The Timepiece Times: GIA Is Moving Into Watch Education

September 23, 2026

GIA is expanding into watch education through a new partnership with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie, announced September 17. Beginning in early 2027, GIA will offer the FHH Academy’s entry-level Watch Advisor certification through its campus network and online, with tutor-led sessions. For customers who already associate GIA with gemstones, the announcement brings a familiar educational institution into another part of the luxury trade. Read the FHH announcement.

The distinction is important: this is an education partnership. It does not announce a GIA grading report for individual watches, a watch-authentication service or a new price index. GIA says the first joint initiative is planned for October, with details to follow. The FHH Academy has trained more than 50,000 people and certified more than 18,000 across 20 countries, giving the collaboration an established training base. Read GIA’s announcement.

Our trade takeaway is that better education can improve the conversation between a dealer and a customer. A watch’s name and reference number are only the beginning; someone still needs to explain its movement, features and history clearly. The partnership’s stated ambition is to broaden access to that knowledge. Its effect on individual businesses will depend on how the training is used, and it does not establish that pre-owned watch prices will rise.

For help buying or selling a pre-owned luxury watch, visit the Pryce House Watch Cabinet.