Louis Vuitton Watch Prize: Hazemann & Monnin win the 2nd edition
On March 24th 2026, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, the independent watchmaking industry found its own perfect rhythm, at least for the night. The second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives awarded the Swiss duo composed of Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin for their “Scool Watch”, thus confirming the emergence of a new watchmakers’ generation ready to shake conventions up.
In an atmosphere both festive and highly charged, soothed by the alluring voice of singer Charlotte Day Wilson, the watchmaking world held its breath before appraising 2 young watchmakers – yet already sharp and precise. Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin have been friends since their watchmaking school years in Morteau. They now embody the excellence of the industry, for today and tomorrow.
The winning watch
Their strength lies in their full control of the creative process, from the architecture of movements to the decorating steps. As their first piece, this “School Watch” sets the tone: an instantaneous jumping-hours watch, equipped with a chime.
“We wanted to create finishes that had real import, so that people can take the time to appreciate the entire mechanism” Hazemann explained.
The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives: a springboard award
More than a simple trophy, this award acts as an accelerator. With a mentoring program organised by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton and a donation of €150,000, it propels the laureates into another dimension. As the winner of the first edition, Raúl Pagès knows it very well. With a meaningful gesture, he passed them the torch by handing the trophy to the young watchmakers.
Launched in 2022 at the instigation of Jean Arnault and supported by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this award is already considered a barometer for worldwide creativity. This prestigious Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives is meant to cast light onto the work of remarkably skilled craftspersons.
Organised every 2 years, this initiative has counted thousands of applications. The various projects were studied in minute detail by a committee composed of watchmaking-specialised journalists, artists, designers and professional watchmakers. “It’s both a pleasure and an honour to be part of the selection committee,” said Frank Sans C, our in-house YouTuber. “Every now and then, you’ve got to set the record straight!”
The final Jury:
President of the Jury Carole Forestier-Kasapi, Haute Horlogerie & Movements Strategy Director, TAG Heuer.
Frank Geelen, Founder & Editor-in-chief Monochrome Watches.
Matthieu Hegi, Creative Director at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
François-Xavier Overstake, Founder & Editor-in-chief of Equation du Temps.
Kari Voutilainen, Master Watchmaker, Founder of Voutilainen SA and Manager of Comblémine, Expert in dial making and surface treating processes.
The competing creations had to meet the following selection criteria: Design and Esthetics, Creativity and Boldness, Technical Innovation, Details and Finishings, and Complications. The projects of the five finalists were sifted through the file by a jury of five experts.
The 4 other projects also deserved attention:
The 4 other finalists of the 2025-2026 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives were:
Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft Japan – Daizoh Makihara – Beauties of Nature – Independent watchmaker since 2017
Fam Al Hut – Xinyan Dai – Möbius – Independent watchmaker since 2024
Lederer – Bernhard Lederer – CIC 39 mm Racing Green – Independent watchmaker since 1985.
Quiet Club – Norifumi Seki – Fading Hours – Independent watchmaker since 2024.
Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft Japan – Daizoh Makihara – Beauties of Nature – Independent watchmaker since 2017.
The model Beauties of Nature stands out by its unprecedented architecture: integrates an automaton that controls the petals (opening and closing). It also provides a double time display: a 24-hour counter at 10 o’clock and a 12-hour one at 2 o’clock. Each counter moves according to its own cycle, with a periodic closing system that participates in the kinetic scenery. Another major singularity: for the first time ever, the dial was made with the Japanese traditional technique of “Edo Kiriko” – a style of cut glass renowned for its precise patterns. The composition includes zosterops fluttering among cherry-tree flowers, while the 42mm white gold case and the case back are adorned with hand-engraved motifs that evoke hemp leaves.
Fam Al Hut – Xinyan Dai – Möbius – Independent watchmaker since 2024.
Möbius sets itself as a watchmaking exploit. Powered by a manual winding mechanical movement, the piece integrates the most compact bi-axial tourbillon ever made. Inspired by the Möbius strip, the structure of the watch forms an infinite loop. In the centre, the tourbillon rotates on 2 axes, displaying a continuous and mesmerizing motion. This model turns away from traditional codes by replacing the dial with an unprecedented system: 2 retrograde counters associated with a jumping hours function – a rare mechanical combination. With a diameter of 24.3mm and a height of 42.2mm, this watch required more than 200 hours of work.
Lederer – Bernhard Lederer – CIC 39 mm Racing Green – Independent watchmaker since 1985.
This Lederer CIC 39 Racing Green represents a rare improvement in the watchmaking field: the first entirely functional dual detent escapement to be integrated to a wrist-watch. The movement, made of 212 elements, relies on 2 escapements associated with remontoirs d’égalité that ensure a constant power transmission. Revealed by the transparent case back, it displays a dual gear and constant-force mechanisms. The matte sand-finished dial showcases a patented escapement and layered sub-dials with retrograde hands. Nested in a 39mm case with a height of 10.75mm, this calibre is certified Chronometer by the COSC.
Quiet Club – Norifumi Seki – Fading Hours – Independent watchmaker since 2024.
Entirely made by hand in Tokyo, this 40.6mm Fading Hour model is made out of titanium and holds a manual-winding mechanical movement that offers a power reserve of about 50 hours. The watch is equipped with a mechanical alarm function: a vertical hammer can hit the dial gong to produce a sound. This feature can be activated through a push-button that controls the alarm functions. Additionally, the bezel helps setting the time of the alarm.
One thing is for sure: the independent branch of the watchmaking industry has never been this vibrant. And it’s only the beginning. See you in 2028 for the 3rd edition!
More info on: louisvuittonwatchprize.com
See also:
Read also: