The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), taking place January 18th to 22nd, 2016 in Geneva, will welcome H. Moser & Cie and HYT for the first time in their history, among other brands.

Since 1991, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has been bringing together a small number of prestigious watchmaking houses that embody the values of fine watchmaking. From what were modest beginning (“modest” only when measured in terms of the world of luxury goods), over the last 25 years the SIHH has firmly established Geneva as one of the centres of the watchmaking world .

Open only to retailers and the media, the SIHH has become the first annual must stop on the watchmaking circuit, where brands can showcase their work and give us a taste of the trends to come. And that’s merely one of the reasons why getting an invitation to participate in the exclusive event is big news for watch brands. For the established players, it provides an opportunity to showcase why they are still on top. For the challengers, it’s a way to demonstrate why they belong.

The 2016 edition - which will take place from January 18th to 22nd – is already making news for its slightly revamped guest list. Until now, the SIHH, has almost exclusively focused on the Richemont Group brands. But the FHH (Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie), host of the SIHH, just decided to change the format, by adding 9 independent watchmakers to the list. They include: Christophe Claret, De Bethune, H. Moser & Cie, Hautlence, HYT, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, MB&F and Urwerk.

Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie, expressed his pride upon receiving the invitation:

“We are very pleased to have been invited by the FHH. This is a great reward and a sign that our work, our values and our creativity are being recognized. For me and my team, it is also a vote of confidence that encourages us to continue.”

As an independent watch Manufacture that employs only 50 employees, this is great news for the brand. But having developed 8 of its own calibres, which are known for their quality and refined finishes, make the invitation more than warranted. Edouard Meylan and his team are surely looking forward to presenting their new 2016 collection to the SIHH visitors.

Another small brand that will be expected to deliver big next January at the SIHH is HYT. Their invitation to participate is perhaps more of a surprise, given that the company has only been active for about 2 years. Yet those two years have been all growth.

Case in point is the brand’s new H2 Aviator wristwatch, which is the first time HYT has created a timepiece for aviation lovers. The H2 Aviator isn’t simply an evolution; it is a true transformation of HYT’s iconic H2 timepiece launched in 2013, which demonstrates the brand’s ambitions. Known for its creative designs which feature fluids and various mechanical surprises, you can count on HYT to make a splash.

As the new kids on the block, all eyes will surely be on HYT and H. Moser & Cie at next year’s SIHH.