FHH and GIA Unite to Elevate Watch Industry Education

The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have forged a strategic partnership to expand and enrich educational opportunities within the watch industry. This alliance seeks to broaden access to specialized knowledge, advanced training, and professional certification for a diverse audience, encompassing industry professionals, passionate collectors, and discerning consumers.

FHH and GIA Announce Groundbreaking Educational Alliance

On September 17, 2026, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH), a non-profit organization backed by numerous Swiss watch companies, officially announced a significant academic collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and its distinguished School of Gemology and Jewelry Arts. This strategic alliance is designed to elevate the standards of watch industry knowledge, training, and certification by leveraging GIA's extensive global infrastructure and educational expertise. The GIA, established in 1931, boasts a vast network of campuses, laboratories, and research centers spanning continents, from the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia. Through this partnership, the FHH's renowned Academy programs, which began offering public access in 2025, will be integrated into GIA's curriculum, making specialized watchmaking education more accessible worldwide. Initially, the collaboration will introduce the 'Watch Advisor' certification, the FHH Academy's foundational credential, along with tutor-led sessions, to GIA's students across its international campus network, commencing in early 2027. Future programs and initiatives are expected to be unveiled as the partnership develops. Johanna Levy, Vice President of ESG Programs at the GIA, highlighted the immense benefit for GIA students, offering them a gateway to a new realm of horological knowledge and catering to a growing demand for in-depth, hands-on learning experiences. Similarly, Aurélie Streit, Vice President of the FHH, emphasized the opportunity to forge stronger connections between the watch and jewelry industries, given the latter's significantly larger market size, fostering a more integrated and knowledgeable community.

This collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to industry education. By merging the FHH's deep horological expertise with GIA's established educational framework and global reach, the partnership is poised to cultivate a new generation of informed professionals and enthusiasts. This initiative not only elevates the prestige and understanding of watchmaking but also fosters cross-industry dialogue and development, ultimately benefiting both the watch and jewelry sectors as they continue to evolve in a dynamic global market.