FHH Celebrates 20 Years of Shaping Watchmaking Culture: A New Era Begins

Two decades ago, a vision took shape in Geneva—one that saw fine watchmaking not just as an industry, but as a cultural heritage worth preserving, sharing, and celebrating. That vision became the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), founded in 2005 by Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, and the Richemont Group. On 27 June 2025, the FHH celebrated 20 years of this enduring mission with a landmark event at the Ritz-Carlton and the historic Pont de la Machine. The anniversary not only honoured its remarkable journey but also unveiled a new chapter focused on openness, inclusion, and global engagement.

Since its founding, the FHH has become a leading authority in promoting watchmaking culture across the world. Its work has gone beyond exhibitions and salons to include training, certification, and cultural dialogue. The FHH Academy, launched in 2014, has trained over 40,000 individuals and issued more than 15,000 certifications, equipping retailers, collectors, and enthusiasts with structured, credible knowledge of fine watchmaking.

Celebrating Two Decades
Now, to mark its 20th anniversary, the FHH has launched FHH Boutique—a public e-learning platform that brings the Academy’s content to anyone passionate about horology. For the first time, non-professionals can purchase and access certified training modules from anywhere in the world, opening doors to a wider community of collectors and learners. Until 31 December 2025, all courses are available at a special 20% discount.

To further its mission of cultural transmission, the FHH also unveiled the ‘Watch Makers’ exhibition, an immersive and hands-on showcase that demystifies the métiers of haute horlogerie. Open to the public at the Pont de la Machine until 7 September 2025, the exhibition features interactive workshops in gem-setting, engraving, marquetry, and movement assembly. Supported by 30 of the world’s most respected watch brands, including Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, MB&F, and Bvlgari, it reflects the collective will to protect and promote artisanal excellence.

Looking ahead, the FHH is expanding its cultural programming under the Watches and Culture banner. After successful events in Paris and London, the initiative will land in New York later this year, with special focus on engaging Gen Z and women collectors—two groups poised to shape the future of the industry. Further reinforcing this international outlook, the FHH Forum, the foundation’s strategic industry platform, will also be held outside Switzerland for the first time on 17 October 2025 in New York. The forum will offer public masterclasses and launch a new podcast series, making complex watchmaking topics accessible and engaging to new audiences.

Reflecting on the foundation’s origins, it’s impossible to overlook the influence of Dr. Franco Cologni, whose vision gave birth to the FHH. His belief—that horology is a living art and a legacy to be passed on—continues to shape the foundation’s work. Today, his original motto, “A Legacy for Tomorrow,” evolves into a modern and inclusive promise: “Watchmaking Knowledge For All.”
At the Geneva celebration, leaders from founding brands shared their continued support. Ilaria Resta (Audemars Piguet) spoke of horology as “a cultural bridge across generations.” Patrick Pruniaux (Girard-Perregaux) emphasized the importance of preserving artisanal skills. And Cyrille Vigneron (Cartier) underlined the need to “transmit culture in a world searching for meaning.” Their collective message was clear: the preservation and promotion of watchmaking culture is not just a responsibility—it is an inspiration.

As proud partners of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie in India, we at The Hour Markers are honoured to support this mission locally. In a region where the appreciation for mechanical craft and horological heritage is deepening, our association with the FHH allows us to bring world-class educational tools, cultural content, and certification programmes to Indian audiences. We remain committed to fostering a new generation of informed watch lovers, retailers, and professionals through this collaboration.

As the FHH moves into its third decade, it remains more relevant than ever. At a time when the industry is evolving rapidly, the foundation continues to serve as both guardian and guide—preserving the past, educating the present, and inspiring the future.