The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, was founded recently in Berne, as a private law foundation, on the initiative of its three founding members: Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux and the Richemont Group.
As Franco Cologni, President of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, explained, « this foundation has a primary and essential objective: through the realization of information and training projects, to contribute actively, on a worldwide basis, to the propagation and development of the technical and precious patrimony and values of Fine Watchmaking, based on tradition and innovation”.
As the heir of know-how and secular crafts, and protector of fundamental values such as excellence, quality, reliability and service, Fine watchmaking is a sector, unique of its kind, situated at the crossroads of the arts and the technical sciences.
However, if it were to dig deep into its life force, its traditions and its roots, it has also known, from the very outset, how to project itself to the future and to introduce both formal and technical innovations.
The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie intends to play an all important role in the circulation, reinforcement and growth of this exceptional heritage. The are many challenges and stakes confronting Fine Watchmaking, starting with the education of the new generations about the values, which form its bases and about the way of life that inspires it.
In order to succeed in this mission, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie means to transcend all the divisions and assemble the greatest possible number of actors who are working in its privileged field: brands and retailers; watchmakers, manufacturers, craftsmen; collectors, journalists and enthusiastic amateurs.
Operationally, it comprises two complementary poles of activity: the Centre Culturel de la Haute Horlogerie (non profit), responsible for its cultural and institutional activities, and events and promotional activities (profit making). This second pole is directly responsible for the organization of exhibitions and events dedicated to the promotion of Haute Horlogerie. It is responsible right now for the task of organizing the next Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), which will take place for the sixteenth time in Geneva, from 3rd to 9th April 2006.
This Foundation’s vocation is to cover all aspects of Haute Horlogerie, including the challenges relating to technical, aesthetic and cultural areas, offers and services, values, traditions and heritage. However, entirely future-orientated, it will be active in the areas of research and development of new trades and new markets and at the forefront of innovation and future business developments.
Among the many tasks that the Centre Culturel de la Haute Horlogerie intends to take on progressively, it is worth noting the creation of a Centre for Study and Research, which will gather and provide the most complete and relevant analyses and information relating to this industry.
In addition to its scientific, cultural, promotional and institutional missions, the Centre Culturel de la Haute Horlogerie’s top priority will be to implement specific projects reserved for retailers who are, and will remain, for the end-client, the first ambassadors and partners of Fine Watchmaking in the world.
Source : Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie
Contact : communication@fondation-hh.com
(Credit europastar.com)
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