Time For India: Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) Partners With The Hour Markers To Tap India's Potential

THM Desk

16 Jul 2024 |

4 min read

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In a significant development for the luxury watch industry, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has announced a strategic partnership with us at The Hour Markers as their official distributors in India. This collaboration, unveiled on July 16, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for the watchmaking industry in one of the world's fastest-growing luxury markets.

Who is FHH?
FHH, established in 2005 by Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, and the Richemont Group, has long been recognized as the preeminent authority on fine watchmaking. Its mission extends beyond mere promotion of timepieces; the foundation aims to elevate watches to the status of cultural artifacts and objects of art. This approach reflects a nuanced understanding of luxury watches as representations of human ingenuity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.

Operating through three distinct yet interconnected pillars - Watches & Culture by FHH, the FHH Academy, and the FHH Forum - the foundation has been instrumental in shaping the global horological landscape. The FHH Academy, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, has been particularly impactful, having trained over 35,000 individuals and certified more than 12,000 professionals across 22 countries.

The partnership with The Hour Markers comes at a crucial time as India emerges as a key market for luxury timepieces. Aurélie Streit, Vice-President at FHH and founder of the FHH Academy, emphasized the significance of this move: “It seems only natural that we also make sure to partner with the best in the industry, such as The Hour Markers in India, to ensure the FHH and its Academy’s content reach the widest audience possible. India also stands out more than ever as the next frontier for horology, and the FHH wants to be at the centre of this exciting period of expansion in the region.”

Pascal Ravessoud & Aurélie Streit of FHH, Karishma Karer & Punit Mehta, The Hour Markers

Co-founded by Karishma Karer and Punit Mehta, we at The Hour Markers bring to the table a wealth of experience and an extensive network within the Indian watch industry. “Our parent company has been serving the watch industry for over seven decades, bringing unparalleled expertise and a legacy of excellence to every timepiece. We take pride in our rich heritage, which has been built on a foundation of quality, precision, and timeless elegance”, Karer.

“Our commitment to excellence and passion for horology aligns perfectly with the FHH's mission. Together, this collaboration blends tradition with modernity, creating a unique synergy that enhances the appreciation of haute horlogerie in a burgeoning country like India. Our shared passion for excellence and the goal of educating and inspiring watch enthusiasts make FHH and The Hour Markers the perfect partners in celebrating the art of watchmaking”, Mehta.

This collaboration is set to benefit various stakeholders in the Indian watch industry. Watch brands will gain access to a more educated consumer base, retailers will be able to offer enhanced expertise to their customers, and watch enthusiasts will have unprecedented access to high-quality educational content and events.

Aurélie Streit, Vice President & Founder of FHH Academy and Karishma Karer, Co-Founder The Hour Markers

The partnership addresses several strategic objectives. Giving FHH’s direct access to a vast and growing audience of watch enthusiasts in India, The Hour Markers' extensive media network offers an ideal platform to disseminate its educational content, adapting global expertise to the Indian context. Moreover, by educating professionals and enthusiasts alike, this collaboration has the potential to elevate the overall standard of the watch industry in India.

For luxury watch brands associated with the FHH, this partnership offers increased visibility and credibility in the Indian market. As knowledge and appreciation of fine watchmaking grow, the Indian market may see a shift towards more complex and valuable timepieces, potentially expanding the market for high-end watches.

As the luxury watch market in India continues to evolve, this partnership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future. It brings together global expertise and local knowledge, promising to elevate the understanding and appreciation of fine watchmaking in India. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar partnerships in other emerging markets, potentially reshaping the global landscape of luxury watchmaking.

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