The former president of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry François Habersaat passed away on 2 August in his 81st year after a short illness. (Communiqué FH)
François Habersaat devoted his entire career to the watch industry ("our fine watch industry" as he fondly called it). After a spell as sales manager with Felsa, he joined Ebauches SA in 1969 as deputy director, before taking up the post of head of marketing and sales with the company ETA in Granges in 1978. In the autumn of 1993 he was appointed president of the FH, which post he occupied until 2002 with passion, fervour and diplomacy.
François Habersaat undeniably left his mark on the Swiss watch industry and our federation in particular. He often remarked that the position of president of the FH was made for him, since his initials were engraved on our building well before he took office. François Habersaat strove to ensure that the FH was active wherever watch industry interests were at stake. Proud of his industry - "the country’s third largest exporter" as he repeatedly made clear – he made sure that our industry stood firm on its positions and made itself heard as much as other leading sectors of the Swiss economy. For him, taking a back seat was out of the question. His unstinting effort was reflected by numerous trips abroad in the company of federal councillors and by an iron-clad commitment to the umbrella associations of economiesuisse.
A connoisseur of the good things in life, imbued with an exceptional natural charisma and unfailing good humour, François Habersaat made a huge contribution to the Swiss watch industry both professionally and in human terms. All those who knew him will retain the image of a friendly and cheerful man who had the knack of achieving his aims with tact and diplomacy. To his family and loved ones we offer our deepest sympathy.
