The Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow announces the opening of the call for submissions for its 28th edition. Created in 1995 by the Cartier Watchmaking Institute, the Prize honours apprentice watchmakers in their third and fourth years of initial vocational training, as well as students on higher vocational watchmaking courses from Switzerland, France, Belgium and Germany. The theme this year is “Changing the Balance: Reading and Understanding Time Differently”. This edition invites watchmakers to explore fresh new visions of our relationship with time.
A unique pioneering competition
Since it was founded in 1847, Cartier has continuously promoted the transmission and preservation of its expertise and fostered the development of new skills while honouring its traditions of excellence.
In 1993, to help train the watchmakers of tomorrow, the Maison inaugurated its Watchmaking Institute in Switzerland. Open to apprentices and artisans from Cartier’s Manufactures, it offers courses in watchmaking, polishing, micro-engineering and mechanics. This exceptional centre has since become a reference in seeking out and supporting young watchmaking talent. Nearly 200 apprentices have trained there, and each year around one hundred staff members deepen their expertise through dedicated courses and placements.
The Prize was created in 1995 as the natural extension of this initiative, aimed at supporting and guiding tomorrow’s watchmaking talents. Each year, the Prize invites young watchmakers to reinterpret a movement around a specific theme. The awards recognise both technical mastery and creative boldness, celebrating innovation at the heart of the watchmaking tradition.
“For thirty years, the Cartier Prize has embodied the Maison’s commitment to revealing and nurturing future talent, offering watchmaking enthusiasts a springboard to express their vision and uphold the discipline’s legacy of excellence. This 28th edition – on the theme ‘Changing the Balance’ – calls on applicants to propose a truly innovative interpretation of time. True to the Maison’s pioneering spirit, this competition is a forum for free expression where technique, innovation and bold creativity converge to shape the watchmaking of tomorrow.” states Karim Drici, Senior VP, Chief Operating Officer.