Invest In Time: Trends In Watchmaking

The 26th edition of The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) highlighted how fine watches are crossing the barriers of price and perception. The August editors of HH journal, the official magazine of the Fondation de la Haute horlogerie, help us decode the art of watchmaking and its 2016 trends.

The SIHH is a one-of-a-kind exposition, and attracts the attention of anyone who’s interested in watches, craftsmanship or, simply, the beauty of tradition. The latest edition of the SIHH was unique, because in addition to the 15 established exhibitors, it also showcased nine independent watchmakers inside what was called the “Carre des Horlogers”. These specialist artisan-creators represent ‘new watchmaking’ and are redefining the richness and diversity of the art of ‘horology’.

Fabienne Lupo, Chairwoman and Managing Director of the FHH, says, “The common denominators of all the Maisons at the SIHH are creativity, expertise, craftsmanship, excellence and the desire to achieve the impossible. Most of all, though, they share the heritage and longevity of an art that must continue to thrive.” The idea is also to involve new collectors and tangential customers—people like us—who are beginning to appreciate the beauty of a fine watch. In fact, of the 14,500-plus attendees, there were many first-time visitors who thronged the beautiful interior to admire the timepieces. Surprisingly, classicism prevailed, as witnessed by round forms, neutral colours and precision movements.

The Apprentice Collector

By Franco Cologni

Fine watches represent passion and tradition, two intrinsic elements of any collectible. A watch collection is not just about having stylish accessories, but owning a piece of time.