SIHH 2015: The Salon opens for its 25th anniversary edition
The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie is celebrating its quartercentury. This longevity confirms choices made in 1991, when exhibitors took the decision to stage an exclusive fair, reserved for watchmaking professionals. This anniversary edition gets the 2015 horological year off to a spectacular start, when it opens on Monday January 19th at Palexpo in Geneva.
From five exhibitors sharing 4,500 square metres in 1991 to 16 Maisons occupying a surface ten times larger inside Palexpo Geneva, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie has come a long way in 25 years. So far, in fact, that the four initials SIHH speak for themselves. In horological circles, they have become a byword for quality and authenticity on a par with the certificates of excellence that are part of the history of time measurement.
The SIHH introduced a new face whose spirit has remained resolutely unchanged. The original exhibiting Maisons set out to organise an event where professionals within the sector, representatives from distribution networks and the media could meet in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The result has exceeded all expectations. Now scheduled in January, the SIHH has grown into a foremost event which invariably sets the tone for the twelve months to come, as this 25th edition will once again demonstrate, bringing its share of surprises and discoveries.
The magnificent Cité du Temps - a decor which has made its mark these past years while leaving room for brands' unbridled imagination - provides the setting in which the 16 exhibiting Maisons will present their latest technical and precious timepieces.
While their command of technique has long been established, it is now joined by their expertise in the métiers d'art. This dual approach to the measuring of time makes theirs a unique activity in the world of luxury.
This year's SIHH conveys the full extent of Fine Watchmaking's distinctive culture with a new approach. While previous editions explored the concept of historical and themed exhibitions, this 25th edition is instead highlighted by initiation to watchmaking workshops, where participants are given the opportunity to take apart then reassemble a watch movement. What more eloquent demonstration of the palette of skills that make up a world ruled by the infinitely small. Such an exercise is invariably rewarded by a sense of wonder. An emotion shared by every visitor to the SIHH!
SIHH 2015 is organised by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie on behalf of the SIHH Exhibitors Committee.
For any further information, please visit www.sihh.org
Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie
January 19th – 23rd, 2015 - Palexpo – Geneva