Raúl Pagès emerged as the victor of the inaugural Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, held at Vuitton’s Frank Gehry-designed art foundation in Paris. Pagès, a Swiss-based watchmaker, impressed judges with his innovative approach to watchmaking, securing a prize of €150,000 along with a unique solid silver trophy presented in a signature Vuitton monogram box.
Pagès’ winning creation, the RP1 – Régulateur à Détente, is a manual-winding wristwatch crafted from stainless steel, boasting a distinctive design and an in-house caliber, evoking a modern pop Brutalist aesthetic.
Expressing gratitude for the prestigious award, Pagès acknowledged the exceptional talent of his fellow finalists and thanked Louis Vuitton for the recognition. His emotional speech also included heartfelt words for his wife Nathalie.
Competing against notable contenders such as Petermann Bédat, Simon Brette, John-Mikaël Flaux, and Andreas Strehler and Enrico Santoni, Pagès’ understated yet technically complex timepiece stood out among the entries.
Jean Arnault, director of watches at Louis Vuitton, revealed the overwhelming response to the competition, with over 1,000 applicants vying for the prize. The final selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by a jury of industry experts, focusing on criteria such as design, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and technical complexity.
The ceremony, hosted by watch editor Wei Koh, celebrated the achievements of Pagès and underscored Louis Vuitton’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents in the watchmaking industry. Moving forward, LVMH plans to hold the Prize biennially, providing aspiring watchmakers with mentorship opportunities through La Fabrique du Temps, Louis Vuitton’s Swiss-based Time Factory.
Pagès’ win marks a significant milestone in his career, supported by a tailored mentorship program covering various aspects of business and professional development. As the youngest child of LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, Jean Arnault’s involvement highlights the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and creativity within the luxury sector.
