The Foundation Haute Horlogerie Brings Watchmaking Education To The Masses with Innovative 'Roadshow' Event

The Foundation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has taken a significant step towards making horological knowledge more accessible to the public. Last weekend, the organization hosted its inaugural 'Roadshow' event in Paris, marking the 10th anniversary of its renowned FHH Academy.

Held in collaboration with the prestigious we are_ club, a hub for creative industries in Paris, the two-day event attracted nearly 300 attendees, including watch enthusiasts, journalists, influencers, and representatives from partner brands. The primary objective was to introduce a pilot project of educational videos in French, based on the "Watch Essentials" program from the FHH Academy.

For the first time, watch enthusiasts in France will have the opportunity to acquire certified FHH training from the comfort of their homes. This initiative aligns with the FHH's mission of making watchmaking expertise and culture more inclusive and widely available.

The event featured a comprehensive range of activities, including intensive "Watch Essentials" training sessions from the FHH Academy, the renowned FHH Quiz Nights, panel discussions, and conferences led by renowned experts. Attendees also had the chance to participate in an art workshop conducted by artist Estelle Lagarde, adding a creative dimension to the event.

A standout attraction was the return of "Watch Icons," an augmented reality exhibition first unveiled during Dubai Watch Week in 2023. This immersive experience showcased iconic timepieces from all 44 partner brands of the FHH, alongside historical and current pieces from the six French partner brands: Cartier, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Trilobe.

FHH Vice-President, Aurélie Streit, emphasized the importance of making the FHH's educational resources more accessible, stating, "On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the FHH Academy, and on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Foundation, our wish is to make the FHH known to as many people as possible, from novices to watchmaking professionals."

Since its inception in 2014, the FHH Academy has been the only institution globally that evaluates, introduces, trains, and certifies general watchmaking knowledge. Originally intended for industry professionals, it has now expanded its reach to cater to enthusiasts from all backgrounds, even integrating its programs into some prestigious universities' curricula.

The educational videos from the FHH Academy are now available exclusively in France through an FHH-approved service provider, priced at EUR 1190 (subject to variation under certain special regimes). The Foundation plans to roll out these videos in eleven languages and integrate them into similar international events by the end of 2024.

This 'Roadshow' event represents a significant step in the FHH's mission to democratize watchmaking knowledge and make it accessible to a broader audience. By leveraging innovative educational formats and collaborating with influential cultural hubs like the we are_club, the FHH is poised to inspire and educate a new generation of watch enthusiasts worldwide.