Story Highlight
– FHH’s US Watch Summit hosted over 400 attendees.
– Panels discussed watchmaking education and icon criteria.
– GIA to offer watchmaking courses starting March 2027.
– US collectors and Swiss watchmakers relationship explored.
– Summit aimed to enhance watchmaking knowledge accessibility.
Full Story
The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) recently convened its second US Watch Summit in New York, gathering over 400 attendees to delve into the evolving ideas and cultural elements influencing the watch industry.
Following its inaugural event in 2025, the Summit returned to Manhattan on 15 October, hosted at NeueHouse Madison Square, where a packed schedule of panels and discussions was presented.
Topics covered in the Summit ranged from the future of watchmaking education to the essence of iconic watches, the shifting perceptions of value, and the United States’ role in the global watch market.
The opening discussion addressed the urgent need for talented watchmakers and accessible education in this craft. Christophe Massoni, CEO of Richemont Americas, remarked: “AI for us is an opportunity to amplify human talent, but not to replace it.”
The partnership between FHH and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was also highlighted, with plans for watchmaking courses to commence at the GIA campus in Carlsbad, California, starting in March 2027.
Another significant conversation revolved around the qualities that define a watch as iconic. Paul Heavener from Hypebeast emphasised the importance of a watch being recognised beyond its industry origins, stating: “Recognition beyond the world or industry in which a product or brand originated is really important.”
Discussions on value occupied a central role, especially amidst the rising prices of watches. The panels examined what truly lends meaning to a watch beyond its price tag or technical attributes. Derek Mon from Carat & Co pointed out, “Price is what this item costs you, but the value could mean all the enjoyment you get.”
The Summit also focused on the increasing impact of the US on watch culture and collecting. Collector Fred Savage articulated the synergy between Swiss craftsmanship and American consumer culture: “The Swiss excel at making extraordinary watches. American collectors, meanwhile, excel at making them part of their culture.”
The final discussion, titled “A Talk With New York II,” explored the city’s unique watch culture and its connections to art, fashion, jewellery, and vintage timepieces. Phil Toledano, a conceptual artist and co-founder of Toledano & Chan, reflected on this interplay, noting, “I look to jewellery because I think it’s incredibly inventive and, in many ways, much more creative and free than watch design.”
The event attracted diverse voices from the watch industry, including brands, media figures, retailers, collectors, and academics, aligning with the FHH’s mission to enhance accessibility to watchmaking knowledge.
Pascal Ravessoud, Vice-President of the FHH, commented on the success of the Summit, stating: “The success of the FHH’s second Summit in New York confirms the importance of bringing conversations around watchmaking to new audiences and perspectives.” He further noted how New York’s vibrant creative community provided a particularly inspiring backdrop for these discussions.
This event exemplifies the FHH’s broader initiative to link watchmaking with the cultural dynamics shaping its understanding, appreciation, and collection.
