>>Research and Training New Institute of Watch Marketing

On 5 February this year in Neuchâtel, the Arc Business School (HEG-Arc) officially opened the Institute of Watch Marketing (IMH), a new research and training organisation created in partnership with the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH), the Swiss Watch Industry Employers’ Federation (CP) and the Association des Journées internationales du marketing horloger (JIMH). The founding agreement was signed by Olivier Kubli, director of the Arc Business School, Jean-Daniel Pasche, president of the FH, and François Matile, director of the CP, as well as Kalust Zorik, president of JIMH, and François Courvoisier, dean of the IMH.

Working closely with businesses, the IMH aligns marketing know-how with technical skills and makes available to all players in the watch industry a range of specific tools and knowledge. Its Watch Marketing Observatory (OMH) will filter and model data and information gathered in Switzerland and abroad. The IMH will also regularly publish its research work in the form of reports, scientific articles and specialist publications. In addition it will organise special theme-based events and carry out assignments for third parties.

Alongside research, the IMH will organise specific training courses in the field of watch industry marketing. The Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in watch marketing will begin in May 2010. Lasting nine months, this sandwich course is targeted at professionals working in the industry. It comprises 150 hours of courses spread over four modules, finishing with a personal study project.

The IMH will also offer workshops and tailor-made training courses according to the needs of firms and professional associations on subjects including strategy, branding, pricing, communication and distribution. More information from: www.imh-arc.ch.