Louis Vuitton’s annual Watch prize aims to bring the work of watchmaking’s dreamers and rule-breakers in its search for horological genius.
Louis Vuitton and its manufacturing hub La Fabrique du Temps are gaining a reputation for backing innovation and independence mixed with heritage, and its Watch Prize is a centrepiece of that project.
It has announced five finalists for its 2024 prize, which will be presented at the Fondation Louis Vuitton on February 6.
”The Louis Vuitton Watch prize exists because we believe that the future of watchmaking belongs to the dreamers and rule-breakers who meet the highest standards of craftmanship. I would like to congratulate our five finalists; in your hands, the horizon for independent watchmaking is looking very bright indeed,” says Jean Arnault, director of watches at Louis Vuitton.
A judging panel of industry experts whittled down 1,000 entries to five finalists based on the design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and technical complexity of submitted work.
All of them are established watchmakers within the high end artisan independent field.
The finalists, introduced with notes from the judging panel, for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize are:
Petermann Bédat
Gaël Petermann et Florian Bédat
Independent watchmakers since 2017
Inspired by the pocket watch, the Chronographe Rattrapante bridges classic and contemporary watchmaking. Reference 2941 is a monopusher split-seconds chronograph in platinum with a jumping minute counter and an opened case back for admiring the movement’s architecture.
Of their decision to participate in the Prize, the duo noted: ”This Prize gives independents watchmakers an opportunity to surpass themselves and showcase a unique savoir-faire.”
Simon Brette
Simon Brette
Independent watchmaker since 2022
Chronometre Artisans is a neo-classical expression of watchmaking blending Haute Horology finishings with an in-house caliber and complex mechanisms such as manual-wind mechanical movement, an outstanding balance wheel and visible gear train.
Reflecting on the challenges of his profession, the watchmaker observed: ”What makes me most proud is to have brought together and coordinated the work of exceptional French and Swiss craftsmen.”
John-Mikaël Flaux
John-Mikaël Flaux
Independent watchmaker since 2018.
L’Abeille Mécanique (mechanical bee) in silver and gold is a one-of-a-kind figurative mechanism with an AB-01 movement, manual winding, dedicated key, carrousel movement and a “stinger“ poetics hours indicator.
Of his decision to apply for the Prize, its inventor said: “What immediately appealed to me about this initiative was the recognition it offers to the world of independent watchmakers, and the trust it places in us.”
Andreas Strehler
Andreas Strehler & Enrico Santoni
Independent watchmakers since 1995.
More ”time object” than desk clock, the Tischkalender Sympathique is a mechanical perpetual desk calendar in gilded brass set with lapis lazuli. It is fitted with a ”master timekeeper” pocket watch in damascus steel with sapphire crystal.
”The inspiration came from the present and the past,” the duo explained. ”With mechanical solutions, it is possible to create new needs.”
Pagès
Raúl Pagès
Independent watchmaker since 2012.
The RP1 – Régulateur à détente is a manual-winding wristwatch in stainless steel with a unique construction featuring an in-house caliber fitted with the ultra-rare, pivoted detent escapement, designed and handcrafted by the watchmaker himself.
Experience gained by restoring masterpieces inspired the artisan to strike out on his own: ”Independent watchmakers must be spearheads of creativity and defenders of craftsmanship,” he notes.
About the Jury
The five jury members for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives are:
Carole Forestier-Kasapi
Movements director at Tag Heuer in Neuchâtel (Switzerland), and the winner of multiple awards, most recently the Gaïa Prize (2021).
Auro Montanari,
Pre-eminent watch collector, watchmaking expert and writer.
Rexhep Rexhepi
Founder of Atelier Akrivia, independent watchmaker of traditional and contemporary timepieces.
Jiaxian Su
Freelance journalist based in Singapore, specialized in watches and founder of SJX Watches.
Michael Tay
President of the jury and group managing director of The Hour Glass, a multi-brands retailer based in the Asia-Pacific.
