{"id":20149,"date":"2026-04-01T12:30:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.my-watchsite.com\/blog\/?p=20149"},"modified":"2026-04-01T12:30:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T10:30:20","slug":"louis-vuitton-watch-prize-hazemann-monnin-win-the-2nd-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.my-watchsite.com\/blog\/louis-vuitton-watch-prize-hazemann-monnin-win-the-2nd-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Louis Vuitton Watch Prize: Hazemann & Monnin win the 2nd edition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The laureates of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives: Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann (Hazemann & Monnin).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The winning watch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cSchool Watch\u201d sets the tone: an instantaneous jumping-hours watch, equipped with a chime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSchool Watch\u201d, their first creation, features a jumping-hours complication as well as a chime.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


\u201cWe wanted to create finishes that had real import, so that people can take the time to appreciate the entire mechanism\u201d<\/em> Hazemann explained.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives: a springboard award<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u20ac150,000, it propels the laureates into another dimension. As the winner of the first edition, Ra\u00fal Pag\u00e8s knows it very well. With a meaningful gesture, he passed them the torch by handing the trophy to the young watchmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Victor Monnin, Alexandre Hazemann and Ra\u00fal Pag\u00e8s (laureate of the first edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jean Arnault (Director of Louis Vuitton Watches), Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cIt\u2019s both a pleasure and an honour to be part of the selection committee,<\/em>\u201d said Frank Sans C, our in-house YouTuber. \u201cEvery now and then, you\u2019ve got to set the record straight!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 20 semi-finalists of the 2025-2026 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives: Anton Suhanov – St. Petersburg Easter Egg Tourbillon Clock \/ JN Shapiro -Resurgence \/ Auffret Paris – Giverny \u00ab Blue Train \u00bb \/ David Candaux – DC6 Titanium \/ Lederer – CIC 39mm Racing Green \/ Fam Al Hut – Mobi\u00fcs \/ Hazemann & Monnin – Hazemann & Monnin School Watch \/ Kallinich Claeys – Einser Central Seconds “Hong Kong Edition” \/ Fabian Pellet – Essentiel \/ Kudoke – KUDOKE 5 \/ Behrens – KUNG FU \/ Quiet Club – Fading Hours \/ Reuben Schoots – Series Two \/ Tasaki – Face Of Tasaki “Black Mother Of Pearl” \/ Daizoh Makihara – Beauties Of Nature \/ Masa & Co. – SOHKOKU \/ Mgraver – Ventrallis \/ Mineroci – RD002\/ Petermann B\u00e9dat – Seconde Morte \/ Winnerl – The Tremblage Dial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The final Jury:<\/strong>
President of the Jury Carole Forestier-Kasapi<\/strong>, Haute Horlogerie & Movements Strategy Director, TAG Heuer.
Frank Geelen<\/strong>, Founder & Editor-in-chief Monochrome Watches.
Matthieu Hegi<\/strong>, Creative Director at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton.
Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Overstake<\/strong>, Founder & Editor-in-chief of Equation du Temps.
Kari Voutilainen<\/strong>, Master Watchmaker, Founder of Voutilainen SA and Manager of Combl\u00e9mine, Expert in dial making and surface treating processes.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From left to right: Kari Voutilainen (Master Watchmaker, Founder of Voutilainen SA and Manager of Combl\u00e9mine, Expert in dial making and surface treating processes), Frank Geelen (Founder & Editor-in-chief Monochrome Watches), Carole Forestier-Kasapi (Haute Horlogerie & Movements Strategy Director, TAG Heuer), Victor Monnin and Alexandre Hazemann (winners of the edition), Matthieu Hegi (Creative Director at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton), Fran\u00e7ois-Xavier Overstake (Founder & Editor-in-chief of Equation du Temps).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 4 other projects also deserved attention:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 4 other finalists of the 2025-2026 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives were:<\/strong>
Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft Japan \u2013 Daizoh Makihara \u2013 Beauties of Nature \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2017
Fam Al Hut \u2013 Xinyan Dai \u2013 M\u00f6bius \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2024
Lederer \u2013 Bernhard Lederer \u2013 CIC 39 mm Racing Green \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 1985.
Quiet Club \u2013 Norifumi Seki \u2013 Fading Hours \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2024.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft Japan \u2013 Daizoh Makihara \u2013 Beauties of Nature \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2017<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019clock and a 12-hour one at 2 o\u2019clock. 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 \u201cEdo Kiriko\u201d \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fam Al Hut \u2013 Xinyan Dai \u2013 M\u00f6bius \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2024<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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M\u00f6bius 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 M\u00f6bius 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lederer \u2013 Bernhard Lederer \u2013 CIC 39 mm Racing Green \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 1985<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019\u00e9galit\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quiet Club \u2013 Norifumi Seki \u2013 Fading Hours \u2013 Independent watchmaker since 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing is for sure: the independent branch of the watchmaking industry has never been this vibrant. And it\u2019s only the beginning. See you in 2028 for the 3rd<\/sup> edition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info on: louisvuittonwatchprize.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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