Haute Horlogerie
There is no statutory definition of haute horlogerie, but the term - popularised by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), established in 2005 in Geneva - denotes mechanical watchmaking practised at the level of art, with hand finishing of components invisible to the wearer and complications produced in low volume.
Generally accepted hallmarks
Hand-bevelled (anglage) bridges with internal-angle finishing; black-polished steel components; hand-engraved balance cocks; movements assembled and regulated by named watchmakers; total annual production typically below 10,000 pieces for a maison's haute-horlogerie line.
Maisons commonly identified as haute horlogerie
Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, Breguet, Greubel Forsey, F.P. Journe, Philippe Dufour, Roger W. Smith, Voutilainen, Rexhep Rexhepi (Akrivia) and selected references from Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Chopard L.U.C.
Key facts
- ▸Term codified by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (Geneva, 2005)
- ▸Defined by craft, not by price
- ▸Hand-finishing of hidden surfaces is a key marker