Independent Succession in Horology: Discover the New Breed of AHCI Candidates

The Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), founded by Vincent Calabrese and Svend Andersen in 1985, stands as a pillar in preserving and promoting the craft of independent watchmaking, a fragile art under the onslaught of industrialization. Home to 36 members, 18 ex-members, and diverse candidates from 16 nations, AHCI continues to be the beacon of individualistic horology, illuminating the path of artisanal heritage frame by frame, second by second.

The academy has been pivotal in shaping the career of lofty horologists like Kari Voutilainen, Philippe Dufour, Felix Baumgartner, and Hajime Asaoka. Its rich history demonstrates its commitment to nurturing creativity and facilitating intergenerational interaction within the watchmaking sphere.

Marco Guarino stands as a unique example, transforming his passion for astronomy into an obsession with astronomical watches. An AHCI candidate since 2024, Marco leverages the celestial rhythms to create timeless masterpieces that echo the cosmic dance. Italy, which offered no platforms for interaction among fellow watchmakers, saw a revolution as Marco took a path untraveled, harnessing the growing information access through the internet, and began establishing his workshop.

Today, the candidates share their inspirations, ambitions, and challenges as they navigate this intricate world of independent horology. These conversations map the current landscape of artisanal watchmaking while throwing light on the pivotal role of AHCI in safeguarding the creative dynamism of the independent watchmaking art.