Innovation Rewarded: Hazemann & Monnin's Ascent in Horology

Hazemann & Monnin: A Second Major Triumph

In a grand ceremony held in Paris, the acclaimed watchmaking team of Hazemann & Monnin was declared the victor of the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. Their submission, known as the "School Watch," earned them this distinguished honor. This win follows their success in the 2023 F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition, solidifying their reputation as an emerging force in the industry.

The Visionaries Behind the Brand

Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin, whose journey began at watchmaking school in Morteau, France, now operate from Saint-Aubin-Sauges, Switzerland. Their collaborative spirit and shared dedication to intricate watchmaking have been a cornerstone of their success. As part of their prize, Louis Vuitton's La Fabrique du Temps will provide them with a year-long, customized mentorship program, coupled with a substantial financial grant, empowering them to further refine their unique approach.

Celebrating Shared Passion and Craftsmanship

The duo expressed their profound gratitude, emphasizing that Hazemann & Monnin is built on a foundation of enduring friendship and a mutual zeal for the art of fine watchmaking. Their collective ambition is to create timepieces that showcase true mechanical sophistication and artistic integrity. Other notable finalists included Daizoh Makihara, Fam Al Hut, Lederer, and Quiet Club, all recognized for their significant contributions to independent watchmaking.

The Genesis of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize

Initiated in November 2022, the biennial Louis Vuitton Watch Prize was established to honor exceptional creative talent, profound expertise, and groundbreaking innovation within the independent watchmaking community. It aims to nurture artisans and entrepreneurs who are poised to become the future luminaries of the field. The inaugural prize in February 2024 was awarded to Raúl Pagès for his distinguished RP1 Régulateur à Détente.

The Rigorous Selection Process

The journey to victory began with twenty semifinalists, announced in July, who were then meticulously narrowed down to five by a distinguished Committee of Experts. This committee included notable figures such as Hodinkee President Ben Clymer and former Hodinkee Editor Cara Barrett. The ultimate winner was chosen by an esteemed five-member jury, comprising Carole Forestier Kasapi (President of the Jury), Frank Geelen (Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Monochrome Watches), Kari Voutilainen (Master Watchmaker), François-Xavier Overstake (Founder of @equationdutemps), and Matthieu Hegi (Creative Director at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton).

Anticipating Future Innovations

With two significant awards early in their careers, the watchmaking community eagerly awaits the future endeavors of Hazemann & Monnin. Their collaboration with La Fabrique du Temps through the mentorship program is expected to yield remarkable innovations. Their "School Watch" series has already garnered considerable attention and has been fully allocated, highlighting the immense anticipation for their next creations. The industry is keen to observe how these talented watchmakers will leverage their current momentum to shape the future of independent horolog