The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) is set to host a captivating cultural event titled “Watches and Talents.” Organized by Watches and Culture by FHH, the exhibition will spotlight the work of eight skilled professionals behind the scenes of watchmaking through video portraits directed by Thibault Vallotton. These portraits will be accompanied by everyday objects, each narrating the unique stories of these artisans.
As summer approaches, so does the opening of this new cultural exhibition. From June to September 2024, visitors can explore “Watches and Talents” at the Pont de la Machine in Geneva. This multimedia exhibition delves into the artistry and industrial expertise of watchmaking, presented through the voices of those who sustain these crafts.
The concept for this project began in 2020, when the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship and the FHH collaborated on an exhibition titled “Singular Talents,” inspired by the Homo Faber event. This exhibition featured 3-to-4-minute films showcasing fifteen artisans, including four watchmaking professionals: marquetry artisan Bastien Chevalier, master watchmaker Philippe Dufour, enameller Anita Porchet, and miniature painter Isabelle Villa.
Building on this foundation, the “Watches and Talents” exhibition focuses exclusively on watchmaking professions. The FHH has expanded the original four artisan profiles with four new ones from the industrial sector, all captured by Thibault Vallotton. The new profiles feature Andreas Albert, a specialist in balance springs; Thierry Faivre, a stamp maker; Ismaël Jäggi, a press adjuster; and Justine Jouanneau, a case finisher.
Aurélie Streit, Vice-President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie, emphasized the exhibition’s human-centric approach: “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.”
Delphine Bachmann, State Councillor in charge of the economy and employment, added: “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.”
“Watches and Talents” promises to be an enlightening journey into the intricate world of watchmaking, celebrating the often-overlooked artisans whose expertise and dedication keep the tradition alive.
