Raúl Pagès Awarded the 2024 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives

The haute horlogerie community gathered at the esteemed Fondation Louis Vuitton on February 6th to witness the inauguration of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, a celebration of groundbreaking innovation and expertise in independent horology. This distinguished occasion underscores Louis Vuitton's recognition and nurturing of unique talents that propel the art of watchmaking into new realms of excellence.

The award's first laureate, Raúl Pagès, exemplifies the spirit of innovation in watchmaking, blending meticulous craftsmanship with a modern perspective on traditional horological techniques. His journey, from a passionate restorer of time-honored horological pieces to a visionary in the independent watchmaking scene, reflects a profound dedication to reviving and advancing traditional techniques with a modern perspective.

From the serene enclave of a Neuchâtel village, Switzerland, Pagès has dedicated his career to the intricate art of horology. His journey began as a restorer of horological masterpieces and transitioned to independent watchmaking in 2012. Committed to excellence, Pagès crafts approximately four timepieces each year, embodying handcrafted precision from conception to completion.

Pagès's winning timepiece, the RP1 - Régulateur à détente, is a testament to horological artistry, featuring a sleek stainless steel case and a pioneering manual-winding mechanism. This timepiece is driven by a meticulously crafted manual-winding mechanism, distinguished by its rare pivoted detent escapement—an innovation that offers unparalleled precision.

The watch's design, inspired by the balance between tradition and avant-garde aesthetics, captures the essence of Pagès's philosophy. "Being honored by the jury of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Watchmakers is the best possible recognition of my work as an independent watchmaker," Pagès remarked.

Conceived by Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton's Watches Director, the prize celebrates the fusion of creative genius, technical innovation, and artisanal tradition in watchmaking. This initiative underscores Louis Vuitton's commitment to fostering the evolution of independent creators, thereby nurturing the future of horology.

The award drew nearly 1,000 submissions from across the globe, evaluated by an international committee of watch connoisseurs based on criteria encompassing Design & Aesthetics, Creativity & Audacity, Technical Innovation, Details & Finishings, and Complexity. The ultimate selection was made by an elite panel led by Jury President Michael Tay, alongside notables like Carole Forestier-Kasapi and Rexhep Rexhepi.

Pagès was awarded a spiral-shaped silver trophy, symbolizing the ascendancy of independent watchmaking, alongside a bespoke Louis Vuitton trophy trunk. This honor is complemented by a grant and a year-long mentorship at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, inspiring creative vision and commercial success under the guidance of expert watchmakers and artisans.

The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives elevates the profiles of exceptional talents like Raúl Pagès but also signals a transformative shift in the luxury watchmaking industry. By spotlighting the innovative designs and unique narratives of independent artisans, the award encourages a broader appreciation for the depth and diversity of contemporary horology.

This recognition is set to inspire both established and emerging watchmakers, potentially catalyzing a new era of creativity and technological advancements within the realm of luxury timepieces. In doing so, the prize underscores the integral role of independent craftsmanship in shaping the future trends and standards of the watchmaking world.

Since the 2002 debut of the Tambour watch, Louis Vuitton's horological journey reached new heights with the establishment of La Fabrique du Temps in Meyrin, Switzerland, in 2014. This avant-garde facility marries traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology, housing a cadre of master watchmakers, engineers, and designers dedicated to crafting watches that bear the prestigious "Swiss Made" label. The highly anticipated redesign of the Tambour watch was ceremoniously announced last year.

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has become a leader of luxury and innovation, from pioneering travel luggage to crafting avant-garde watches, jewelry, and fragrances. Embracing collaboration with architects, artists, and designers, Louis Vuitton continues to shape the narrative of luxury and craftsmanship, staying true to its heritage while forging new paths in the art of travel and beyond.

The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives honors the individual achievements of artisans like Raúl Pagès and heralds a new chapter in watchmaking, where creativity, innovation, and tradition converge to redefine the very essence of time. Dive into the exceptional world of horology and meet the visionaries shaping its future. For more stories and insights, visit the official Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives website.