Independent watchmaking brands MING, Fleming, and J.N. Shapiro have announced the formation of the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA). The announcement came at Geneva Watch Days, with a cause to support and promote independent watchmaking outside of traditional industry structures, while allowing each brand to leverage their collective strengths to achieve greater impact.

The alliance was born from a shared passion for horology and a mutual respect between the three founding brands. Ming Thein, founder of Horologer MING, explains, “We formed the AHA not only to multiply our collective strengths but also simply because we enjoy working with each other. By pooling resources, each brand can achieve things beyond its individual constraints.” Thein highlights the collaborative approach that AHA will foster, such as shared resources, joint exhibitions, and a stronger collective presence at key industry events like Geneva Watch Days.

The first collaborative project: A tantalum bracelet

Talk the walk, walk the talk. The collaboration has already borne fruit with the announcement of AHA’s first joint project: a tantalum bracelet designed by MING and brought to life by J.N. Shapiro. The bracelet, available in various sizes and finishes, is engineered to fit watches from all AHA member brands.

“The development and prototyping of a tantalum bracelet from scratch in under four months demonstrates the kind of things we can do together under the AHA umbrella,” said Joshua Shapiro, founder of J.N. Shapiro. The complex design, which features interchangeable end links, showcases the innovative spirit that AHA seeks to nurture.

“We have our own unique approach to watches, but we share common ideals — and being collectors ourselves, we know there’s far less risk of cannibalism than additional temptation!” added Thomas Fleming of Fleming Watches.

Over the course of the fair, AHA is hosting its inaugural showcase under the AHA banner at the Hotel Beau Rivage, where the latest creations from MING, Fleming, and J.N. Shapiro will be on display alongside select pieces from their archives. This joint exhibition aims to draw in collectors with a more compelling proposition than any one brand could offer on its own.

While AHA’s membership is currently limited to its three founding brands, there is openness to future expansion. However, Thein stresses the importance of maintaining a shared vision among all members: “We would love to expand the group, but it is critical that all members of AHA share the same philosophy and values otherwise it would be counterproductive.”

At its core, the Alternative Horological Alliance is about fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual support among independent watch brands. As Shapiro concludes, “Through the AHA we have found kinship with like-minded founders and friends. This is probably just the first of many things we find ourselves doing together.”