Louis Vuitton has announced the 20 semi-finalists for the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives.

Created in partnership with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the Prize celebrates emerging talent in watchmaking. 

Following the success of its inaugural edition, won by Swiss watchmaker Raúl Pagès, the prize continues its mission to spotlight visionary talent. This year’s 20 semi-finalists were selected from hundreds of global submissions by a panel of experts.

The selected semi-finalists include creators such as Anton Suhanov with his St. Petersburg Easter Egg Tourbillon Clock, JN Shapiro’s Resurgence, and the Giverny “Blue Train” by Auffret Paris, alongside works from other independents like Kudoke, Petermann Bédat, and Reuben Schoots.

“An important aspect of watchmaking lies with independent creators who transform a singular vision into mechanical artistry. This new generation of watchmakers is remarkable not only for their talent, but above all for daring to create truly original instruments of precision that are also works of art,” said Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton watch director. 

“The bold creations of the semi-finalists for the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize are a testament to this spirit. In their hands, watchmaking becomes an expression of pure creativity, each timepiece a testament to uncompromising craftsmanship and unique vision.”

This fall, the prize’s committee, comprising 65 experts from the watchmaking industry, will evaluate the semi-finalists against five key criteria: Design, Creativity and Audacity, Details and Finishes, Complexity, and Technical Innovation. On December 15, Louis Vuitton will announce the five finalists and reveal the five-member jury for the final round. The grand finale will take place on March 24, 2026, in Paris.

The recipient of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives will be awarded a grant of €150,000 and receive a year-long mentorship tailored to their project by experts from La Fabrique du Temps and Louis Vuitton.