The 20 semi-finalists of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives have been announced. An initiative started by the French luxury giant, the prize aims to reward the best independent watchmaking by supporting the winner through a grant and mentorship. 

The semi-finalists represent the full range of talent from across the industry and world, with established names such as Strehler and Sarpaneva alongside relative newcomers such as Yosuke Sekiguchi. There is also a range of abilities in this list, from those who are making almost a complete watch under one roof, to those who conceive and then bring together craftspeople to execute.

It is reassuring to see such a wide variety in styles and approaches being represented here. Selecting just five to move on to the finals will certainly not be an easy task for the panel of judges.

The 20 semi-finalists are: 

• Tischkalender Sympathique – Andreas Strehler
• Tourbillon Grand Sport – Auffret Paris
• Project One – Barrelhand
• Ultralight 11G – Behrens
• Tourbillon Classique, Souscription Édition – Deprez Horloger
• Homage to Harrison One – Felipe Pikullik
• Part Time – Itay Noy
• L’Abeille Mécanique – John-Mikaël Flaux
• Arkhea – Khemea
• KS 05 Titanium Blue Aventurine – Kross Studio
• Persée Nuit – Maison Alcée
• Roots – Narbel & Co
• Black Hole Tourbillon – Ondřej Berkus
• Fundamentum – Oscillon
• RP1 – Régulateur à détente – Pagès
• Chronographe Rattrapante – Petermann Bédat
• 119C – Sarauer Horology
• Lunations Black Ruthenium – Sarpaneva
• Chronomètre Artisans – Simon Brette
• Primevère – Yosuke Sekiguchi Le Locle

The winner will receive a one-year mentoring programme at La Fabrique du Temps in Geneva

The selection process

The long process of this competition began back in January of this year when submissions opened. Once these were finished the committee of experts that Louis Vuitton had assembled whittled the long list down to the 20 you see above. This committee of experts is made up of collectors, watchmakers, journalists and executives from around the industry who will now choose just five finalists. 

This selection will be made upon the following criteria: design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and technical complexity of the creation and/or horological construction submitted by the candidates. These five will audition in front of a jury made of five members of the committee in Paris next February. 

The winner will be presented at a ceremony shortly after, in Paris. They will not only receive a cash grant of €150,000 but also a year’s personalised mentoring at La Fabrique de Temps Louis Vuitton. 

This offers a great opportunity for any of the 20 that have been selected to push their creations and skills further. Ensuring that the creative legacy of this industry remains secure for years to come.

For more information, visit Louisvuittonwatchprize.com.