The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève (SIHH) holds a prestigious place in the world of horology, with its origins dating back to the early 1990s when Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Piaget, Gérald Genta, and Daniel Roth decided to break away from Baselworld, the renowned watch and jewelry fair. In 1991, they organized the exclusive SIHH event, making Geneva its home base, which quickly garnered attention for its emphasis on luxury timepieces.
The inaugural edition of SIHH spanned an impressive five days, showcasing approximately 4,500 square meters of exhibition space. Among the distinguished attendees were several significant watch brands affiliated with the prestigious Richemont Group, alongside other independent watchmakers from around the globe. Over the years, SIHH has maintained its reputation as a gathering of horological excellence, serving as a platform for brands to unveil their latest innovations, breathtaking craftsmanship, and timeless designs.
Traditionally, SIHH had been an event exclusively accessible to official dealers and the press, fostering an air of exclusivity. However, in a nod to the growing interest in fine watchmaking from the broader public, SIHH decided to open its doors for a single day to all enthusiasts in 2017. This move proved to be a resounding success, as watch enthusiasts from all walks of life flocked to the event to witness firsthand the marvels of haute horlogerie. As SIHH geared up for its latest edition in 2018, anticipation swelled, and on Friday, the 19th of January, watch aficionados from across the globe gathered to indulge in the splendor and innovation that SIHH had become synonymous with. Among the most prominent participants were timepieces from Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, Piaget, IWC Schaffhausen, Officine Panerai, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Montblanc, all of which belonged to the illustrious Richemont Group.
