Watchmaking school dedicates new service center in Odessa

The Veterans Watchmaker Initiative in Odessa hosted a ribbon cutting Feb. 26 for its RT Custer Vortic Watch Building for VWI Service Center.

VWI is a unique school that has been featured nationally in print and electronic media. It trains disabled American military veterans to become watchmakers, a highly specialized skill that continues to be in demand. VWI is headquartered in a former EMT station converted into a small but world-class watchmaking school that has caught the attention of the watchmaking industry along with corporate and private donors.

For more information, go to VeteransWatchmakerInitiative.org.

Founded in 2017 by Dover resident Sam Cannan, a retired Swiss-trained master watchmaker, the school was inspired by the post-World War II outreach of the Bulova Watch Company, born out of gratitude for the sacrifices of injured American veterans. The veterans were trained, housed and fed at no cost to them. The specialized skills they learned allowed them to support themselves and their families despite their injuries. Some worked into their 90s.

In similar fashion, VWI’s students are trained by volunteer instructors with state-of-the-art equipment donated by the watchmaking industry from across the nation. The school receives community support from area businesses, including military veterans trained in carpentry and electrical skills. The collaboration makes it possible for students to attend tuition-free and be housed locally.

The keynote guest was Robert Thomas “RT” Custer, president of the Vortic Watch Company in Fort Collins, Colo. Vortic is a high-end wristwatch engineering and manufacturing company. Its inspiration lies in pairing classic watchmaking techniques and traditions with innovative, modern technology. Vortic has been especially supportive of Delaware's unique Veterans Watchmaker Initiative and has made multiple contributions to the school because of its mission.