The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), a pillar of global watchmaking culture, marked its 20th anniversary with the unveiling of “Watch Makers,” an experiential exhibition at Geneva’s Pont de la Machine, and the launch of a new public training platform, FHH Boutique. The celebration not only honoured the legacy of its founders—Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, and Richemont—but also heralded a new phase of openness and inclusivity in the world of haute horlogerie.
At a grand gathering held at the Ritz-Carlton Geneva on 26 June 2025, dignitaries including Ilaria Resta (CEO, Audemars Piguet), Patrick Pruniaux (Chairman & CEO, Girard-Perregaux), and Cyrille Vigneron (Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy, Cartier) reaffirmed their brands’ commitment to the foundation’s cultural mission. The evening also introduced the FHH Boutique, a digital initiative granting the public access to the FHH Academy’s premium horology training, now available at a 20% discount until year-end.
The “Watch Makers” exhibition invites the public into the heart of watchmaking with hands-on encounters such as movement assembly, case engraving, gem-setting, and marquetry. With support from 30 renowned watch brands including Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, Panerai, and Bvlgari, the exhibition is open free of charge until 7 September 2025.
Looking ahead, the FHH is set to take its Watches and Culture program international, targeting women and Gen Z audiences with dedicated content and events in Paris, London, and later, New York City. The FHH Forum, previously reserved for industry leaders, will also open to the public for the first time, offering masterclasses and a podcast series designed to demystify watchmaking for all.
Founded by industry visionary Franco Cologni in 2005, the FHH has trained over 40,000 people and issued more than 15,000 certifications through its Academy. As it enters its third decade, the foundation embraces a powerful new motto: “Watchmaking Knowledge For All,” promising to build bridges between traditional watchmakers and emerging global communities of enthusiasts.
With its renewed purpose, inclusive spirit, and ambitious programming, the FHH is not only preserving the artistry of horology—it’s ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
In a bold statement of its forward-looking vision, the FHH also unveiled an exciting expansion of its educational outreach with the FHH Boutique—a dynamic digital hub offering structured horology training to the public for the first time. This initiative democratizes watchmaking knowledge, previously reserved for industry insiders, with modules ranging from foundational mechanics to complications and contemporary trends. With over 30 courses and multiple certification levels, the platform invites curious learners and budding collectors to deepen their understanding of timekeeping’s most revered art.
The “Watch Makers” exhibition is equally emblematic of this cultural evolution. Rather than presenting watchmaking as a distant luxury, the space is designed as a multi-sensory atelier where guests of all ages can see, touch, and create. From piecing together delicate calibres under the guidance of master watchmakers to engraving miniature designs on a case back, every visitor becomes part of the centuries-old narrative of craftsmanship. Complementing these hands-on workshops are curated displays from historic maisons and new-generation innovators alike, showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of contemporary watch design.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was a roundtable discussion featuring voices from across the horological world, including artisans, brand leaders, and culture commentators. The conversation centred around the need to keep tradition alive while remaining accessible and relevant to new audiences, particularly women and young collectors. The upcoming Watches and Culture initiatives in Paris and London are expected to feature not only watch showcases but also panels, mentorships, and community activations designed to cultivate dialogue between the industry and emerging consumers.
As the FHH enters its next chapter, the emphasis is firmly on inclusivity, education, and experiential connection. In a world of fleeting digital trends, the foundation is proving that timelessness still holds power—especially when it’s placed in the hands of the many, not just the few. By fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision behind watchmaking, the FHH ensures that the legacy of haute horlogerie continues to tick with vitality for the future.
