The AHCI, “Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants”, was founded in 1985 by Svend Andersen and Vincent Calabrese. The intent behind the AHCI was to create an entity to bring independent clock and watchmakers from around the world together, to help showcase their work to a wider audience. I recently spoke with co-founder Svend Andersen about the AHCI in an interview – you can check that out here – where he talked about receiving a letter from George Daniels who wanted to join!
Taking a look at the past and present members of AHCI, it really does read like a who’s who list on independent watchmakers. In addition to the likes of George Daniels (inventor of the co-axial escapement) as a past member, current members include the likes of Philippe Dufour, François-Paul Journe, Vianney Halter, Ludovic Ballouard, Kari Voutilainen, Bernhard Lederer, Konstantin Chaykin, Felix Baumgartner… you get the idea.
Becoming a member of the AHCI is at least a two-year process; an individual needs to have the requisite skills in clock or watchmaking and produce their work independently to begin with. Candidates need the support from more than one current member to join, need to exhibit their work in at least 3 shows, and will spend 2 years as a candidate before unanimous approval from the AHCI general assembly to join.
Vianney Halter La Resonance, photo – © The Horophile
Alongside Watches & Wonders in Geneva, the AHCI held an event called Masters of Horology, with members showcasing their latest work, including Vianney Halter’s launch of La Resonance – my favourite release across both Watches & Wonders and the Masters of Horology.
“The Independent Spirit – Time makers since 1985”
"The Independent Spirit: Time makers since 1985" by the AHCI
Whilst exploring the AHCI website during the event, I happened upon an AHCI book entitled “The Independent Spirit – Time makers since 1985”, published in 2020 to celebrate 35 years of the AHCI. Whilst the Masters of Horology event was taking place, I decided to buy a copy, and I am very glad that I did!
What I enjoy about independent watchmaking is that it allows the creativity of the person behind the name, or brand, to shine. The clock or watchmaker is placed front and centre.
This book does much the same. Of course, yes, there is an introduction exploring a little about the AHCI, why it was founded, their objectives and statutes, however, the content of the book places the clock and watchmakers of the AHCI front and centre in this 35-year celebration.
Vianney Halter's page within "The Independent Spirit"
Every current member has a few pages dedicated to them. Exploring each in turn, you are treated as a reader to learning about the person and their career, a showcase of some of their watches and, on occasion, a little look into their workshop, and finally a questionnaire. This is a set of the same questions asked to each person, which gives you a small insight into the clock or watchmakers’ personalities (find out who answered a daily routine that they couldn’t do without with “my underpants”!), but also their ambitions for watchmaking over the coming years with some interesting insights.
Following on from the current members, there are two further sections: one is dedicated to the seven AHCI candidates at the point of publication (five of whom are today fully fledged members of the AHCI where the remaining two continue in their candidacy), and the other is dedicated to past members.
Within both sections, an entire page is dedicated to each person, their careers, and their work.
A clock by Bernhard Lederer in "The Independent Spirit"
George Daniels' page in "The Independent Spirit"
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this, and I find it particularly interesting as I think it captures a moment in time of the AHCI’s history.
But more importantly, it has served to expand my horizons as to what is out there in the world of independent watchmaking, with clock and watchmakers who, before reading this I wasn’t aware of their work. Thanks to the way that the book is put together, it doesn’t take long to get a feel for these incredible artisans and their work, and before long will almost certainly find yourself tumbling down yet another rabbit hole in the wonderful world which is independent clock and watchmaking.
In terms of meeting the goals of the AHCI, promoting the work and presence of their members, this book is a beautifully presented and wonderful way to achieve that. If you’re looking to expand your own horizons within the world of independent clock and watchmaking, I highly recommend this as a great way of doing so.
To learn more about the AHCI, please visit AHCI.ch
Available here
If you have any questions, please get in touch via our Contact page, or via our Instagram.
Don’t forget to check out the Watch Books Page or Amazon Watch Books List for more recommendations!
You might also be interested in:
- Recommended Reading: ‘All in Good Time – Reflections of a Watchmaker’ by George Daniels
- In Conversation with Vianney Halter
- In Conversation with Ludovic Ballouard
- Watch Stationery and Gift Ideas
- Watch Books, Watch Boxes and more at the Watch Affinity Shop on Amazon (commissions earned)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – thank you for your support
