Finalists and Jury Revealed for the 2026 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives

Louis Vuitton has officially announced the finalists and jury members for the 2025–2026 edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, a prestigious biennial initiative dedicated to celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and bold creativity in independent watchmaking. Hosted by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, this second edition follows the success of the inaugural prize won by Raúl Pagès.

The competition attracted a remarkable number of entries from around the globe. From these, 20 semifinalists were shortlisted and evaluated by a 65-member Committee of Experts comprising collectors, industry professionals, and watch enthusiasts. Timepieces were judged on design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and technical complexity, resulting in the selection of five exceptional finalists

The finalists include Daizoh Makihara Watchcraft from Japan, Fam Al Hut, Hazemann & Monnin, Lederer, and Quiet Club. Each finalist presented a distinctive creation, ranging from poetic complications and groundbreaking tourbillons to rare chiming mechanisms and inventive alarm systems, showcasing the diversity and vitality of independent horology today.

The final jury for this edition brings together some of the most respected names in watchmaking and collecting. The jury will be led by Carole Forestier-Kasapi of TAG Heuer and includes Frank Geelen of Monochrome Watches, Matthieu Hegi of Louis Vuitton, collector François-Xavier Overstake, and master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.

The winner will be announced on March 24, 2026, at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and will receive a €150,000 grant along with a year-long mentorship, supporting the future of independent watchmaking.