Independents

MTF
[PuristS]
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Definition of Independent Haute Horlogerie - A Start

Forumners,

We have tried to be embracing rather than excluding of new watchmakers when it comes to topics for this AHCI and Independent Haute Horlogerie forum. 

There is no doubt about AHCI members or candidates. The difficult part has been turning away topics/brands because of different definitions of "independence" and "haute horlogerie". The original reason for this forum was to help truly independent lone and high-grade watchmakers back in 1999 when few had resources to be known; people may not remember that now with their million dollar watches and god-like celebrity

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie convened a Steering Committee of international personalities from various horizons (curators, experts, collectors, entrepreneurs and journalists), all of whom are recognised for their complete independence.

Some PuristS members may have been on that committee.

The Committee’s priority is to define the perimeter of Technical and Precious Fine Watches and identify its main players. This perimeter is reviewed each year. The Steering Committee has defined the following fundamental principles as governing the "Fine Watch" designation:

The Product (one-off, limited edition or collections) is the main reference and must meet with precise criteria with regards to expertise. These are:
Technical watches:
A simple mechanical movement or a mechanical movement with complications such as a perpetual calendar, simple or split-seconds chronograph, minute repeater, tourbillon and/or any other highly technical and mechanical specification.
The movement is designed, developed and manufactured, partially or entirely, by the brand or by a supplier with an established reputation and working to very high standards of quality.
The movement parts are finished to the highest standard.
Authenticity, reliability, traceability and guarantee of the movement and of the noble and precious materials with which it is made.
The exterior shows creativity, originality, authenticity and distinctiveness

Precious watches:
The same movement and complications as technical watches (see above) or a "non-mechanical" movement in order to respect the aesthetic requirements of precious creations.
Exceptional emphasis on the exterior elements, demonstrating unique creativity and embracing the mechanical and aesthetic requirements of a fine jewellery watch (originality and authenticity).
The movement and exterior are made from noble materials and set with precious stones of certified origin.
The Brand proposes collections of one or several types of product among which Fine Watches are significant in both quality and quantity.

Through its distinctive Fine Watch products, the brand must demonstrate:

Culture and expertise A proven commitment and capacity to invest in research and development A commitment to preserving, developing and transmitting this unique expertise, in particular by training young watchmakers Legitimacy and heritage for traditional brands; personality and originality for contemporary brands A specific DNA; the brand is acknowledged and respected by connoisseurs A selective and qualified sales network Competent and quality after-sales service International communication in keeping with the values of Fine Watchmaking
1. Active contribution to the fight against counterfeits and servile copies
   

To date, 62 Technical and Precious Fine Watch brands fall within the perimeter defined by the Steering Committee. From those 62 brands, taking out those that are not watchmaker-owned, or not independent or with brand forums, we are left with few that can make it to these pages.......

Of course, PuristS community may not agree 100% with the FHH list but their criteria seem to be a reasonable STARTING place when we consider what is fine watchmaking......no?

Then we have the headache of what is "independent" or "watchmaker-owned"...... 

Regards,

MTF