Λίγη θεωρία από τον Haute Horlogerie Organization
http://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/fondation/about/manifesto/Manifesto
There have been many attempts to define the elusive concept of Fine Watchmaking. Naturally, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is among those who have endeavoured to reach such a definition. Beyond a definition in the strict sense, the Foundation's Steering Committee of distributors, journalists, experts and collectors, all acknowledged within the field of Fine Watchmaking, proposes a Fine Watchmaking Manifesto.
“This Manifesto sets out the main principles agreed on by the Cultural Council to delineate the term ´Fine Watchmaking.´ This is, of course, proposed not as an exact science but as a guiding principle; an intention that expresses the ambition of a brand, an independent watchmaker or a manufacturer.“
The “Fine Watchmaking“ denomination embraces a centuries-old, living history, a rich and specific culture, a professional ethic, the enduring expertise of the artisan, and a burning passion.
In a word, Fine Watchmaking is a culture of knowledge and know-how. While Fine Watchmaking is heir to a long tradition, it nonetheless looks firmly to the future. Its values are research, innovation, development and training new generations.
Product
These immaterial values are given tangible form in a product. A product that meets with the highest standards of expertise, craftsmanship and authenticity. A product that is manufactured by renowned brands or is the work of accomplished individuals, exalted by the talent of artisans, and delivered through a chain of excellence from creation to manufacture to the sale to the end customer.
From concept to distribution, through development and production, a Fine Watch is at the centre of a process in which quality is uppermost at every stage. To warrant the title of “Fine Watch,“ irrespective of whether it is a one-off creation, a limited edition or part of a collection, a product must meet a series of requirements:
Its movement must demonstrate an outstanding degree of technical expertise. It must be designed, developed and manufactured to the highest standards of quality, authenticity, reliability and traceability.
It must demonstrate expert use of noble, rare and precious, or innovative materials.
Each component must be perfectly finished and the utmost attention paid to the
smallest detail.
It must possess great aesthetic value and its exterior (case, dial, strap) must demonstrate creativity, originality, authenticity and individuality.
A Fine Watch can, without distinction, be the work of an historic Maison or Manufacture, a contemporary Atelier or Master Watchmaker-Creator, a brand which invests in Fine Watchmaking, or a Manufacturer of movements.
Perimeter
This Fine Watchmaking perimeter encompasses entities which share the same values:
Historic Maisons and Manufactures whose manufacturing facilities are fully-integrated or majority-owned by them.
Ateliers and Master Watchmakers which produce their own movements and creations.
Brands which invest in Fine Watchmaking by inventing and creating Fine Watches which are partly made in-house or by other Maisons or Manufactures, or by acknowledged suppliers and movement-makers, and whose medium-term objective is to fully integrate production.
Movement-makers which develop and produce movements and complications for third parties.
Values
These shared values are to:
Preserve, develop and actively transmit the unique culture and expertise of Fine Watchmaking.
Demonstrate proven capacity and commitment to invest in research, development and integration of this unique expertise.
Build their legitimacy, assert their personality, strive for uniqueness and achieve longevity.
Earn the recognition and esteem of Fine Watch aficionados and connoisseurs.
Distribute their products through a selective, qualified, international network (own-name stores, concessions, authorised multi-brand retailers).
Provide quality service before, during and after the sale that will ensure the customer's confidence and trust.
Actively combat counterfeiting and servile copies.
Be ethically and socially responsible.
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