DISCOVER WATCH INDUSTRY COMMITTEES

Within the global watchmaking ecosystem, several committees, associations, and organizations play a vital role in supporting local brands and industry stakeholders. These institutions help companies connect within their own countries and internationally, participate in global trade shows, strengthen industry visibility, and promote national craftsmanship on the world stage. This page introduces some of the key committees and associations dedicated to empowering watch brands and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Canada

CANADIAN JEWELLERS ASSOCIATION

Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) is the national trade association representing the Canadian jewellery and watch industry. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, when professionals in the field sought a unified voice to strengthen and protect the trade in Canada.

CANADIAN JEWELLERY GROUP

Canadian Jewellery Group (CJG) is Canada’s largest jewellery buying cooperative, empowering independent jewellers through collective purchasing and shared resources since its establishment in 1977. The organization was formed by seven jewellers from northern Ontario who collaborated to improve their purchasing power and share the benefits of negotiated supplier terms, rebates, and discounts with members across the country.

CANADIAN JEWELLERS ASSOCIATION

The organization traces its roots to the Jewellers Security Alliance of Canada, founded in 1884 to help improve security practices and combat theft. This initiative later evolved into the Canadian National Jewellers Association, which held its first official meeting on September 25, 1918.

By 1921, the Association had introduced its first Code of Ethics, and in 1922 it formally adopted the name Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA). Since then, the CJA has remained committed to education, advocacy, and promoting ethical business standards across the jewellery and watch sectors.

The CJA is recognized as a key authority within the Canadian jewellery and watch trade, guiding members through its Code of Ethics, educational programs, and advocacy efforts. Its work supports industry growth, strengthens consumer confidence, and ensures best practices across all areas of the jewellery sector.

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CANADIAN JEWELLERY GROUP

Over the decades, the CJG has grown into a nationally recognized group with retail members operating numerous jewellery stores throughout Canada. By harnessing the collective buying strength of its members, the Group provides access to premium products from North America’s top suppliers while allowing independent retailers to maintain their unique identities and local presence.

The organization negotiates favorable terms and conditions with endorsed suppliers and passes 100% of those advantages on to its members, including volume rebates, exclusive payment options, and centralized billing handled by the CJG head office. It also hosts an annual buying show and facilitates networking, education, and collaboration opportunities for its membership, reinforcing the competitive position of independent jewellers in the national market.

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France

FRANCECLAT

Francéclat is the professional committee dedicated to supporting and promoting France’s watchmaking, jewelry, and tableware industries—sectors globally admired for their craftsmanship, artistic heritage, and design excellence.

FRANCE HORLOGERIE

France Horlogerie is the professional association representing French watchmaking manufacturers and industry stakeholders. Established to promote and protect the interests of the French watchmaking sector, the organization provides strategic support, market insights, and industry standards to its members.

UNION DE LA BIJOUTERIE-HORLOGERIE

Union de la Bijouterie‑Horlogerie (UBH) is the main professional union for jewellers and watchmakers in France and Europe, working to defend and promote the interests of the profession across issues such as gold buy‑back, counterfeiting and customs regulation. UBH collaborates with federations and public institutions to support and represent its members.

FRANCECLAT

Created to strengthen these industries through research, innovation, and international development, Francéclat has played a central role in maintaining France’s status as a leader in luxury and artisanal creation.

Throughout the decades, the organization has collaborated closely with manufacturers, designers, and trade institutions, offering economic analysis, technological insights, and marketing support to help companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. Francéclat has also contributed to defining industry standards, enhancing product quality, and preserving traditional savoir-faire while encouraging the adoption of modern techniques and innovative processes.

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FRANCE HORLOGERIE

Over the years, France Horlogerie has strengthened the reputation of French watchmaking both domestically and internationally by encouraging innovation, craftsmanship, and adherence to high-quality standards. The association collaborates closely with manufacturers, designers, and educational institutions to sustain the excellence of French timepieces and preserve traditional horology techniques.

The organization actively promotes French watchmaking through trade shows, exhibitions, and international partnerships, highlighting the creativity, technical mastery, and cultural heritage of France’s watchmaking industry.

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UNION DE LA BIJOUTERIE-HORLOGERIE

The mission of UBH includes representing and defending its members before public authorities and institutions; advising and supporting jewellers and watchmakers on legal, commercial and regulatory matters; anticipating market changes; providing professional training through UBH Académie; and facilitating communication and networking activities for its community of around 2,700 jewellers and horologists.

The union also fosters industry exchange and collaboration through forums such asLe Club UBH, where distributors and suppliers meet to discuss market trends, collaborative strategies and evolving consumer behaviours, strengthening professional relationships and contributing to the sector’s development.

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Switzerland

SWISS INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKERS PAVILION

Swiss Pavilion, also known as the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), is an organization dedicated to showcasing and promoting the excellence of independent Swiss watchmaking brands on the global stage

FONDATION HAUTE HORLOGERIE

Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) is a public interest foundation established in 2005 in Geneva by Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux and the Richemont Group.

SWISS INDEPENDENT WATCHMAKERS PAVILION

Unlike large groups, SIWP focuses exclusively on supporting independent Maisons with unique identities and creative DNA, offering them a platform where craftsmanship, innovation, and independent spirit can be fully appreciated and experienced by enthusiasts and professionals alike.

From its carefully curated exhibitions in major international cities such as Geneva, Hong Kong, and Mexico City, Swiss Pavilion provides a unique opportunity for independent horological brands to present their creations, meet passionate collectors, and build critical business relationships outside the shadow of corporate conglomerates. Its mission is to highlight the creativity, inventiveness, and dynamism that define independent Swiss watchmaking, fostering synergies and collaborative growth among participating brands.

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FONDATION HAUTE HORLOGERIE

FHH operates through three main pillars:Watches and Culture by FHH, which produces original content, cultural activities and exhibitions to bring watchmaking heritage to life;FHH Academy, which provides worldwide training and certification to professionals and enthusiasts; andFHH Forum, a platform for dialogue, connection and reflection among industry leaders focused on the future of watchmaking.

The foundation also organises notable cultural events and exhibitions such as“Watch Makers”, an immersive experience in Geneva that explores techniques, craftsmanship and the professions behind watchmaking, designed to educate, engage and inspire visitors of all levels.

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While not all groups are currently featured on our site, our directory is continually evolving as we expand and update our listings. Please feel free to reach out if you would like your organization to be listed, or if you are a member of an organization that supports industry stakeholders.

Committee