FHH Celebrates a Landmark Debut at INHORGENTA 2025

Munich, 26 February 2025 – The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) proudly marks the successful conclusion of its first-ever collaboration with INHORGENTA, Europe’s leading trade fairs for jewellery, watches, and gemstones. Taking place from February 21–24, 2025, this year’s event welcomed an impressive 25,000+ trade visitors from around 100 countries, reinforcing its status as a truly global platform.

With 900 exhibitors and 1,334 brands from 38 countries, INHORGENTA reaffirmed its role as a key international marketplace for the industry. Among the standout initiatives this year was the debut of the FHH Cultural Space, which provided a dynamic new dimension to the watch segment, offering cultural and educational experiences to thousands of engaged visitors.

Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, highlighted the significance of this international expansion:

The partnership with FHH exemplifies the high standards of INHORGENTA as a platform for excellence, craftmanship and innovation. The FHH Cultural Space will become a new highlight of INHORGENTA and will establish as a central hub for watch enthusiasts and emerging talents.”

The FHH Cultural Space: A Must-Visit Experience at INHORGENTA

Located in Hall A1, the epicentre of INHORGENTA’s watch exhibition, the FHH Cultural Space quickly became one of the most talked-about attractions at the fair. Designed to showcase the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of fine watchmaking, the space provided an immersive experience for the fair visitors.

Key highlights included:

• The “Watches and Talents” exhibition, curated by Watches and Culture by FHH, featuring the work of eight outstanding artisans and innovators, bringing together insights about watchmaking know-how behind today's masterpieces.

• Live watchmaking workshops, where visitors could enjoy a hands-on experience, giving them a closer look at the delicate skills behind watchmaking.

• Scenographic displays (Horology Hub) illustrating the evolution of watchmaking, major historical key figures, and main watch complications.

• The presence of ORIS, the FHH’s special guest at the Cultural Space.

• Expert talks and interactive sessions exploring topics such as the changing landscape of the industry, the success story of ORIS, and new consumption behaviours and expectations from Gen Z.

Over the course of the event, an estimated 5,000 visitors engaged directly with the FHH Cultural Space, underscoring the growing demand for cultural and educational experiences within the watch industry.

Press Conference with Aurélie Streit: The Future of Watchmaking Culture

One of the key moments of the event was the press conference held on February 21, 2025, featuring esteemed speakers, including Stefan Rummel (Messe München CEO), Stefanie Mändlein (Exhibition Director INHORGENTA), Aurélie Streit (Vice President of FHH), Guido Grohmann (Managing Director of the Federal Association of Jewellery, Watches, Silverware, and Related Industries), Stephan Lindner (President of the German Jewellers' Trade Association (BVJ)) and Kirit Bhansali (Chairman of GJEPC) shared valuable insights. Addressing a room filled with international media and industry professionals. Aurélie Streit highlighted the significance of this new partnership:

Our collaboration with INHORGENTA has been a milestone in our mission to bring watchmaking culture to a broader audience. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed over these four days reaffirm the importance of preserving and promoting the craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry that define watchmaking. We are proud to have shared this journey with an audience eager to explore the cultural depth of our industry.”

With more than 50 journalists and key industry players in attendance, the press conference sparked in-depth discussions about the role of education in horology, the impact of digitalization on cultural engagement, and the challenges and opportunities facing watchmaking in today’s evolving market.

FHH at INHORGENTA Watch Talks: Driving the Conversation

Beyond the success of its Cultural Space, the FHH played an essential role in shaping industry discussions at INHORGENTA’s WATCH TALKS program, engaging with experts, strategists, and brand leaders to explore some of the most pressing topics in modern watchmaking.

One of the most anticipated discussions was “The Next Generation of Watch Buyers – How to Attract Gen Z”, presented by Clio Godrèche, Senior Project Manager at FHH. She was joined by a distinguished panel featuring Nicolas Amsellem, Associate Director of Les Rhabilleurs (France), Maxime Couturier, Brand Strategist, Creative Director and Co-founder of APRESDEMAIN Agency (Switzerland), Justin Hast, Presenter, Writer and Consultant (UK), Lorenzo Maillard, Watch Expert and Co-founder of APRESDEMAIN Agency (Switzerland), and Marc-Henri Ngandu, Fashion Photographer and Actor (France). The discussion examined the evolving consumer landscape and the expectations of younger audiences entering the world of watchmaking. While panellists shared different perspectives, they arrived at a common conclusion: watches are deeply emotional objects, and today’s consumers are seeking authenticity—both in the products themselves and in the brands behind them. Knowledge and storytelling have become key factors influencing purchasing decisions, with buyers gravitating toward timepieces that reflect their personal values. The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of trust and personal relationships in the sales experience, reinforcing the idea that proximity between the brand and the client is an essential driver of long-term engagement.

