New look and Watchmaker’s Square at the SIHH

The 26th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) was held from 18 to 22 January. The start of this second quarter-century marks a new era for the exhibition, which boasts a refurbished interior with an understated and contemporary architectural feel. While the configuration, with its central and side aisles, remains the same, decorative features for their part are new. Refined materials such as ornate lacquered wood and dark leather - the better to showcase exhibited timepieces - are presented under more subdued lighting. The central bars and restaurants have also been redesigned and contain new furnishings. This neutral decor gives exhibitors creative freedom in how they choose to present their allotted spaces.

Another innovation for this 2016 edition is the appearance of Watchmaker’s Square, a space alongside the industry’s big names which welcomed nine independent artisan-watchmakers representing horology’s new wave. Their presence indicates a broadening of horizons on the part of the SIHH, presenting fresh approaches, different styles and new ways of telling the time that are wholly in keeping with the philosophy of exhibitors who forged the event’s history and renown. Watchmaker’s Square featured: Christophe Claret, De Bethune, H. Moser & Cie, Hautlence, HYT, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier, MB&F and Urwerk. Whether long-established or only a few years old, all the above brands share the same values, namely the quest for excellence and perpetuity of the watchmaker’s art.

This year around 14,500 visitors, including 1,200 journalists (same as in 2015) from all over the world - including geographical areas affected by the slowdown observed since last year - made a beeline for the fair. Economic problems linked to the Swiss franc and weaker demand on some markets required brands to make even greater effort in terms of attention to detail and creativity. Exhibits vied with one another in ingenuity. Their number included timepieces whose horological technique refined the beauty of high-end jewellery, watches with complications intended for day-to-day use, and pieces showcasing the arts and crafts. In the current climate, the virtues of the classic approach were nonetheless most in evidence. An approach which favours round cases, neutral tones and precision movements.

Thematic exhibition
"Is the Swiss cuckoo clock still the same iconic object beloved by folklore and tourists?" Such was the question posed by the SIHH thematic exhibition: 24 hours in the life of a Swiss cuckoo clock. Students from Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD) revisited this object to give it a contemporary and avant-garde appeal. They looked with new eyes on the cuckoo clock in accordance with a fundamental principle: respect the demanding production standards of the traditional cuckoo clock and tell a story, with time marked out at regular intervals by birdsong. Their bold and innovative ideas gave rise to some ingenious projects.

Alongside these young talents, professors from HEAD and world-renowned designers were invited to present their own cuckoo clocks. Their number included James Auger (Cuckoo), Marco Borraccino (Fatbird Clock), Claudio Colucci (Voyages extraordinaire), Matali Crasset (Coucou Time), Nitzan Cohen (Cuckoo) and Camille Scherrer (Follow the Birds).

After Paris, Langenthal, Montreal, Boston, Hong Kong and Geneva, the exhibition is yet to be presented in Milan next April during the International Furniture Fair.

February 04, 2016