The "Haute Horlogerie" Concept
François-Paul Journe has contacted the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie regarding the definition of "Haute Horlogerie":
"Will your activities succeed in distinguishing who’s who in Haute Horlogerie, and even Très Haute Horlogerie? If the answer is yes, then the watch buyer will be informed and can spend his money safe in the knowledge of what he is buying. Another essential point is that watch brands will do everything they can to achieve this status and, as the expertise today is in Switzerland, this activity will serve to preserve and develop its heritage.
How can one define Haute Horlogerie? In my view, any talk of horology refers to precision mechanisms that indicate the measurement of time, in which case the definition is obvious:
- A mechanism finished to the highest standard.
- An original mechanism owned by only one brand.
- Regardless of whether this mechanism has hours, minutes and seconds or numerous complications, it can have no added module.
That said, saying which brand is or isn’t a Haute Horlogerie brand will be a difficult task. It is however possible to say that certain of a brand’s products qualify for this title.
We’re in the habit of talking about wristwatches, but Haute Horlogerie also includes pocket watches and clocks. In this case, including external appearance and design in the definition of Haute Horlogerie is problematic as these are a matter of personal taste."
The editorial team’s reply
François-Paul Journe’s views on Haute Horlogerie clearly illustrate his philosophy as a master watchmaker and creator of exceptional movements. Over the years, he has created from scratch a Manufacture in Geneva, proving that the industrial adventure that opens wide the doors of Haute Horlogerie is possible for whomever shows the creativity of a François-Paul Journe and perfectly masters his art. His approach to the profession, which is to produce original mechanisms, results in a concept of Haute Horlogerie that concerns the products more than the brands. This is a judicious train of thought and entirely to his credit.
What do you think?
Write and let us know your view at communication@hautehorlogerie.org and we’ll publish your reactions under this article as we receive them.
David Chang the 6th of April 2007
(China correspondent of HH Journal, Editorial Director of REAL TIME annual China edition)
When I visited Watches & Wonders exhibition at the Tai Miao Temple of the Forbidden City of Beijing in September 2004, I saw four especial persons in the hall. Though they are from respective watch companies, but they all possess masterly craftsmanship. They are a watchmaker, an engraver, a stone-setter and an enameller. These four masters are strongly impressed on my memory. In fact, I gradually understand the concept of Haute Horlogerie via these masters in this great exhibition.
Haute Horlogerie is the technical concept, and also is the artistic concept. In my publication, I translate Haute Horlogerie to Chinese － 高级钟表（fine horologe）. Fine meaning is the multiple define, that include exclusive appearance design, high quality movement and exquisite handcraft detail. The masters who I ever saw in Watches & Wonders exhibition not only are handicraftsman, but also are artist. The watchmaker assemble many parts to whole movement, and the others engrave, stone-set and enamel many pieces by own hands. These persons make Haute Horlogerie together.
Now when someone asks me about Haute Horlogerie, I may say that Haute Horlogerie not only are the timekeeper, but also are the artwork. This concept is a fusion of many kinds of art except watchmaking.
