Fondation Haute Horlogerie’s Watches and Talents exhibition shows off the human aspect of watchmaking

Borna Bošnjak

We’re all too familiar with the household watchmaking names, renowned for groundbreaking complications and oodles of hype. But, who are the real people that actually put these watches together? It’s these individuals that the Watches and Talents exhibition is trying to showcase, organised by Fondation Haute Horlogerie to show off the unsung watchmaking heroes.

This isn’t the first instance of such an exhibition taking place, either. Back in 2020, the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship worked with FHH to present the works of Philippe Dufour, Bastien Chevalier, Anita Porchet, and Isabelle Villa – all well-regarded artisans across the disciplines of watchmaking, marquetry, enamelling, and miniature painting. For the second edition, FHH is focusing on lesser-known craftspeople that are just as important in making the magic happen.

The new exhibition takes figures from the industrial sector, highlighting Thierry Faivre’s stamp-making, Ismaël Jäggi’s press work, Justine Jouanneau’s case finishing, and Andreas Albert’s balance spring expertise. The last of these artisans has been working with H. Moser & Cie for more than a decade, and his enthusiasm for the work is clear as someone excited about a new way about bending hairsprings. Along with videos, the Watches and Talents will show their personal and professional effects and tools.

Speaking on behalf of FHH, Vice-President of the foundation Aurélie Streit remarked: “At the FHH, we continually offer new exhibitions and cultural activities designed to appeal to everyone, highlighting the watch as an object of art and culture. But with the ‘Watches and Talents’ exhibition, we reveal the lives behind the scenes, reminding us that the beating heart of watchmaking remains human. Through this work, we hope to present watchmaking and its professions from a different perspective and inspire new vocations.” State Councillor Delphine Bachmann expanded on this by saying: “This
exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of watchmaking professions. By highlighting these unique skills, we inspire young generations to consider careers that combine creativity and technology, while strengthening the link between local talents and the workforce needs of our industry.”

Housed in the FHH’s headquarters of Pont de la Machine, the exhibition opens on June 6th and continues until September 2nd 2024. Visit the FHH website for more information.