Since 2015, the Young Talent Competition allows discovering the next generation of most talented young watchmakers in the world, supports them in their route to independence by identifying their achievements and putting them under the spotlight. F.P.Journe organizes the Young Talent Competition with the support of The Hour Glass, a luxury watch retailer in the Asia Pacific region. Both Maisons aim to perpetuate and support the art of haute horology and cultivate the appreciation of extensive horological craftsmanship.

The selection criteria are based on technical achievement, the search for complexity in their realization, the quality of craftsmanship as well as their sense of design and aesthetics. Applicants must have independently designed and created a timepiece or horological construction. The 2024 Young Talent Competition winner receives a diploma and a CHF 50,000 grant from The Hour Glass and F.P.Journe, which will allow him to purchase watchmaking tools or finance an horological project.

Thomas Aubert, 23, a graduate from the Lycée Edgar Faure in Morteau (France), won the 2024 edition with his creation “Séléné”. He received his prize from Dr. Henry Tay – Founder of The Hour Glass – and François-Paul Journe during a reception at the Manufacture with members of the jury and former winners who came to encourage Thomas and share their experiences with him.

His school watch “Séléné”, created around the themes of curiosity and astronomy, features a “non-dragging” animation on the back. When the watch is wound with a key, shooting stars start to move, paying tribute to Séléné, the Greek goddess of the Moon whose name is synonymous with purity and brilliance.

The jury of the Young Talent Competition 2024 is composed of key personalities from the international horological scene: Philippe Dufour, Andreas Strehler, Giulio Papi, Marc Jenni, Michael Tay, Elizabeth Doerr and François-Paul Journe.

 

Photos by FP Journe.