An annual event organised by F.P. Journe, the Young Talent Competition (YTC) represents the watchmaker’s efforts in identifying and nurturing the best watchmakers of tomorrow. Open to watchmakers aged between 18 and 30, and either graduates of watchmaking school or self taught.

According to F.P. Journe, participants “must have independently designed and created a timepiece and/or technical construction”. The winner will be selected by a jury “based on technical achievement, the search for complexity in their realisation, the quality of craftsmanship as well as their sense of design and aesthetics.” Last year’s winner was a young Japanese watchmaker who presented an unusual pocket watch of his own reaction.

The 2020 winner, Norifumi Seki of Japan

The prize is a grant of CHF20,000 sponsored by Singapore retailer The Hour Glass, and a certificate signed by members of the jury, which will be comprised of industry notables. The 2019 contest, for instance, was judged by a panel that included independent watchmakers Philippe Dufour and Andreas Strehler.

Any watchmaker who wants to submit an entry can do so online on fpjourne.com.