The Watch Library
A charitable foundation committed to preserving global watchmaking heritage
THE FOUNDATION
The goal of the Foundation, which has its headquarters in Geneva and which has been recognized as a charitable body by the Swiss Confederation, is to preserve and promote worldwide watchmaking heritage through the creation of a digital platform that provides access to a repository of documentation on watchmaking that is unprecedented in its scale.
A major initiative for the entire watch industry, in line with the registration of the craftmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Watch Library shares the values of our time. It is inclusive and welcoming of the entire horological community. Its Foundation Board comprises Swiss and international experts from the worlds of watchmaking, innovation, education and art.
Patrons committed to preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of watchmaking
The first circle of major patrons brings together members of the watch community and public institutions around the Foundation’s philanthropic mission. The patrons share an understanding of the significance of horology heritage, and an awareness of the vital importance of ensuring that watchmaking knowledge can be passed on.
Public and private patronage of the Foundation generates the resources required to digitize and catalogue the watchmaking documentation collected from various sources.
All over the world are involved watch museums, art museums, watch industry institutions, universities and technology institutes, publishing houses and publications, auction houses, national libraries and private collections.
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A digital platform providing a unique repository for watchmaking resources
THE PLATFORM
The creation of a “big data” repository for watchmaking resources will provide professionals and interested amateurs alike with the ability to consult documents that are currently difficult to access, have been forgotten or are completely unknown.
Through digitization, the platform will link the public with a multitude of documentary resources, providing a research experience focused on the needs of users.
The Watch Library will offer a totally user-centric cultural experience, enabling users to immerse themselves in the wealth of watchmaking knowledge, and find the most targeted answers to their searches. The platform will be continually enriched with new content through the addition of new archives, as well as through the consolidation of data across its holdings.