Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Opening of Applications for the Second Edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives
The biennial prize established by Louis Vuitton and organized by La Fabrique du Temps enters its second editions.
In late 2022, luxury powerhouse Louis Vuitton announced a rather surprising but promising concept, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. A biennial prize 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.” Now entering its second edition, following the first edition won by Raúl Pagès, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives now opens its application procedure for independent watchmakers and entrepreneurs who’d like to participate.
An interesting (slightly surprising at first) initiative coming from one of the world’s largest luxury brands, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives was initiated as a biennial prize that celebrates the creative talent, savoir-faire and audacity of the independent watchmaking industry, to support and encourage artisans and entrepreneurs and accompany future generations. This project, combined with other initiatives such as a collaboration watch between LV and Akrivia, or the recent acquisition of clock manufacturer L’Epée 1839 by LVMH, but also the comeback of two coveted names, Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta, shows the strong interest the Arnault family has in independent watchmaking.
The first edition, which awarded the highly talented Raúl Pagès and his RP1 Régulateur à Détente timepiece, was a resounding success, drawing more than 1,000 submissions from artisans in 15 countries. As a reminder, the winner of the LV Watch Prize will receive assistance from La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton (LFT) in supporting and developing its creative work in the form of personalized support, both technical and financial (EUR 150,000), for 12 months. In addition to watchmaking-related topics and the mentorship of experts from LFT, the winner will also be able to receive pieces of advice related to marketing, industrial strategy or brand development.
The Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives is open to independent watchmakers and entrepreneurs around the world, regardless of age, location, or specialisation. 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 LV Watch Prize will gather to present their work to the final jury, and the winner will be announced.
But for now, what matters is the fact that candidates may apply online on the dedicated Louis Vuitton Watch Prize website and submit their creative projects through April 15th, 2025. Note that applications are limited to independently designed and created timepieces or horological creations legally protected under a registered company. Quartz mechanisms will not be accepted.
For more details, please visit LouisVuittonWatchPrize.com.
