The 2024 Winners of the Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow
Chaired by journalist Cristina d’Agostino, the awards ceremony took place on January 14th at the Musée international d'horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. A tribute to creativity and excellence, this distinction honored seven young apprentices and technicians who brilliantly met the specifications of the 27th edition. A moment full of emotion.
About the Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow
Created in 1995 at the initiative of the Institut Horlogerie Cartier, the Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow invites young, promising watchmakers each year to provide their own interpretation of a movement based on a set theme. Initially open to third- and fourth-year watchmaking students in vocational training, this award, which celebrates technical and creative virtuosity, has been expanded since 2024 to include ES technicians specializing in microtechnology and first- and second-year students in advanced professional training programs. Belgium has also rejoined the ranks alongside Switzerland, France, and Germany.
The Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow: A Well-Defined Specification Document
A house of excellence since its creation, Cartier strives to pass on its traditional expertise and technical innovations to future generations. The Cartier Prize for Watchmaking Talents of Tomorrow was created with this spirit of transmission in mind. For the 2024 edition, the initial challenge was to reinterpret a clock movement, an iconic creation of the luxury house, around a specific theme: “The Magic of the Senses.” Based on sketches, texts, and presentation videos, the various proposals were meticulously reviewed, resulting in the selection of eleven finalists. Eighty hours spread over two months—that’s the time allotted to the fortunate candidates to bring their vision to life.
The 2024 Winners
Marta Maziers, from IATA in Namur, Belgium, won the first prize in the “Apprentices” category for The Queen of Time, a horological creation that highlights the world of bees and awakens every sense.
Hugo Mandrillon, from Lycée Edgar Faure in Morteau, France, won the first prize in the “Technicians” category for Œil du temps, a telescope-inspired creation based on the sixth sense and optical effects. New this year, a Special Jury Mention for creative excellence was awarded to Valentine Gredzynski, also from Lycée Edgar Faure in Morteau, for Tree, an ultra-realistic proposal.
Apprentices’ Podium
First Prize: Marta Maziers (IATA Namur) for La reine du temps
Second Prize: Yann Mayer (Centre de formation Hublot) for Inverso
Third Prize: Coline Riondet (Lycée Edgar Faure, Morteau, France) for Présentoir à parfum
Podium Techniciens
First Prize: Hugo Mandrillon (Lycée Edgar Faure, Morteau, France) for Œil du temps
Second Prize: Samuel Pauly (Lycée Jean Jaurès, Rennes, France) for Nefertum
Third Prize: Simon Girard (Lycée Jean Jaurès, Rennes, France) for Ballet floral
Special Jury Mention
Valentine Gredzynski (Lycée Edgar Faure, Morteau, France) for Tree
It is worth noting that each laureate was awarded a Cartier watch. They will also have the opportunity to experience an immersion within the workshops of the manufactory. The top two winners will have the chance to complete an internship with the artisans of the House. The transmission is ensured, and the circle is complete.
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