The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) announced 12 new partner brands on October 19, 2017, bringing its reported total to 41 watchmakers at that time. The additions included independent makers such as Grönefeld, Kari Voutilainen and Ressence; the announcement also said all 12 were expected at SIHH 2018.
Which 12 brands joined the FHH?
WatchPro’s October 19, 2017 report named these additions:
- Armin Strom
- Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud
- DeWitt
- Grönefeld
- Hautlence
- Kari Voutilainen
- Laurent Ferrier
- Ressence
- Romain Gauthier
- RJ-Romain Jerome
- Speake-Marin
- Urwerk
WatchPro reported the announcement and list in its article, “Richemont-backed Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie adds 12 brands to its club”.
When did they join, and what changed?
The additions were reported in 2017, not as a current membership update. WatchPro said the 12 brands brought the association’s total to 41 watchmakers. That figure is the reported total after the announcement, not a current count.
#1 Best Overall
The FHH promotes fine watchmaking through training, information and events, according to WatchPro. Its chairwoman and managing director, Fabienne Lupo, described the new members as “this new generation of creators, all representative of contemporary watchmaking.”
What was planned for SIHH 2018?
At the time of the announcement, all 12 brands were expected to exhibit at SIHH 2018 in Geneva. WatchPro reported that some existing members would be absent, while an FHH spokesperson confirmed the 12 newcomers would attend. These were plans for the 2018 show, not a current event schedule.
Rank #2
What can be confirmed about the brands’ status now?
The available current FHH evidence confirms Ressence’s partner label, but does not establish that all 12 brands remain partners. The FHH Ressence profile labels it “Contemporary brands, Partner” and identifies the company as founded by Benoît Mintiens in Belgium in 2010. Its timeline includes the 2017 Type 1².
The official FHH Type 1² page describes a steel, cushion-shaped watch with a fold-out setting lever and ROCS 1 self-winding movement. The page lists a 36-hour power reserve, 10 m water resistance, 41 mm dimensions and an indicated price of CHF 16,000. That is the price indicated on the FHH page, not confirmation of a current retail offer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
