Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives 2025–2026 Semi-finalists Announced

Louis Vuitton has announced the 20 semi-finalists for the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. First introduced in 2021, the biennial competition was created to celebrate and support independent watchmakers who demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical expertise and originality. The inaugural prize, awarded in 2023, went to Swiss watchmaker Raúl Pagès for his Régulateur à Détente RP1, a timepiece notable for its rare detent escapement and hand-finished movement.

International Line-up with Notable Entrants

Among the 2025–2026 semi-finalists is Russian watchmaker Anton Suhanov from Saint Petersburg. A former apprentice of Konstantin Chaykin, Suhanov is recognised for his complex horological sculptures and clocks. His entry, the St. Petersburg Easter Egg Tourbillon Clock, presented earlier this year, combines traditional artisanal decoration with a tourbillon-regulated mechanical movement, drawing inspiration from the heritage of Fabergé.

The competition features a wide range of international talent from established artisans to emerging creators. Each contender competes for a €150,000 monetary award and a year-long mentorship with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the brand’s in-house high horology workshop in Geneva. The mentorship is designed to provide guidance on technical development, design refinement, business strategy and international market positioning.

The 2025–2026 Semi-finalists

• Giverny “Blue Train” – Auffret Paris, France

• Kung Fu – Behrens, China

• Beauties of Nature – Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft, Saitama, Japan

• DC6 Titanium – David Candaux, Switzerland

• L’Essentiel – Fabian Pellet, Tokyo, Japan

• Möbius – Fam al Hut, China

• School Watch – Hazemann & Monnin, Switzerland

• Resurgence – J.N. Shapiro, United States

• Central Seconds Hong Kong Edition – Kallinich Claeys, Glashütte, Germany

• Kudoke 5 – Kudoke, Germany

• CIC 39 mm Racing Green – Lederer, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

• Sohkoku 蒼黒 – Masa & Co., Tokyo, Japan

• Ventrallis – Mgraver, Hong Kong, China

• Mineroci RD002 – Mineroci, Beijing, China

• Seconde Morte – Petermann Bédat, Renens, Switzerland

• Fading Hours – Quiet Club, Tokyo, Japan

• Series Two – Reuben Schoots, Canberra, Australia

• Face of Tasaki “Black Mother of Pearl” – Tasaki, Bern, Switzerland

• The Tremblage Dial – Winnerl, Switzerland

Selection Process and Criteria

Entries for the prize are evaluated by an international committee comprising watchmakers, designers, journalists and industry experts. The criteria focus on technical innovation, movement construction, finishing, design originality and overall coherence of the project. After the semi-final stage, a shortlist of finalists will be determined before the final round of judging in 2026.

The Role of Louis Vuitton in Independent Watchmaking

Louis Vuitton, while primarily known for its luxury fashion and leather goods, has built a strong presence in high watchmaking over the past two decades. Through La Fabrique du Temps, the brand produces complications such as minute repeaters, tourbillons and skeletonised models, and has worked with notable independent watchmakers and artisans. The Watch Prize aligns with the company’s strategy of fostering innovation and craftsmanship in the broader horological community.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of the semi-finalists not only highlights the global reach of independent watchmaking but also reflects a growing appreciation for unique, small-scale horological production in the luxury sector. The winner will be announced in 2026, joining Raúl Pagès as a laureate whose work will be celebrated and supported through both mentorship and financial backing.