A TESTIMONY FROM. A TESTIMONY FROM. A TESTIMONY FROM. A TESTIMONY FROM. A TESTIMONY FROM

LIONEL BORNET. LIONEL BORNET. LIONEL BORNET. LIONEL BORNET

01 May 2026

A Testimony From Lionel Bornet

a testimony from

by FHH Academy

Get inspired by 'A TESTIMONY FROM,' a series from the FHH Academy that shares the genuine stories of certified individuals. Hear their highs, learn their valuable tips and tricks, and discover the impact of our certification on their careers and how you can benefit from it.

Candidat

FIRST, LAST NAME Lionel Bornet
CURSUS Watch Expert Class
CERTIFICATION Watch Expert

Could you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Lionel Bornet. I currently work as a product manager — essentially, a buyer in the dairy and cheese sector. Before that, I was a butcher, so I've practised the same trade in a different world. My initial training is in butchery, a craft where precision and discipline are essential.

How did you discover the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and the certification it offers?

It was a mix of circumstance and passion. My interest in watchmaking began about ten years ago, thanks to my grandfather, who left me an automatic Tissot Seastar. Wanting to understand how it worked, I started reading and looking into it, and I discovered that the movement in my watch was similar to one used in certain Omega calibres. That fascinated me. Gradually, I became a collector and a complete watchmaking enthusiast.

One day, browsing QOQA, I came across this course offered by the Fondation Haute Horlogerie. My first thought was: “Why not me?” - even though I had some doubts about my level of knowledge.

The in-person courses offered by the Foundation were also essential: they allowed me to pinpoint my weak spots and deepen my knowledge.

What motivated you to take this certifying course?

At first, I was apprehensive. I kept telling myself: “I'm a butcher — I don't know enough about watchmaking to claim a certification.” I assumed the other participants would be far more advanced than me. But the people around me encouraged me: my friends, my wife — they all told me I already had solid knowledge and that I should go for it.

So I decided to try Level 2 Watch Specialist, and passed. When I then saw Level 3 Watch Expert appear on Qoqa the following year, I thought: “If I made it through Specialist, why not Expert?” And today, I'm genuinely proud to hold this certification.

How did you prepare for this certification? Did you use any particular tools?

I can't really say I followed any intensive preparation. In truth, I had been preparing for years without realising it.

I learnt out of passion — through books, forums, conversations with other enthusiasts, even TikTok videos. The Foundation's in-person courses were also essential: they helped me identify my weak spots and deepen my knowledge in areas I was less familiar with, such as new market players or the use of certain recent materials.

How would you describe your experience during the course?

This wasn't a conventional course where you simply absorb knowledge. It was a lively, engaging exchange. The instructor, Gianfranco Ritschel, didn't just teach facts. He conveyed a real passion, which made every session intense and captivating. It wasn't only about learning movements or dates — it was about understanding the very essence of watchmaking.

The other striking aspect was the interaction with the other participants. There were about fifteen of us, all passionate. Being able to exchange ideas with people who shared my interest in watchmaking deepened my love for the field even more.

It has also opened up new professional perspectives for me. I've applied for positions in the watchmaking world.

How did you experience the final certification exam?

The exam was representative of all the knowledge acquired. It combined technical, historical and current-affairs aspects.

I particularly appreciated the logic of the questions, which tested understanding as much as memory. Thanks to the courses and exchanges, I'd been able to fill my gaps and approach the exam with a certain calm. It wasn't a “trick” exam, but a demanding, qualitative test - true to the excellence of the watchmaking world.

What surprised or struck you most during this course?

What struck me most was the openness of the watchmaking world. I had initially thought it would be a closed, elitist circle, but I discovered an accessible and welcoming universe. I was also surprised by the artistic crafts, particularly gem-setting. Before the course, I had a rather flashy image of that side of things.

In the end, once I understood the craftsmanship and meticulous attention behind these creations, I completely changed my mind and developed a genuine interest in this art form.

What benefits have you drawn from this certification, both professionally and personally?

Professionally, this certification had an immediate impact. In my work as a buyer, it has allowed me to strike up easy conversations with counterparts wearing fine watches. It has even, at times, made certain negotiations smoother.

Personally, I've gained confidence. I've proven that even coming from a completely different background, I could succeed in a field I'm passionate about. And it has had an effect on the people around me too: my wife, who wasn't particularly interested in watchmaking, has started to take an interest and now enjoys the subject. My friends, who didn't always understand my enthusiasm, are starting to ask questions and share my curiosity.

How will you make use of this certification in the future?

I've already highlighted it on LinkedIn, and the response has been very positive. Many people asked me how I did it, assuming it required years of study or evening classes.

It has also opened up new professional perspectives. I've applied for positions in the watchmaking world. I don't yet know whether I'll make a full career change, but this certification is opening doors I would never have considered before.

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