FHH And INHORGENTA 2025 Forge A New Era for Watchmaking Culture
4 min read
The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has successfully concluded its first-ever collaboration with INHORGENTA, one of Europe’s premier trade fairs for jewellery, watches, and gemstones. Held from February 21–24, 2025, the event attracted over 25,000 trade visitors from 100 countries, further cementing its reputation as a global industry hub.
With 900 exhibitors and 1,334 brands representing 38 countries, INHORGENTA reaffirmed its status as a key marketplace for luxury timepieces. A major highlight this year was the debut of the FHH Cultural Space, a new initiative aimed at bringing education and cultural depth to watchmaking enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The FHH Cultural Space: A Must-Visit Destination
Located at the heart of the watch exhibition in Hall A1, the FHH Cultural Space quickly became one of the most engaging attractions at INHORGENTA 2025. Designed to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship behind fine watchmaking, the space provided visitors with an immersive experience, blending education with hands-on engagement.
Key highlights included:
- “Watches and Talents” Exhibition: Curated by Watches and Culture by FHH, this exhibition featured the work of eight exceptional artisans, offering a deep dive into watchmaking expertise and innovation.
- Live Watchmaking Workshops: Attendees experienced the intricate skills involved in horology through interactive sessions with expert watchmakers.
- Scenographic Displays (Horology Hub): A journey through time, showcasing major historical figures and key watch complications.
- Special Presence of ORIS: The independent Swiss brand was a guest highlight, sharing insights into its heritage and philosophy.
- Expert Talks and Panel Discussions: Topics ranged from the evolving landscape of luxury watches to the expectations of Gen Z consumers and independent watchmaking.
With an estimated 5,000 visitors engaging directly with the Cultural Space, the initiative demonstrated a growing industry appetite for deeper horological knowledge.
Industry Leaders Discuss the Future of Watchmaking
The event also featured a high-profile press conference on February 21, 2025, where industry leaders shared insights on the evolving world of horology. Speakers included: Stefan Rummel (CEO, Messe München), Stefanie Mändlein (Exhibition Director, INHORGENTA), Aurélie Streit (Vice President, FHH), Guido Grohmann (Managing Director, Federal Association of Jewellery, Watches, and Silverware), Stephan Lindner (President, German Jewellers' Trade Association), Kirit Bhansali (Chairman, GJEPC)
Aurélie Streit emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating: "Our partnership with INHORGENTA has been a milestone in our mission to bring watchmaking culture to a broader audience. The enthusiasm and engagement witnessed over these four days reaffirm the importance of preserving and promoting craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry in watchmaking."
The conference sparked in-depth discussions on the role of digitalization in horology, the impact of education on consumer engagement, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving market. Beyond the Cultural Space, FHH played a key role in the INHORGENTA Watch Talks, featuring discussions on some of the most pressing topics in modern watchmaking.
Gen Z and the Future of Watch Buying
One of the most anticipated panels was “The Next Generation of Watch Buyers – How to Attract Gen Z”, led by Clio Godrèche, Senior Project Manager at FHH. Panelists included industry experts from France, Switzerland, and the UK, discussing how younger consumers seek authenticity, storytelling, and personal connections in their watch-buying journey.
The Success of ORIS
Moderated by Suzanne Wong (FHH Council member), another key session featured ORIS CEO Rolf Studer, who shared insights into the independent brand’s philosophy. Studer highlighted ORIS’s focus on emotional storytelling, stating, “The industry is about transporting emotions. Making people smile is very important at ORIS.”
A discussion on the rise of microbrands and their influence on the industry featured key figures like Manuel Emch (Louis Erard), Andrea Furlan (Furlan Marri), and Scott Wempe (Wempe). They explored how small independent brands leverage direct-to-consumer strategies, innovative designs, and authentic storytelling to stand out in a competitive market.
INHORGENTA AWARD 2025: Honoring Excellence in Watchmaking
The INHORGENTA AWARD 2025 celebrated the best in jewellery, watches, and gemstones, recognizing achievements across nine categories.
In the watchmaking segment:
- Gerald Charles won Luxury Watch of the Year.
- Uhrenfabrik Junghans received Watch Design of the Year for its bold and innovative approach.
Hosted at the Kleine Olympiahalle in Munich, the event featured a jury of esteemed experts, including watch specialist Gisbert L. Brunner, Fabergé’s Sarah Fabergé, and WEMPE Executive Board Member Anja Heiden. The evening was a tribute to creativity, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking innovation.
Following the success of this first collaboration, FHH and INHORGENTA have signaled a strong commitment to continuing their partnership in future editions. The enthusiastic response to the FHH Cultural Space highlights a growing demand for cultural and educational experiences in the watch industry.
Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA, summed it up, "The FHH Cultural Space has been a remarkable addition to INHORGENTA, bringing an essential cultural and educational dimension to our timepiece sector. The response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating a strong desire to deepen horological knowledge."
As the Fondation Haute Horlogerie continues its mission to promote watchmaking culture, this collaboration with INHORGENTA is set to expand, shaping the future of horological appreciation on an international scale.
