Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève 2008

Press release

Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2008:
The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie wins the Special Jury Prize

For the first time in eight editions, the jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève has given its special prize not to a product but to an organisation within the profession. This distinction has been awarded to the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie for its work to foster and promote the culture and expertise of Fine Watchmaking.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie was singled out for distinction last night, at the Grand Théâtre in Geneva, as the winner of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Special Jury Prize. For the first time in eight editions, the award has been given not to a product but to an organisation that is both a showcase and an ambassador for Swiss savoir-faire in this branch, declared Pierre-François Unger, Geneva State Councillor and Head of the Department of Economy and Health, in his closing address.

"The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie has perfectly understood that watchmaking is an artistic exception," explained the Grand Prix's organisers. "For this reason, its work to defend the values of watchmaking must be acknowledged and encouraged."

The award was accepted on behalf of the Foundation by its President, Franco Cologni. In one of his famous allegories, he compared the Foundation to Cervantes' legendary hero, Don Quixote, and his role to that of Sancho Panza, the intractable but loyal servant. And even though the windmills are still standing, Cervantes is no less alive and, said Franco Cologni, perpetuates a future of the past embodied in a tightly-knit team in which the future is written in the present.

"The role of the FHH is to perpetuate watchmakers' culture and expertise," he reminded the public at the Grand Prix ceremony. "The Foundation began as a journey, initiated by three founder-members. There are now 28 pilgrims." The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is extremely proud to receive this Special Jury Prize and to see its work rewarded by its peers.

November 14th, 2008

For any further information, please contact Anne Biéler

Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie Press Division
Anne Biéler anne.bieler@hautehorlogerie.org
22, Avenue du Mail
CH - 1205 Geneva

Download the press release:

• English
• French