Louis Vuitton launches the LVMH Watch Prize to support independent watchmakers

Launched at lightning speed, Jean Arnault succeeded in making his mark in record time.

If on his arrival in 2021 he focused on the first emergencies and the 20th anniversary of the house icon, the Tambour, he immediately tackled a unique challenge, a crossroads that can carry the brand for the long term.

In its sights, independent watchmakers.

A personal passion for this young collector, who has been confirmed at auction for several years now with high-flying timepieces by Philippe Dufour, George Daniels or Daniel Roth that are well over one million euros.

Daniel Roth whom Jean Arnault is also preparing to revive under his authority in the coming months, as evidenced by his Instagram post simply titled “coming soon”.

For the moment, attention is elsewhere since the marketing and development director of Louis Vuitton Horlogerie has just announced, or rather confirmed, the creation of an LVMH prize dedicated to future stars of independent watchmaking.

Every two years at the Fabrique du Temps, the Geneva factory of Louis Vuitton, a committee bringing together prominent experts will reward watchmakers, designers or entrepreneurs who have shown boldness in this area.

An unexpected initiative but more than welcome in this small Swiss world that is often too hushed and limited to the gathering of the GPHG (the "Oscars of watchmaking").

As Jean Arnault points out: “Watchmaking is not a dormant industry, it is not inaccessible”.

While waiting for the first registrations on the site dedicated to the prize at the beginning of next year, we can already predict a bright future for this great idea.