a cultural Vision since 2011
What if the artisan’s craft were recognised as Art?
Watchmaking. Jewellery. High jewellery. Goldsmithing. Four exceptional crafts, a living heritage, one shared ambition: recognition within the 12th Art.
the PHILOSOPHy
More than an object. A work, a gesture, a story.
A watch is more than a way to tell time. A jewel is more than its materials. Every creation carries the imagination, mastery and emotion of the people who make it.
01
Watchmaking
Mastering time through precision and imagination.
02
Jewellery
Transforming material into symbol and emotion.
03
High jewellery
Light, gemstones and excellence of craftsmanship.
04
Goldsmithing
Precious metal elevated to artistic expression.
A story, a conviction
An idea born from an absence.
The Manifesto of the 12th Art began in 2011 with a conviction: watchmaking, jewellery, high jewellery and goldsmithing deserve shared artistic recognition. Documented by Soleau envelope filings in 2011 and 2012, the initiative continued in 2024 through an updated and expanded version of the manifesto, entitled the Historical Booklet of the 12th Art. It is a continuation of the original manifesto, not a separate work.
“Behind every masterpiece beats a human heart.”
2011
The Manifesto of the 12th Art begins. First Soleau envelope filed with the INPI on 11 May 2011.
2012
Building on the initiative born in 2011, the year 2012 marked a decisive milestone in the history of the 12th Art. The manifesto continued to develop, laying the foundations for a new cultural vision: bringing watchmaking, jewellery, fine jewellery and goldsmithing together under a shared artistic identity, with the ambition of securing their rightful place in the classification of the arts.
Formalised and documented at the time, including with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), this initiative established historical continuity and affirmed its aspiration to transcend borders and generations.
12.12.2012 at 12h 12m 12s marks a moment of exceptional symbolic significance in the history of the 12th Art: six occurrences of the number 12 converging in a single instant.
Beyond this remarkable convergence, the number 12 holds a special place in the collective unconscious. Found in the twelve months of the year, the twelve hours of the clock face and many cultural traditions, it evokes cycles, the measurement of time, harmony and fulfilment. This symbolism resonates particularly strongly with watchmaking, but also with the artistic crafts that share its pursuit of precision, beauty and excellence.
This singular date thus becomes the symbolic and historical reference point for the anniversary of the 12th Art, with the ambition of making 12 December an annual international occasion devoted to celebrating and recognising these four exceptional crafts.
The celebration aspires to bring together, internationally, maisons, boutiques, schools, workshops, artisans, creators and professionals in watchmaking, jewellery, fine jewellery and goldsmithing, united by a shared heritage, outstanding craftsmanship and recognition of their artistic dimension.
12 December – A date to celebrate time, creativity and excellence in artistic craftsmanship.
THE SYMBOLIC DATE OF THE 12TH ART
12.12.2012 at 12h 12m 12s
Every 12 December, let us celebrate the 12th Art.
2024
The manifesto is updated and expanded as the Historical Booklet of the 12th Art; e-Soleau filing on 14 November 2024.
The official film
Discover the world of the 12th Art.
A visual introduction to a vision connecting craftsmanship, creation and transmission.
Inside the booklet
A journey through the precious arts.
Origins and evolution
From the historical roots of these crafts to contemporary techniques and innovations.
Materials and creation
Metals, gemstones, aesthetics, precision and the language of objects.
The hand and its legacy
The artisan, the workshop, apprenticeship and the preservation of knowledge.
A cultural ambition
The artistic recognition pursued by the 12th Art and the values of its distinction.
BEYOND THE BOOKLET
One vision. Two complementary expressions.
Discover the people and projects carrying the ambition of the 12th Art forward – from a cultural conviction to exceptional watchmaking creations.
THE CULTURAL VISION
InnovART Luxembourg
InnovART champions and promotes the 12th Art, advocating recognition of watchmaking, jewellery, high jewellery and goldsmithing as artistic expressions in their own right.
THE TANGIBLE EXPRESSION
FIVE TIME Switzerland
FIVE TIME aspires to bring this vision to life through distinctive fine-watchmaking creations, where technical ingenuity, artistic freedom and exceptional craftsmanship meet.FIVE TIME celebrates five centuries of watchmaking history – a legacy of excellence and innovation that today inspires a new vision of the art of measuring time.
FIVE TIME celebrates five centuries of watchmaking history – a legacy of excellence and innovation that today inspires a new vision of the art of measuring time.
FAQ
Understanding Our Vision of the 12th Art
The 12th Art Manifesto was created in 2011 out of a desire to unite watchmaking, jewelry, fine jewelry, and goldsmithing under a common artistic identity. This initiative was formally documented through an initial Soleau envelope filing with the INPI on May 11, 2011, and subsequently extended in 2012.
December 12 refers to the symbolic moment of 12/12/2012 at 12:12:12 p.m., featuring six occurrences of the number 12. Associated with time, cycles, and harmony, this number embodies the movement’s philosophy. The goal is to make December 12 an international day of celebration for the HBJO arts and crafts.
The Historical Booklet of the 12th Art, expanded in 2024, builds upon the manifesto launched in 2011. It elaborates on its historical, artistic, and cultural foundations without constituting a standalone work. This evolution was documented through an e-Soleau filing on November 14, 2024.
Because every creation in watchmaking, jewelry, fine jewelry, or goldsmithing is the result of knowledge, skills, and techniques passed down through generations. The 12th Art upholds this living heritage while encouraging contemporary creativity and innovation, in order to preserve and advance this heritage.
InnovART Luxembourg champions, promotes, and defends the cultural vision of the 12th Art. Its ambition is to contribute to the international recognition of watchmaking, jewelry, and goldsmithing as artistic expressions in their own right.
FIVE TIME Switzerland aims to translate the vision of the 12th Art into fine watchmaking creations that combine mechanical ingenuity, artistic freedom, and exceptional craftsmanship. Its approach draws inspiration from five centuries of watchmaking history to offer a contemporary expression of this heritage.