British Horological Institute

The British Horological Institute ( short: BHI) is the representative advocacy of the watch industry in the UK.

The BHI was founded in June 1858 by a small group of watchmakers. Given the numerous imports of foreign watches, it was to unite their intention, the British watchmakers and watch dealers. The Institute was an instant success and established within a year his own museum and a specialized library. At the same time evening courses were offered for watchmaking. The present site of the institute is " Upton Hall " ( built in 1828 by Thomas Wright) in Nottinghamshire in England.

The main task of the organization is dominated by standardized education learning units by watchmakers today. The Institute maintains a list of certified watchmakers who are considered to be sufficiently qualified to repair watches professionally. These watchmakers are the Code of Practice, a strict Regularium for the execution of repairs and restorations subjected.

The technical library of BHI can be used by arrangement for research. It is home to many rare documents, journals and books among the highlights of the British watchmaking of the 18th and early 19th century. But your catalog contains relatively few contemporary titles.

Forms of membership

• Associate, anyone with an interest in horology can enroll as a member.
• Graduate Membership ( GradBHI ), was a prerequisite to participate in the " BHI horology course" and the successful completion of an examination. This type of membership is omitted at the end of 2009.
• Full Membership ( MBHI ), is a prerequisite for membership as " degree BHI " and a sufficient experience as a watchmaker.
• Fellowship ( FBHI ) requirement is a contribution to watchmaking of particular value

The corresponding abbreviations GradBHI, MBHI and FBHI may be the name attached.