Louis Vuitton proudly discloses the five finalists for its groundbreaking Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. The stellar lineup includes Gaël Petermann and Florian Bédat of Petermann Bédat, Simon Brette, John-Mikaël Flaux, Andreas Strehler, Enrico Santoni, and Raúl Pagès.
Scheduled for February 6, 2024, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the finalists will present their extraordinary timepiece projects to a discerning jury. The winner, recognized for innovative contributions to independent watchmaking, will be revealed during an exclusive celebration.
The finalist roster showcases exceptional talent. Petermann Bédat, independent since 2017, brings a unique savoir-faire. Simon Brette’s Chronometre Artisans seamlessly blends neo-classicism and art nouveau in-house caliber. John-Mikaël Flaux’s L’Abeille Mécanique stands out with a surreal, one-of-a-kind figurative mechanism featuring AB-01 movement and manual winding.
Andreas Strehler and Enrico Santoni present the Tischkalender Sympathique, a mechanical perpetual desk calendar in gilded brass set with lapis lazuli. Raúl Pagès, an independent watchmaker, introduces the RP1 – Régulateur à détente, a manual-winding wristwatch in stainless steel exuding a new Brutalist air.
Jean Arnault, Director of Watches at Louis Vuitton, expresses enthusiasm, stating, “The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize exists because we believe the future of watchmaking belongs to dreamers and rule-breakers who meet the highest standards of craftsmanship. In your hands, the horizon for Independent Watchmaking looks bright.”
Drawing nearly 1,000 submissions, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize shortlisted 20 semi-finalists, evaluated by a Committee of Experts on Design, Creativity, Innovation, Craftsmanship, and Technical Complexity.
The esteemed jury, including Carole Forestier-Kasapi, Auro Montanari, Rexhep Rexhepi, Jiaxian Su, and Michael Tay, plays a pivotal role in selecting the ultimate winner. The victor will receive a prestigious mentorship at La Fabrique du Temps in Meyrin (Switzerland), Louis Vuitton’s watch manufacturing plant, and a substantial undisclosed financial prize.
