The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) is the
Swiss watch industry's leading trade association, headquartered in
Bienne
, french: Biennois(e)
, neighboring_municipalities= Brügg, Ipsach, Leubringen/Magglingen (''Evilard/Macolin''), Nidau, Orpund, Orvin, Pieterlen, Port, Safnern, Tüscherz-Alfermée, Vauffelin
, twintowns = Iserlohn (Germany)
...
,
Switzerland.
The Federation is a private, professional and non-profit association.
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry was established on 19 November 1982 as the result of the merger of the Swiss Federation of Watch Manufacturers’ Associations (founded in 1876) and the Swiss Chamber of Watchmaking (founded in 1924).
It currently gathers more than 500 members representing more than 90% of all Swiss watch manufacturers (
watches
A watch is a portable timepiece intended to be carried or worn by a person. It is designed to keep a consistent movement despite the motions caused by the person's activities. A wristwatch is designed to be worn around the wrist, attached b ...
,
clock
A clock or a timepiece is a device used to measure and indicate time. The clock is one of the oldest human inventions, meeting the need to measure intervals of time shorter than the natural units such as the day, the lunar month and t ...
s, movements, components, etc.).
History
On 14 May 1876, the Intercantonal Association of Jura Industries was founded in Switzerland. In 1900, it became the ''Swiss Chamber of Watchmaking and Allied Industries'', extending the focus to include jewellery, gold & silver work, and music boxes.
The ''Swiss Federation of Clock and Watch Manufacturers’ Associations (FH)'' was established in 1924 by delegates from Bern, Biel/Bienne, Fleurier, Geneva, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Porrentruy, Tramelan, and German-speaking Switzerland.
On November 19, 1982, the two organizations merged to become the ''Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH)''.
The headquarters were in Biel/Bienne.
Functions
On one hand, the FH provides its members with a large series of services in the fields of legal, economic and commercial issues, representing the sector as a whole, both in Switzerland and abroad. On the other hand, it acts as a privileged counterparts for the authorities, the media and the public in general, coordinating policy-making within the industry.
See also
*
Watchmaker
A watchmaker is an artisan who makes and repairs watches. Since a majority of watches are now factory-made, most modern watchmakers only repair watches. However, originally they were master craftsmen who built watches, including all their part ...
*
Chronometer watch
A chronometer (; Literally, a measurer of time) is an extraordinarily accurate timepiece, with an original focus on the needs of maritime navigation. In Switzerland, timepieces certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres ( COSC ...
*
Clockmaker
A clockmaker is an artisan who makes and/or repairs clocks. Since almost all clocks are now factory-made, most modern clockmakers only repair clocks. Modern clockmakers may be employed by jewellers, antique shops, and places devoted strictly to ...
*
Counterfeit watch
A counterfeit watch (or replica watch) is an unauthorised copy of an authentic watch. High-end luxury watches such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Richard Mille are frequently counterfeited and sold on city streets and online. With technological ad ...
References
Publications
Illustrated Professional Dictionary of Horology
External links
Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH
{{Authority control
Watch Industry
Swiss Watch Industry
Business organisations based in Switzerland
Organizations established in the 1930s