Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) The landmark event for the Fine Watch sector?
Watch buyers who keep their eyes on the latest developments from the world's most prestigious watchmakers always get excited as the Salon International de la Horlogerie (SIHH) convention approaches. It's a private convention and attendance is by invitation only, and exhibiting brands showcase their latest innovations to respected and trusted professionals.
It's been held annually in Geneva for the past twenty years. The city hailed as the birthplace of watchmaking continues to see excellent engineering and pioneering technological advances. The Poincon de Genevre is the most coveted endorsement of quality and the inscription sought after by the world's most respected and prestigious watchmakers.
Throughout its history the SIHH has upheld core beliefs regarding the manufacture and distribution of fine watches. Controlled expansion from the initial five manufacturers (Cartier, Gerald Genta, Daniel Roth, Baume & Mercier and Piaget) featured back in 1991 to the expected 18 exhibiting brands in 2014 ensures the exclusivity of the event, which is strictly controlled and by prior invitation and registration only.
A core principle of the SIHH event is to build on the historical achievements of excellence of the exhibiting brands, some of which reach back over two centuries. This is not the place for gimmicks or throwaway additions to a range. It involves the evolution of craftsmanship, careful innovation and demonstration of the appreciation of perfection in beauty.
One of the 18 exhibitors is Cartier. They will unveil the Rotonde de Cartier Earth and Moon in a limited edition of just 50 pieces, and the Rotonde de Cartier Astrocalendaire, a stunning £150,000 platinum watch of which there will be just 100 numbered pieces. These are just two of the new creations at the exhibition by Cartier.
Also included amongst the exhibitors are JaegerLeCoultre with the Grande Reverso 1931 Rouge, a stainless steel watch with several hundred dial combinations and just 7.27mm thick. It has a power reserve of 45 hours from the calibre 822 hand winding movement.
IWC unveils the Top Gun Miramar, taking its name from the US fighter pilot school. With an understated green, textile strap, it's one of four other Top Gun models that will be seen first at the SIHH event.
Roger Dubuis is set to relaunch the Hommage collection at this year's event — a collection that was first seen in 1995 when the company was founded. The new 2014 range concentrates on traditional fine movements with creative elements of enamel and mother of pearl.
The show covers 30,000 square metres of floor space, and there is an expected guest list of 12,500 prestigious attendees drawn from amongst the world's most respected journalists, brand representatives and international retailers.
The prestigious Geneva event always causes a stir, creating a new dimension and writing a new chapter in any watch buyers guide. Injecting new blood into the existing pool of the luxury watch market never hurts existing prices of secondhand watches, but one more layer of history and heritage is added.
