The major annual rendez-vous for Fine Watchmaking opened today and will take place until January 19th 2018.
While the SIHH is essentially dedicated to presenting the year’s new launches, it never loses sight of its cultural mission. Two magnificent exhibitions are being staged: the first features a first ever gathering of 19 Cartier mystery clocks. It represents a chance to discover horological masterpieces endowed with technical sophistication and style that rank them as authentic works of art. The second, entitled “The Beauty of Time”, walks visitors through some of the most magnificent timepieces from the Middle Ages to the present, coinciding with the publication by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie – in partnership with Flammarion – of the book by the same name.
Finally, watch Maisons are becoming increasingly drawn to the SIHH formula and opting in. Whereas the Salon had 16 exhibitors three years ago, that number has now risen to 35, with this year’s edition seeing the arrival of six new prestigious Maisons. Hermès has become the 17th historical Maison, while Armin Strom, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, DeWitt, élégante by F.P. Journe and Romain Gauthier are joining the “Carré des Horlogers” that now comprises 18 brands.
While remaining a quintessentially professional Salon, the SIHH is nonetheless determined to reach out to a new audience of Fine Watchmaking aficionados. Given the success of last year’s public open day, another is being organised this year on Friday January 19th (the last day of the SIHH) at which visitors will be able to undertake a leisurely exploration of the architectural marvels of the stands and the splendours they house. Prior registration is required and can be done via www.sihh.org
