The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), held for the 16th time in Geneva in April, continues to be a private event, open only to invited professionals and journalists.
As the name suggests, it is a must-attend event in high watchmaking. It has just 16 exhibitors - 11 from the Richemont Group. The other five take part by invitation.
This year's trade exhibitions in Geneva and Basel displayed an abundance of new technology and materials, permutations of complications and, as always, stunning designs.
The number of companies possessing the capability to create watches entirely in-house was once very small, counted on the fingers of two hands, if not one. But now, watch companies are trying to achieve this exalted status, for movements at least, because of threats to the supply of key components.
Vertical integration is a hugely expensive process, but one that demonstrates a serious commitment to the future.
More companies are proudly claiming to have joined the exclusive club of manufactures. Chopard is a fine example of a serious watch house that recognised the benefits of becoming a manufacture a few years ago, and is having great success with its LUC watches, made entirely in its own workshops.
