With 900 exhibitors and 1,334 brands from 38 countries, INHORGENTA reaffirmed its role as a key international marketplace for the industry. Among the standout initiatives this year was the debut of the FHH Cultural Space, which provided a dynamic new dimension to the watch segment, offering cultural and educational experiences to thousands of engaged visitors.
 

Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, highlighted the significance of this international expansion: 
 

"The partnership with FHH exemplifies the high standards of INHORGENTA as a platform for excellence, craftmanship and innovation. The FHH Cultural Space will become a new highlight of INHORGENTA and will establish as a central hub for watch enthusiasts and emerging talents.” 

The FHH Cultural Space: 
A Must-Visit Experience at INHORGENTA 
 

Located in Hall A1, the epicentre of INHORGENTA’s watch exhibition, the FHH Cultural Space quickly became one of the most talked-about attractions at the fair. Designed to showcase the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of fine watchmaking, the space provided an immersive experience for the fair visitors.
 

Key highlights included:
 

• The “Watches and Talents” exhibition, curated by Watches and Culture by FHH, featuring the work of eight outstanding artisans and innovators, bringing together insights about watchmaking know-how behind today's masterpieces.
• Live watchmaking workshops, where visitors could enjoy a hands-on experience, giving them a closer look at the delicate skills behind watchmaking.
• Scenographic displays (Horology Hub) illustrating the evolution of watchmaking, major historical key figures, and main watch complications.
• The presence of ORIS, the FHH’s special guest at the Cultural Space.
• Expert talks and interactive sessions exploring topics such as the changing landscape of the industry, the success story of ORIS, and new consumption behaviours and expectations from Gen Z.

FHH at INHORGENTA Watch Talks: 
Driving the Conversation
 

Beyond the success of its Cultural Space, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) played an essential role in shaping industry discussions at INHORGENTA’s WATCH TALKS program, engaging with experts, strategists, and brand leaders to explore some of the most pressing topics in modern watchmaking. 
 

One of the most anticipated discussions was “The Next Generation of Watch Buyers – How to Attract Gen Z,” presented by Clio Godrèche, Senior Project Manager at FHH. She was joined by a distinguished panel featuring Nicolas Amsellem, Associate Director of Les Rhabilleurs (France), Maxime Couturier, Brand Strategist, Creative Director and Co-founder of APRESDEMAIN Agency (Switzerland), Justin Hast, Presenter, Writer and Consultant (UK), Lorenzo Maillard, Watch Expert and Co-founder of APRESDEMAIN Agency (Switzerland), and Marc-Henri Ngandu, Fashion Photographer and Actor (France). The discussion examined the evolving consumer landscape and the expectations of younger audiences entering the world of watchmaking. While panellists shared different perspectives, they arrived at a common conclusion: watches are deeply emotional objects, and today’s consumers are seeking authenticity—both in the products themselves and in the brands behind them. Knowledge and storytelling have become key factors influencing purchasing decisions, with buyers gravitating toward timepieces that reflect their personal values. The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of trust and personal relationships in the sales experience, reinforcing the idea that proximity between the brand and the client is an essential driver of long-term engagement.

Another key session focused on the journey of ORIS, a very successful independent brand in the industry. Moderated by Suzanne Wong, FHH Council member, the talk featured ORIS CEO Rolf Studer, who shared valuable insights into the brand’s strategy and philosophy. During the discussion, Studer emphasised that, "The industry is about transporting emotions. Making people smile is very important at Oris," a sentiment that resonated deeply with attendees. The success of Oris underscores the importance of authenticity, consistency in brand values, and a meaningful connection with consumers. 
 

The program also addressed the rise of independent brands and microbrands with “The Changing Landscape of Watchmaking,” a panel moderated by FHH Council member Elizabeth Doerr. The conversation featured Manuel Emch, FHH Council member, Co-owner of Louis Erard, Founder of Le Büro & Éditions Emch (Switzerland), Andrea Furlan, Co-Founder and CEO of Furlan Marri (Switzerland), and Scott Wempe, FHH Council member, Co-Head of Business Development at Wempe (Germany). Together, they explored how small, independent players are redefining traditional watchmaking by leveraging storytelling, direct-to-consumer strategies, and innovative design approaches to capture attention in an increasingly competitive market. The discussion highlighted how these brands are reshaping industry norms and attracting a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.
 

These conversations not only provided deep insights into today’s evolving market but also emphasised the importance of cultural storytelling and meaningful consumer engagement in shaping the future of fine watchmaking.

A Transformative Partnership for the Industry
 

INHORGENTA marked a milestone in international collaboration, with the FHH Cultural Space standing alongside other major initiatives, including India’s role as the official partner country.
 

Stefanie Mändlein, Exhibition Director of INHORGENTA, emphasised the success of the initiative: 
 

"The FHH Cultural Space has been a remarkable addition for INHORGENTA, bringing an essential cultural andeducational dimension to our timepiece sector. The response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the growing appetite for deepening horological knowledge. We are eager to build on this success and continue our collaboration in the future."

The INHORGENTA 
AWARD 2025
 

Among the many highlights, the INHORGENTA AWARD once again celebrated outstanding achievements in the jewellery, watch, and gemstone industry. Held at the Kleine Olympiahalle in Munich, the prestigious gala honoured creativity, innovation, and excellence across nine categories, recognizing both emerging talents and established brands.
 

In the watchmaking segment, Gerald Charles was awarded "Luxury Watch of the Year," while Uhrenfabrik Junghans won "Watch Design of the Year" for its distinctive and forward-thinking approach. The evening brought together key figures from the industry, with a jury of experts, including watch specialist Gisbert L. Brunner, Fabergé’s Sarah Fabergé, and WEMPE Executive Board Member Anja Heiden, ensuring a selection process of the highest standard.

Looking Ahead: 
A Lasting Partnership
 

Building on the success of this first collaboration, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie is eager to further strengthen its partnership with INHORGENTA in the years to come. The enthusiasm and engagement seen at the FHH Cultural Space reaffirm the growing demand for cultural and educational initiatives in the watch industry. As FHH continues its mission to promote horological culture, future editions of INHORGENTA will provide an ideal platform to expand this vision.