Stephen Forsey Lecture at Hiko Mizuno College

KIH · 2014-09-05T20:47:54Z

Stephen Forsey of Greubel Forsey lectures at Hiko Mizuno College in Tokyo, emphasizing traditional watchmaking's future. Insights on craft and art.

KIH

WPS member · Independents forum

11 replies4355 views6 photos

Stephen Forsey of Greubel Forsey, a titan in independent watchmaking, delivered a pivotal lecture in Tokyo to aspiring watchmakers at Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College. This event, co-organized with Philippe Dufour, underscores a critical industry effort to preserve and advance traditional watchmaking techniques for future generations. KIH's report, featuring insights from 'Bose' and photography by Casey, offers a rare glimpse into this significant educational initiative.

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Mr. Stephen Forsey of Greubel Forsey came to Tokyo to give lecture to the young watchmaker-to-be students of Japan's best known watchmaking school - Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College. A few PursitS were invited by the courtesy of Japan Watch Importers' Association and here is a report prepared by "Bose" (you know who I am talking about - go to GP forum

), together with the nice photos taken by Casey (Shimokita, the mod for the Photography Forum).

Date: September 1, 2014

Title: "Rasing the next generation watchmakers"

As I understand it, this is a part of the endeavor collaborated joint venture initiated by Philippe Dufour and Greubel Forsey - to leave the DNA of "true" traditional watchmaking legacy.

Unfortunately, no photography was allowed in the lecture, so here are a few before and after photos.

Approx. 150 Hiko Mizno students gathered. For registration.

The gist of the lecture and interview after that:

"Swiss watchmaking history goes back to many hundreds of years and it is priceless as well as treasure. We, as today's watchmakers, are responsible to transferring this second-to-none technology/ techniques to the next generations. Also, Greubel Forsey is also responsible to develop this technology and techniques to the even higher level.

In order to achieve it, we approach watchmaking more creatively, more artistically, and more uniquely. The biggest enemy is, ironically, "time", for us to make mechanical watches which let you know the "time" and measure the "time". We want to create more unique, creative watches, but the time doesn't stop. Sometimes we even wish we could stop the time.

But you, young watchmaking school students, please do not consider the "time" your enemy but study with the passion for the "time" which is irreplaceable important "tool" for you. Unlike my youth, today you have internet which gives you necessary information instantly and you can share, exchange it quickly. The distance between Swiss and Japan is close to Zero.

Please be proud to have the opportunity, responsibility, and lifework to inherit and transfer further down the culture of horology.

I am very much looking forward to meeting some of you in the future, someday, somewhere in the horology world."

Bose interviewing Stephen. Translator is Ms. Kono, as always.

Wow!!

Video:

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Thank you so much:

Mr. Stephen Forsey, Greubel Forsey (and Mr. Ban, Vitae Lucis - distributor for Japan)

Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College

Mr. Matsumoto, Japan Watch Importers' Association

Shimokita (Casey)

Mr. and Mrs. Bose (for report and interview)

Thank you

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-09-05 20:48:28

Key Points from the Discussion

Stephen Forsey's presentation, delivered in French with Japanese translation and English slides, included a notable segment on the 'Le Garde Temps - Naissance d'une Montre' project, which resonated strongly with the watchmaking students.
The discussion highlighted the convergence of watchmaking and contemporary art, particularly through the co-creation of Greubel Forsey's Art Piece 1, as a significant approach in modern horology.
Multiple attendees praised Stephen Forsey's character, describing him as a true gentleman whose explanations are captivating and could be listened to for extended periods.
The event reinforced Japan's reputation as a 'watch paradise' where master watchmakers frequently visit to share knowledge and expertise.
A participant noted the unexpected lightness of a Greubel Forsey GMT when worn, contrasting it with the 'heavy' price.

The Discussion

cshimokita

Sep 6, 2014

It was a treat to spend the afternoon thus...

Stephen Forsey gave his presentation in French, translated into Japanese, using an English power point presentation... switching to English for our small after event discussion ;-). I was interested to hear directly about the "Le Garde Temps - Naissance d'une Montre" project, and maybe because of all the watchmaking students present, that part of the presentation seemed to resonate around the room. On a personal level, I enjoyed hearing thoughts on the convergence of watch making and contemporar

chronosRM

Sep 9, 2014

Casey-san!!

Casey-san!! I met Mr. Casey in Tokyo, I was glad. The photography, thank you. We are very glad. We look forward to the reunion. :-D Mr & Mrs Bose

cshimokita

Sep 16, 2014

Thank you Mr & Mrs Bose !!

It was very nice to meet both of you... next time you are in Tokyo we could share a glass of wine. Starting in October I will be traveling and photographing in various parts of Japan... on a specific long term project I hope that our path will cross... Kind regards, Casey

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Sep 7, 2014

Thank you all for the wonderful report and photos!

Ken, Casey, Mr and Mrs Bose, thank you for sharing with us the event here. I am sure the lecture by Mr Forsey was extremely educational! Japan is indeed a watch paradise where the masters of watchmaking and finishing often visit and give talks and lessons. I was just telling Ken I hope to visit Tokyo some day soon! Cheers Robin

KIH

Sep 7, 2014

Anytime, Robin! [nt]

chronosRM

Sep 9, 2014

Nice to meet you!! Mr.Robin.

Nice to meet you!! Then,thank you. Cheers!! :-)

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