In a highly anticipated announcement, Spanish-Swiss independent watchmaker Raúl Pagès emerged victorious in the first-ever Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. This prestigious award, initiated by the Maison to foster innovation in the watchmaking industry, celebrates Pagès’ exceptional craftsmanship and ingenuity showcased in his RP1 – Régulateur à détente timepiece.
Competition and Victory
Pagès faced tough competition from renowned independents like Petermann Bédat and Simon Brette, yet his deceptively simple RP1 secured the top honors. The announcement marked the culmination of over a year of anticipation, with Pagès now set to benefit from a year of personalized mentorship by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, a financial grant from LVMH, and a stunning silver trophy inspired by a balance wheel, presented in a signature Louis Vuitton trunk.
The Ingenious RP1
The RP1 is a manual-winding wristwatch crafted in stainless steel, featuring a unique construction. Its bespoke calibre houses a novel pivoted detent escapement—a design reminiscent of 19th-century marine chronometers and precision pocket watches. Pagès’ movement distinguishes itself with an “anti-tripping” mechanism on its balance staff, safeguarding the detent against shocks—an innovation rarely seen due to its historical susceptibility to impacts.
Pagès’ Journey and Craftsmanship
Based in Les Brenets, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Pagès began his journey as a high-end watch restorer before venturing into independent watchmaking in 2012. Creating only four watches annually, each meticulously handmade from research and development to manufacturing, assembly, and finishing, Pagès’ work showcases world-class craftsmanship. His dedication to traditional techniques, including anglage and meticulous black polishing, sets him apart in the world of horology.
Acknowledgment and Reflection
With nearly 1,000 entries in the inaugural Louis Vuitton Watch Prize, Pagès’ victory stands as a testament to the meticulous artistry and dedication embedded in his timepieces. Reflecting on his win, Pagès expressed his gratitude, stating, “Being honored by the jury of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Watchmakers is the best possible recognition of my work as an independent watchmaker.” Congratulations to Raúl Pagès on this well-deserved accolade, affirming his place among the industry’s creative elite.
