Factors Influencing Whether or Not a Watch is Haute Horology
1. Legacy. The heritage and history of the company and the brand. In the case of younger, emerging independent brands, legacy revolves around the innovative concepts employed by the contemporary brands.
2. In-House Movements. Whether or not, and to what degree, the brand makes its own movements in house, and how complicated those movements are. Typically the finest and most difficult feats in watchmaking are considered haute horlogerie, including astronomical complications (equation of time, precise moon phases, etc.), tourbillons, repeaters and sonneries, perpetual calendars, chronograph rattrapantes, and grand complications, among others.
3. Finishing. Finishing refers to the work that goes into nearly every component inside the watch – whether or not it is visible via a transparent case back. Finishes include angling, perlage, guilloche and so many more — all of which requires dozens of hours of hand craftsmanship. Essentially, no watch is deemed haute horology without extensive hand finishing.
Incredible detailing and finishing goes into the making of a haute horlogerie movement.
Incredible detailing and finishing goes into the making of a haute horlogerie movement.
4. The Art of Fine Watchmaking. Generally, to be haute horology, the brand should use at least one, if not more, of the arts of fine watchmaking– engraving, enameling, gem setting and more.
5. Craftsmanship and Quality. Generally, for a watch to be considered haute horology, it is hand crafted with the utmost attention to every detail inside and out. These watches are hand-finished and hand-assembled.
