Editorial of the Foundation

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie was created because…

The world of watchmaking has changed… and is continuing to change with increasing rapidity

• Considerable increase in the number of products and brands.
• Opening-up of formerly “reserved and legitimate territories”: it seems any brand can launch Fine Watch models.
• Increasing public and media interest in watchmaking: the role of providing information and guidance is transferred from watchmaking specialists to the press.
• The Internet’s developing role as a preferred source of information.

Luxury has evolved from a “social aspiration” into a “cultural aspiration”

• History, culture and expertise as a source of legitimacy for “true luxury”.
• Instruction, education and attitudes determine social status (more than purchasing power).

Younger generations are growing up in a completely different technological environment to that of their elders

• Internet chat rooms, blogs, cellphones, MP3 players, etc.
• Different ideas of what constitutes groups, time, space, and reality.

For all these reasons, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie focuses its action on two essential areas: information and training.