The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 are more in the spotlight than ever. As an industry (Switzerland’s third largest exporter) that makes extensive use of precious metals and precious stones, watchmaking has a duty to monitor its global supply chains, as well as its means of production, commercialisation and communication. As a luxury industry selling dreams with products that are crafted to last using time-honoured techniques, it has a moral obligation to set an example. Add to this consumers’ belief that businesses should have a positive impact on biodiversity, climate change and the circular economy, and it becomes clear that sustainability is a topic watch brands cannot ignore.

For all these reasons, sustainability is the theme chosen by Watches and Culture for this year. Newly created by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie to promote watchmaking culture and excellence in watchmaking worldwide, each year this specialised unit develops a theme of particular relevance to the industry, working alongside professionals who are Watches and Culture’s main audience, though also with the aim of raising general awareness of how the industry is tackling the most pressing issues of today. Its purpose is therefore to provide brands with a framework for reflection, to encourage discussion and to lay the groundwork for solutions that will benefit the entire industry. With this in mind, Watches and Culture is launching a new online platform: FHH Forum will regroup content on the year’s theme while keeping track of related developments in the sector.

The high point of each year is the Watch Forum, organised by Watches and Culture as a place where brand bosses plus experts from international bodies and non-governmental organisations can address that year’s theme. This exclusive gathering, the first edition of which is scheduled for September 13, 2022, is designed to take debate to the next level and devise action plans for the profession. This year Watches and Culture is also launching its “Meaningful Watch Movement” programme to accompany brands on their sustainability journey with an offering of seminars and training. Through all these means – events, seminars, training, awareness-building and a content-rich website - Watches and Culture is determined to play its role as a think tank for the profession, with a theme for 2022/23 commensurate with its actions.