The energy of the exhibitions is captivating. At the beginning of April, Baselworld, followed by the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, open their doors to visitors, professionals and the press from around the world. These events, which put Swiss watchmaking at the centre of discussions for many days, are an important time for both students and teachers of specialised watchmaking schools.
The horology exhibitions open soon; are these essential events for watchmaking schools, and for the Geneva school in particular?
Reinhart Casutt, director of the Geneva School of Horology: It is indeed an important time that helps encourage the dreams of our future watchmakers.
What does the visit actually entail?
Geneva is very different from Basle because the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie is a private event.
Does Baselworld provide particular events?
No, it’s a totally unrestricted and unguided visit. In fact, we take around sixty of our students by coach for a day trip to the exhibition.
Once there, do the students visit the exhibition in small groups?
Everyone is free to organise their visit as they wish. Many come back with bags full of leaflets and catalogues.
Do some Genevan watchmakers offer a more in-depth visit of their stand?
Some major Watch Houses such as Chopard give us a special welcome. These are training companies with whom we maintain continuous relations; Chopard allows our students to look at and touch the exhibited pieces. Some of our students particularly enjoy discovering pieces that aren’t in the catalogues.
And Rolex?
Many of their trainers work with our school, but at Baselworld, their stand is invaded by clients from around the world.
After Baselworld, it’s the turn of the SIHH. What is your participation in this Genevan event?
In reality, our participation is very limited; we take part in the event through the Competition organised each year by Cartier.
What does this entail?
It’s a competition for all the watchmaking schools and training companies in Switzerland. The results are announced on the last Saturday of the SIHH. The winners – around a dozen students – and their families are allowed to enter the exhibition for the prize-giving ceremony which takes place at 11 o’clock in the morning in a function room.
Is this a privilege for your students?
Yes, because each student’s work is presented in a showcase.
Who is the competition for?
It’s for 3rd and 4th year students, i.e. practising watchmakers or repairers. The choice of subject is organised by Cartier with the participation of one representative from each school and training centre, on their premises at La Chaux-de-Fonds. The theme is then written down, and a date established for the opening of the competition. Then the Cartier group sends the calibre on which the students are to work; it is then returned to them by registered post once the work required has been completed.
How long does the competition last?
The students have two weeks – 10 days – to work on the piece and send it back to Cartier, then the jury of watchmakers meets. The companies and schools taking part in the competition are not part of the jury.
And for 2008?
The competition closed at the end of January, beginning of February, just before the school holidays. Around thirty students took part, both those on apprenticeships in companies and those training in schools and professional training centres.
Is the prize-giving an exciting moment for the students?
Yes and also for the teachers, who are invited to the SIHH for the occasion. Does the Geneva Exhibition have an impact on the students?
Much less than the Basle exhibition, as few of them have access. It’s the same for the teachers.
Do I hear a touch of regret?
I think that if the doors were opened a little wider to future professionals and teachers it would be a good thing. In any case, it’s one of my wishes for the future.
Editor’s Notes
With regard to the Geneva School of Horology: the SIHH has a number of times in the past invited a class accompanied by teachers (on a nominative list). This invitation is for the last weekend of the Exhibition. The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, organiser of the SIHH, has never been informed of whether or not the students accepted these invitations and were present.
With regard to the Cartier Horological Institute prize-giving ceremony organised by Cartier: the winners have full freedom to visit the Exhibition before and after the prize-giving ceremony.
The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) reissues its invitation to Swiss watchmaking schools for the afternoon of Friday 11 April. This invitation is for students in their final year accompanied by one or more teachers. If interested, the FHH invites the watchmaking schools to contact them so they can establish a nominative list of participants.
