In 2005, three iconic names in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux and the Richemont Group came together with a shared conviction: to create a foundation that would protect and promote the cultural legacy of horology. From that intent was born the Fondation Haute Horlogerie(FHH), which over the last two decades has become one of the most respected voices in the watch industry.
This summer, the FHH celebrated its 20th anniversary with a momentous gathering at the Ritz-Carlton in Geneva and its historic headquarters at Pont de la Machine. More than an anniversary, it was a moment of renewal, of opening up the world of watchmaking to new audiences, new ideas and a new future.
Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy at Cartier, offered a sentiment that resonated deeply: “Culture gives the industry its meaning. The FHH ensures watchmaking remains rooted in civilisation.”
Over the past 20 years, the foundation has worked to democratise horological knowledge while safeguarding its depth. The FHH Academy has trained over 40,000 individuals and issued more than 15,000 certifications, serving not just professionals but now through digital platforms enthusiasts and newcomers around the world.
Whether through educational programmes, exhibitions, roundtables and summits, the FHH has carried the weight of tradition while planting seeds for a more inclusive, accessible and globally aware watchmaking culture.
To have been a part of this journey, first as a Mission Delegate for India and now as a Consultant, has been one of the most fulfilling and defining privileges of my career. My understanding of fine watchmaking, my appreciation for its intricacies, and my ability to engage with its deeper meaning are all thanks to the time I have spent with The FHH.
More than just a professional affiliation, this has been a deeply personal experience. It has shaped my perspective, enriched my understanding of fine watchmaking and allowed me to witness its cultural legacy from the inside. I owe a deep sense of gratitude to the FHH, not only for the knowledge it has imparted, but for the values it stands for.
A New Chapter: Watchmaking Knowledge For All
The 20th anniversary was marked not just with celebration, but with bold new beginnings:
- FHH Boutique: A new digital platform offering expert training content to the public for the first time, a democratic evolution in watch education.
- ‘Watch Makers’ Exhibition: A free, hands-on show featuring 30 partner brands, aimed at making fine watchmaking tangible for everyone.
- Expanded Programming: With Watches and Culture events held in Paris and London, the FHH will bring its Forum to New York City in October, complete with masterclasses and a public podcast series.
The foundation’s new motto, Watchmaking Knowledge For All, signals a shift toward building bridges between industry and community.
Watch Makers’ exhibition, Pont de la Machine, Geneva. Photo credit: Jordi R
Marc-Henri Ngandu, Lorenzo Maillard, Maxime Couturier. Photo credit: Messe München GmbH
As the Fondation Haute Horlogerie steps into its third decade, its vision is not only intact but reinvigorated. No longer confined to the walls of a museum or museum, the culture of watchmaking is being shaped and shared by a global audience. For those of us who have walked beside the institution and grown because of it, the journey ahead is as exciting as the one behind. Because Time truly belongs to everyone.
