A New Era for Indian Horology: Inside The Hour Markers’ Historic First FHH Watch Essentials Course in India

For a long time, the global watch establishment underestimated India, writing it off as a market driven purely by flash rather than substance. But anyone paying attention knows the narrative has shifted: India’s watch culture isn’t just catching up, it’s leveling up and demanding a seat at the table. Breaking new ground for the region, The Hour Markers officially shattered expectations by hosting the very first-ever Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) Watch Essentials course in the country. Held over a compact, immersive 1.5-day timeline on September 24th and 25th in Mumbai, this milestone event brought together enthusiasts to decode the mechanics and heritage of fine watchmaking under the expert supervision of renowned master trainer Gianfranco Ritschel. It was an unforgettable class that successfully bridged world-class horological standards with India's surging passion for the craft. To know more about the watch essentials course, click here.

Amidst the buzz of this event, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gianfranco for an exclusive conversation, and here is how it went down:

THM: Why is the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) Watch Essentials course in India important?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): Bringing the official FHH Watch Essentials course to India marks a major milestone for a rapidly developing market filled with eager experts and passionate collectors. For the FHH, the initiative fulfills its core mission of spreading fine watchmaking education in a neutral, non-commercial way. Partnering with platforms like The Hour Markers allows them to meet a strong regional demand for deep horological knowledge through an independent collaboration. Highlighting the momentum behind this debut, Ritschel notes,  "I am certain there will be plenty of future sessions, because once people begin to learn and discover, their curiosity takes over: they want to dig deeper, know more, and that makes the whole experience even more exciting." 

THM: How are Indian watch collectors different from other markets?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): According to Ritschel, India’s watch landscape shares similarities with markets like China a decade or two ago, where watches are transitioning from legacy items into powerful symbols of personal style, culture, and wealth. While regions like Singapore, Europe, and America boast a long-established history of deeply knowledgeable collectors, India is currently experiencing a fresh awakening where wearers use timepieces to express their character. Local clients of famous brands are stepping up as opinion leaders to spark vibrant communities. Emphasizing the fast pace of this development, Ritschel stated, "India is already uniquely positioned because many individuals are already valued clients of famous brands. They are stepping up as opinion leaders to show others that serious watch collecting is possible, and I am certain we will see vibrant local communities form here very quickly." To know more about the Vice President of the FHH, click here.

THM: What are the three FHH certification levels?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): The FHH structures its core curriculum into three distinct tiers designed to take learners from foundational understanding to global mastery:   
⦁    Watch Essentials: Covers mechanical watch functioning, external protection components such as cases, dials, bracelets, market basics, materials, history, iconic watches, and industry performance metrics.   
⦁    Watch Specialist: Dives deeper into manufactures, production processes, complication mechanics and backgrounds, alongside sophisticated materials like titanium, carbon, and ceramics.   
⦁    Watch Expert: Focuses on advanced surface treatments, sophisticated complications, and deep historical culture.   
While anyone can take the training, passing the evaluations yields distinct titles: Watch Advisor, Watch Specialist, and Watch Expert. Reaching the pinnacle tier requires elite-level mastery, as Ritschel explains that, "A true watch expert must know well beyond what is taught in the curriculum. That is why, out of the roughly 18,000 individuals who have completed our certifications, only about 5%, translating to roughly 500 people worldwide, reach that elite expert level." To know more about all three certicications, click here.
 

THM: Who can take the FHH watchmaking course?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): While the FHH originally designed its training programs for brand teams and multi-brand retailers wanting to understand high-end sales, the overwhelming demand from independent watch lovers forced an expansion. Recognizing a massive appetite from the public, the FHH opened its doors to independent collectors, curious enthusiasts, and the media. By collaborating with trusted regional partners like The Hour Markers, they successfully bridge the gap to reach end-consumers directly. Reflecting on this shift, Ritschel shared, "Many people kept asking if they could participate even though they weren’t professionals. We quickly realized there was an overwhelming demand and a genuine public appetite to discover fine watchmaking through the various courses offered by the Foundation." To know more about what the FHH stands for, click here. 
 

THM: Is the FHH certification worth it for a career in the watch industry?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): The FHH certifications have rapidly evolved into the recognized global benchmark for the watch industry, drawing a parallel to what the GIA represents for gemology and diamonds. Swiss recruitment partners report that aspiring professionals routinely complete FHH certifications before interviewing with brands to prove their dedication. Furthermore, the FHH's global partnership with the Gemological Institute of America cements both institutions as world references in their respective fields. Emphasizing the immense career value and pride attached to the credential, Ritschel notes that, "Our recruiting partners tell us they are amazed by how proudly people display this certificate. Today, it has truly become a symbol of dedication, so much so that aspiring professionals complete the certification even before scheduling an interview with a brand to prove their commitment."
 

THM: Can beginners start a watch industry career with FHH certification?

Gianfranco Ritschel (GR): For newcomers looking to break into the industry or build a credible path, the FHH certification acts as a powerful gateway. It appeals heavily to younger generations eager to learn, make an effort, and display tangible proof of their dedication. Even seasoned corporate managers and market researchers pursue the credentials out of passion. Ritschel points out that the certificate represents much more than a piece of paper, it signals a deep, personal commitment. "The true message is simply: 'I made an effort.' For professionals and collectors alike, wanting this certification means taking a serious, respected step within the field of their deepest passion." he said. 
 

As the room emptied of its passionate participants, one thing was abundantly clear to me: India’s watch culture has officially graduated. As Gianfranco noted during our conversation, this movement isn't about collecting certificates just for the sake of it, it represents a genuine, deep-seated commitment to understanding and respecting the craft. By bringing the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie to Indian soil, The Hour Markers didn't just host a masterclass: they laid down the bedrock for a thriving, educated community. And with industry veterans like Gianfranco steering the ship, this landmark event proves that the future of fine watchmaking in India isn't just bright, it's just getting started.To understand more about FHH's three pillar approach, click here.