The former President of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) François Habersaat passed away on 2 August in his 81st year after a short illness.

François Habersaat devoted his entire career to the watch industry. After working as Sales Manager with Felsa, he joined Ebauches SA in 1969 as deputy director, before being appointed Head of the Sales and Marketing Department of the company ETA in Granges in 1978. In the autumn of 1993 he took over the presidency of the FH. Until 2002, he defended the interests of the watch industry with passion and fervour. His positive character, natural charisma and genial humour undoubtedly left their mark on those who had the pleasure of his company.