Another key session focused on the journey of ORIS, a very successful independent brand in the industry. Moderated by Suzanne Wong, FHH Council member, the talk featured ORIS CEO Rolf Studer, who shared valuable insights into the brand’s strategy and philosophy. During the discussion, Studer emphasised that, "The industry is about transporting emotions. Making people smile is very important at ORIS," a sentiment that resonated deeply with attendees. The success of Oris underscores the importance of authenticity, consistency in brand values, and a meaningful connection with consumers.

The program also addressed the rise of independent brands and microbrands with “The Changing Landscape of Watchmaking”, a panel moderated by FHH Council member Elizabeth Doerr. The conversation featured Manuel Emch, FHH Council member, Co-owner of Louis Erard, Founder of Le Büro & Éditions Emch (Switzerland), Andrea Furlan, Co-Founder and CEO of Furlan Marri (Switzerland), and Scott Wempe, FHH Council member, Co-Head of Business Development at Wempe (Germany). Together, they explored how small, independent players are redefining traditional watchmaking by leveraging storytelling, direct-to-consumer strategies, and innovative design approaches to capture attention in an increasingly competitive market. The discussion highlighted how these brands are reshaping industry norms and attracting a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.

These conversations not only provided deep insights into today’s evolving market but also emphasised the importance of cultural storytelling and meaningful consumer engagement in shaping the future of fine watchmaking.

A Transformative Partnership for the Industry

INHORGENTA marked a milestone in international collaboration, with the FHH Cultural Space standing alongside other major initiatives, including India’s role as the official partner country.

Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA, emphasised the success of the initiative:

The FHH Cultural Space has been a remarkable addition for INHORGENTA, bringing an essential cultural and educational dimension to our timepiece sector. The response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the growing appetite for deepening horological knowledge. We are eager to build on this success and continue our collaboration in the future.”

The INHORGENTA AWARD 2025

Among the many highlights, the INHORGENTA AWARD once again celebrated outstanding achievements in the jewellery, watch, and gemstone industry. Held at the Kleine Olympiahalle in Munich, the prestigious gala honoured creativity, innovation, and excellence across nine categories, recognizing both emerging talents and established brands.

In the watchmaking segment, Gerald Charles was awarded "Luxury Watch of the Year," while Uhrenfabrik Junghans won "Watch Design of the Year" for its distinctive and forward-thinking approach. The evening brought together key figures from the industry, with a jury of experts, including watch specialist Gisbert L. Brunner, Fabergé’s Sarah Fabergé, and WEMPE Executive Board Member Anja Heiden, ensuring a selection process of the highest standard.

With Rebecca Mir leading the ceremony and a captivating musical performance by Icelandic singer Ásdís, the INHORGENTA AWARD 2025 once again proved to be a shining symbol of creativity, craftsmanship, and the forward-thinking spirit of the industry. The Fondation Haute Horlogerie was proud to be part of an event that continues to elevate and celebrate watchmaking as an art form.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Partnership

Building on the success of this first collaboration, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie is eager to further strengthen its partnership with INHORGENTA in the years to come. The enthusiasm and engagement seen at the FHH Cultural Space reaffirm the growing demand for cultural and educational initiatives in the watch industry. As FHH continues its mission to promote horological culture, future editions of INHORGENTA will provide an ideal platform to expand this vision.

About Fondation Haute Horlogerie

Founded in 2005 by Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux and the Richemont Group, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) has since focused its mission on the international influence of watchmaking culture and positions the watch as an object of art and culture. The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) serves as a neutral reference in watchmaking, supported by three pillars. “Watches and Culture” brings watchmaking culture to life through original content, events, and international meetings for both the public and professionals. The “FHH Academy” offers training and certification for current professionals and future enthusiasts, with courses available in over 20 countries, both in-person and online. The “FHH Forum” is an industry-driven platform for discussion and debate, connecting leaders to shape the future of watchmaking. Around forty watch brands actively support FHH's mission to preserve and promote watchmaking culture and heritage.

About INHORGENTA

INHORGENTA, Europe's leading platform for jewelry, watches, and gemstones, is the industry's ordering and communication platform, reflecting the market in all its diversity. Exhibitors from around the world present their latest creations across six halls at Messe München. With its extensive supporting program, including the INHORGENTA AWARD and TRENDFACTORY MUNICH, it offers a comprehensive overview of international trends and developments. In 2025, the fair recorded 25,000 visitors from around 100 countries, as well as 900 exhibitors and 1,334 brands from 38 countries – a strong indicator of its international significance. The next INHORGENTA will take place from February 20 to 23, 2026, in Munich.

About Messe München

As one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Messe München showcases the world of tomorrow with around 90 trade fairs worldwide. Among them are twelve of the world’s leading trade fairs, such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, and electronica. The Messe München portfolio includes trade fairs for investment and consumer goods, as well as new technologies. Together with its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the USA. With a network of more than 15 affiliated companies and almost 70 representations worldwide, Messe München is active in over 130 countries. More than 150 events per year attract around 50,000 exhibitors and about three million visitors.