Press release

Knowledge, Craftsmanship, the Future: INHORGENTA and the Fondation Haute Horlogerie create a new experiential space for fine watchmaking in 2026

January 21, 2026

  • Piaget, BOVET, and Oris share the FHH’s mission by offering an exclusive immersion into the world of fine watchmaking
  • Free watchmaking workshops: experiencing mechanics, precision, and creative mastery
  • Watch Talks with international experts on watchmaking culture and craftsmanship
  • Watch Makers: interactive exhibition showcasing the diversity of watchmaking

At the heart of the cooperation and partnership with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie lies, once again, the FHH Cultural Space (Hall A1.333)—a curated place for knowledge transfer, dialogue and the immediate experience of fine watchmaking. “Our collaboration with INHORGENTA is based on a shared conviction: watchmaking is far more than a product—it is a cultural and deeply human endeavour. The FHH Cultural Space 2026 is conceived as a place of transmission, exchange and discovery—where craftsmanship, history and future perspectives come together,” says Pascal Ravessoud, Vice President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie.

“The collaboration with the FHH underlines our ambition to further strengthen INHORGENTA as an international platform for fine watchmaking. The FHH Cultural Space brings together curated content, exclusive watch highlights and professional exchange, and demonstrates the role watchmaking plays today and in the future,” says Stefanie Maendlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA.

FHH partner brands Piaget, BOVET and Oris offer live insights into fine watchmaking

In 2026, the partner brands Piaget, BOVET and Oris will present themselves within the FHH Cultural Space through continuous live formats throughout the entire duration of the fair. Visitors will gain insights into artisanal techniques, finishing processes and brand-specific savoir-faire. In addition, the brands curate their own programme highlights: Piaget demonstrates the finishing of watch movements, BOVET hosts a gravure masterclass and storytelling sessions centred on its brand heritage, while Oris highlights its cultural values – rooted in Hölstein and shaped by a strong commitment to responsibility and community.

Watchmaking Workshops: experiencing craftsmanship up close

A central element of the FHH Cultural Space is the series of free watchmaking workshops. Without prior registration, interested visitors are given the opportunity to experience watchmaking live and at close range. By disassembling and reassembling a watch movement, the sessions focus on fundamental techniques and convey a deep understanding of precision, patience and artisanal excellence.

  • Saturday, February 21, 2026, 16:30–17:30
  • Sunday, February 22, 2026, 14:00–15:00 and 16:30–17:30
  • Monday, February 23, 2026, 11:30–12:30

Watch Talks: perspectives on craftsmanship and culture

The programme is complemented by a high calibre talk and conference format. Topics range from the relationship between jewellery and watchmaking to new generations of watch enthusiasts and the role of humans in times of technological change.

  • How do watchmaking and jewellery intertwine?—Friday, February 20, 2026 | 13:30–14:30
    With Jean-Bernard Forot (Piaget), Francesca Grima (Grima Jewellery) and Scott Wempe (WEMPE); moderated by Scarlett Baker (Watch Journalist)
  • Through the eyes of the voices of today: How does the next generation of consumers approach craftsmanship?—Friday, February 20, 2026 | 15:15–16:15
    With Julia Carrier-Angel (@wristmarvels), Andrea Casalegno (@IAMCASA), Tom Exton (@TGE) and Marc-Henri Ngandu (@marckenrii); moderated by Clio Godrèche (FHH)
  • Craftsmanship and the human value in watchmaking—Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:30–11:15
    Keynote by Pascal Ravessoud, Vice President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie
  • Craftsmanship in Watchmaking—Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11:30–12:30
    With Serge Michel (Armin Strom), Matthias Stotz (Tutima Glashütte) and Keith Strandberg (BOVET); moderated by Elizabeth Doerr (Watch Journalist)

Watch Makers: interactive insights into the world of watchmaking

The exhibition “Watch Makers”, curated by the FHH, will be on display throughout the entire duration of the fair within the Cultural Space. This experiential exhibition has been curated to offer an immersive, multi-sensory journey into the fascinating world of watchmaking. Educational and hands-on experiences designed to introduce watchmaking and artisanal skills to visitors include movement assembly and decoration, gem-setting, case engraving and marquetry.

Belonging images

Several people are seated in a row at tables, working on watch cases with delicate tools. The man in focus is wearing a watchmaker's loupe on his forehead.
© Messe München
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An exhibition stand at INHORGENTA with a long winding table with workstations and several large colourful information walls.
© Messe München
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An exhibition stand at INHORGENTA with a long winding table displaying exhibits on the theme of watchmaking and several large colourful information walls.
© Messe München
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Several identical metal work tables with rounded corners, with table lamps and watchmaker's tools on them.
© Messe München
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A man wearing headphones stands in front of an information wall and watches a film. In the background, various stages of watchmaking are set up.
© Messe München
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A man stands in front of a screen and gives a presentation to several visitors who are seated at work tables for clockwork construction and listening to him.
© Messe München
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Close-up of a golden clockwork mechanism on a white worktop, with two large hands screwing something tight.
© Messe München
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Six people sit in a semicircle on a stage at INHORGENTA and discuss in front of an audience how to make jewellery purchases attractive to Gen Z.
© Messe München
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A man wearing glasses and a blue jacket stands with his arms crossed in front of a building with reflective glass windows.
© Messe München
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A smiling woman with long blonde hair and a white blouse under a green jacket. She is wearing a pearl necklace and earrings.
© Messe München
Download in maximum quality
Several people are seated in a row at tables, working on watch cases with delicate tools. The man in focus is wearing a watchmaker's loupe on his forehead.
© Messe München
An exhibition stand at INHORGENTA with a long winding table with workstations and several large colourful information walls.
© Messe München
An exhibition stand at INHORGENTA with a long winding table displaying exhibits on the theme of watchmaking and several large colourful information walls.
© Messe München
Several identical metal work tables with rounded corners, with table lamps and watchmaker's tools on them.
© Messe München
A man wearing headphones stands in front of an information wall and watches a film. In the background, various stages of watchmaking are set up.
© Messe München
A man stands in front of a screen and gives a presentation to several visitors who are seated at work tables for clockwork construction and listening to him.
© Messe München
Close-up of a golden clockwork mechanism on a white worktop, with two large hands screwing something tight.
© Messe München
Six people sit in a semicircle on a stage at INHORGENTA and discuss in front of an audience how to make jewellery purchases attractive to Gen Z.
© Messe München
A man wearing glasses and a blue jacket stands with his arms crossed in front of a building with reflective glass windows.
© Messe München
A smiling woman with long blonde hair and a white blouse under a green jacket. She is wearing a pearl necklace and earrings.
© Messe München
Messe München GmbH
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