Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives

Louis Vuitton announces the opening of applications for the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives

Watchmaking means daring to play with the concept of time. Watchmaking is a manifest of craft and audacity, of paying attention to every little detail of a moving construction. Watchmakers are creatives who dare to build and deconstruct puzzles time and time again. More than an award for watchmakers, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize recognizes bold visions and independent thinking. It honours those who challenge the present and defy the boundaries of time.

Louis Vuitton is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives.

Now entering its second edition, this prestigious biennial prize is established by Louis Vuitton and is organized by its Swiss based watch manufacture, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Its mission is to recognize a passion for watchmaking savoir-faire, creativity, and innovation in the pursuit of excellence, by makers all over the world.

This initiative is open to independent watchmakers and entrepreneurs around the world, regardless of age, location, or specialisation, with a view to supporting and encouraging the great talents of the future.

The inaugural edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives was a resounding success, drawing more than 1,000 submissions from artisans in 15 countries. In January 2024, the Swiss watchmaker Raúl Pagès impressed the jury and was awarded with his RP1 – Régulateur à Détente timepiece.

“At Louis Vuitton, creativity and savoir-faire are at the heart of everything we do; two values we share with independent watchmakers. The first edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize was a great success and demonstrated not only the House’s genuine commitment to nurturing these exceptional talents, but also their ability to push the limits of horological craft. This prize offers a unique opportunity for these remarkable candidates to showcase their unique concepts and extraordinary creations.” Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton Watch Director.

In keeping with the prize’s values of independence, creativity, and boldness, the rules and criteria for the Prize remain unchanged. First of all, applications are reviewed by a dedicated team in collaboration with Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas, Master Watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. In a second time, the 20 semi-finalists are evaluated by an international committee of watch experts, including retailers, collectors, specialised journalists, artists, artisans, designers and other enthusiasts. Their selections are based on five criteria: Design & Aesthetics, Creativity & Audacity, Technical Innovation, Details & Finishings, and Complexity.

Candidates may apply online on the dedicated Louis Vuitton Watch Prize website www.louisvuittonwatchprize.com and submit their creative projects through April 15th, 2025.

In July 2025, Louis Vuitton organisers and a commission of international and independent watch experts will establish a shortlist of 20 semi-finalists, who will be revealed online.

In November 2025, the committee of experts will select five finalists based on the above criteria. At the same time, the committee will also have to vote for 5 members of the final jury among their peers to perform the final round of judging.

In February 2026, the five finalists for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives will gather to present their work to the final jury. The winner will be announced at a private reception hosted by Louis Vuitton in their honour.

The winner of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives will receive a grant of 150,000 euros as well as a one-year mentorship tailored to the needs of its creative project with Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, Master Watchmakers at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. A dedicated team of experts from Louis Vuitton and La Fabrique du Temps will support the winner in multiple aspects, including with communication, copyright and corporate legal aspects, as well as marketing, industrial strategy and the financial management of a brand.

For further details, please visit louisvuittonwatchprize.com

Credits: © Courtesy of Louis Vuitton