For the 2024 edition, marking the 27th edition of this pioneering competition, participants were tasked with reinterpreting the mechanism of the iconic Cartier carriage clock, under the theme Magic of the Senses. After an initial selection based on sketches, written proposals, and presentation videos, eleven finalists were given eighty hours spread over two months to craft their watchmaking projects, guided by a mentor. Their work culminated in unique creations that displayed technical mastery and inventive boldness, drawing inspiration from nature, automata, and everyday objects elevated to the extraordinary.
The ceremony, hosted by journalist Cristina d’Agostino, took place at the renowned Musée international d'horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. On the evening, six winners were honored in two categories: Apprentices and Technicians.
Apprentice Award Winners
1st Prize: Marta Maziers, La Reine du Temps (IATA Namur, Belgium) – A watchmaking masterpiece inspired by the world of bees, awakening all five senses.
2nd Prize: Yann Mayer, Inverso (Hublot Training Centre, Switzerland)
3rd Prize: Coline Riondet, Présentoir à Parfum (Lycée Edgar Faure, France)
Technician Award Winners
1st Prize: Hugo Mandrillon, Œil du Temps (Lycée Edgar Faure, France) – A telescope design exploring the concept of the sixth sense and optical illusions.
2nd Prize: Samuel Pauly, Nefertum (Lycée Jean Jaurès, France)
3rd Prize: Simon Girard, Ballet Floral (Lycée Jean Jaurès, France)
Special Jury's Prize for Creativity
Valentine Gredzynski, Tree (Lycée Edgar Faure, France) – A stunningly realistic creation.
Each winner received a Cartier timepiece and will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Maison’s world. The two first-place winners were also awarded internships.
The award ceremony featured presentations from the jury members, including Nathalie Marielloni, Assistant Curator of the Musée international d’horlogerie; Roy Davidoff, expert in collectible watches; Pascal Ravessoud, Vice-President of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie; Pascale Lepeu, Director of the Cartier Collection; and independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.
Karim Drici, Cartier’s Manufacturing Director, emphasized the significance of this pioneering award: “Created in 1995 by the Cartier Watchmaking Institute, this prize underlines the Maison’s commitment to support individuals entering this captivating field, who will shape the future of watchmaking.”
At the end of the ceremony, the audience had the chance to meet these talented young watchmakers and admire their creations, displayed for the occasion.
About the Prize
The Cartier Prize for Emerging Watchmaking Talents was founded in 1995 at the request of the Cartier Watchmaking Institute. Each year, it challenges young watchmakers to reimagine a movement based on a specific theme, celebrating both technical skill and artistic creativity.
Initially open to third- and fourth-year watchmaking students, the 2024 edition introduced a new category for microtechnology students and first- and second-year vocational students. This year, students from Belgium were invited to participate alongside their counterparts from Switzerland, France, and Germany. At the conclusion of the ceremony, three winners from each category were honored.
Article source : https://www.richemont.com/news-media/press-releases-news/cartier-announces-winners-of-the-cartier-prize-for-watchmaking-talents-of-tomorrow-2024/
