distance Learning Course? Anytime! It's entirely up to you.
If I buy the DLC with 'Tuition', what do I get? You have the facility to send your lessons in to our tutors for marking. They will be marked and returned to you with feedback from the tutor. Tuition does not entitle you to any form of practical teaching or guidance, although our tutors will be happy to recommend seminars to improve your skills in particular areas as required.
What does the DLC actually look like? Each year's course is a loose-leaf A4 binder containing between 12 & 15 lessons.
What qualification will I receive on completing the course? It depends on whether you wish to sit our examinations. The first year of the course can lead, if you wish, to our qualification 'The Certicificate in Clock and Watch Servicing'; the final two years can lead to 'The Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks/Watches', which will qualify you for the Technical Competence element of professional Membership of the Institute. If you don't want to sit exams, you're under no obligation at all.

Do I need access to a workshop to complete the course?

 

Yes. Horology is a practical subject and you will need to undertake a reasonable amount of practical work to complete each year of the course.
  • You will need a very steady table which is secured to the wall on two sides (possibly in the corner of the room), measuring at least 5 feet by 3 feet.  If it is laminated, do not use white; preferably plain subtle shades of green, blue or brown.   
  • Remember to avoid sitting at a table south facing; you will be straining your eyes looking at the sunshine.
  • Your vice will have to be secured at this table (according to the manufacturers’ instructions).  It is, therefore, essential that there is no unevenness on the floor causing the table to move. 
  • Electricity – you will need at least one double socket.
  • Lighting – Ideally a strong lamp attached to the wall.
  • Storage – You will need some space for storage, to suit your own requirements.
As you progress through the course you will need access to a lathe and small drilling machine.
How long have I got to complete the DLC? We set no fixed timescale. It's up to you how quickly you progress, depending on your previous skills and knowledge, and how much time you are able to dedicate to your horological studies.

CAD – Can I submit my technical drawings by using CAD and how does this work in the examinations? 

Recommendations for using CAD for course and examination can be found in the DL course
   
   
   

Membership Grades

How do I become a professional member? Go to the membership page, where you can find a definition of the requirements for each grade.

Examinations

When are examinations held? In May of each year.
Can I take the exam at my local college?
Only a BHI authorised examination centre may be used, currently Upton Hall and Birminham City University.

Education

Do I have to join the Institute to enrol on the DLC, Seminars and to take examinations?
To enrol on the DLC and to participate in a Seminar you must be a member
Non-members can take the examinations, but the fees are higher than those for members.

Library

Can I borrow books from the Library?
The books in the BHI's extensive Library are not to be taken off the premises. Research can be undertaken on your behalf for a small fee to non-members, otherwise members may book an appointment to use the Library during office hours.

HJ

Can non-members advertise in your Horological Journal? Yes.

General

Why does the Roman numeral 'IIII' appear on clock and watch dials instead of 'IV' Click here (bhi site) or here (non-bhi site) for possible answers.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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