Revolutionizing Time: The Race for Louis Vuitton’s Inaugural Watch Prize Begins!
December 18, 2023
Following the exciting announcement of the inaugural Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, the competition has taken the horology world by storm with its latest developments. Set to unfold at the Fondation Louis Vuitton on February 6, 2024, this event marks a significant moment in celebrating independent creativity in watchmaking.
The Shortlist and the Stage
Louis Vuitton is thrilled to announce the five finalists who will present their visionary timepiece projects to a distinguished jury. This prestigious event, taking place in the heart of Paris, symbolizes Louis Vuitton's commitment to fostering talent and innovation in the world of luxury watches.
A Gathering of Visionaries
The finalists, handpicked from nearly 1,000 submissions, embody the pinnacle of design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and technical complexity. They are:
- Petermann Bédat: Their Chronographe Rattrapante is an exquisite blend of heritage and modernity, featuring a platinum monopusher split-seconds chronograph with a distinctive jumping minute counter and an open case back to showcase the intricate movement.
- Simon Brette: The Chronometre Artisans stands out as a neo-classical masterpiece, with its manual-wind mechanical movement, exceptional balance wheel, and visible gear train, all finished to the highest standards of Haute Horology.
- John-Mikaël Flaux: The L’Abeille Mécanique is a marvel of horological art, presenting a silver and gold mechanical bee with a unique carrousel movement and a poetic hour indicator, reflecting the beauty of nature in motion.
- Andreas Strehler & Enrico Santoni: Their Tischkalender Sympathique reimagines the traditional desk clock, offering a mechanical perpetual calendar in gilded brass with lapis lazuli and a master timekeeper pocket watch, harmonizing past and present design philosophies.
- Raúl Pagès: With the RP1 - Régulateur à détente, Pagès brings a wristwatch that features a rare pivoted detent escapement within its manual-winding mechanism, a testament to his dedication to preserving and innovating the watchmaking craft.
Jury of Esteemed Experts
The jury, composed of esteemed experts from the watchmaking world, will evaluate these masterpieces. They include:
- Carole Forestier-Kasapi, a celebrated movement director at Tag Heuer.
- Auro Montanari, a pre-eminent watch collector and writer.
- Rexhep Rexhepi, founder of Atelier Akrivia.
- Jiaxian Su, a renowned journalist and watch enthusiast.
- Michael Tay, the President of the jury and a notable figure in luxury watch retail.
The Prize: A Mentorship and More
The winner will be announced at a grand ceremony, receiving a year-long mentorship at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Switzerland and a significant financial prize. This mentorship will offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the art of watchmaking.
Louis Vuitton’s Trailblazing Watchmaking
Louis Vuitton’s venture into the world of luxury watchmaking has seen remarkable successes, including the unveiling of the Daniel Roth Tourbillon Souscription Timepiece, the Voyager Skeleton, and new innovations in the iconic Tambour watch line. These creations not only reflect the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship but also its ability to merge tradition with modernity, setting the stage for the Watch Prize for Independent Creatives.
Louis Vuitton’s Legacy in Watchmaking
Louis Vuitton's dedication to watchmaking excellence is evident in its state-of-the-art facility in Meyrin, Switzerland. Since 2002, the brand has combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create timepieces that embody the spirit of travel and innovation.
The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of the artistry and innovation that drives independent watchmaking. It highlights Louis Vuitton's enduring commitment to supporting new talents and pioneering spirits in the world of luxury and precision.
For more information, visit louisvuittonwatchprize.com.