Gerald Charles Unveils Its Most Complex Timepiece, The Masterlink Perpetual Calendar

Gerald Charles, the independent Swiss watchmaking Maison founded by the great Mr. Gérald Charles Genta, unveils its most complicated watch since its reestablishment less than a decade ago. The Masterlink Perpetual Calendar, developed entirely in-house, marks a new chapter for the young and ambitious Maison as it continues to expand its repertoire of poetic complications.

In keeping with Gerald Charles’s “No Compromise” watchmaking philosophy, established by Mr. Genta more than a quarter of a century ago, the Masterlink Perpetual Calendar introduces an in-house, asymmetrical, automatic perpetual calendar calibre with a three-counter display.

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News Hazemann & Monnin Win The 2026 Louis Vuitton Watch Prize For Independent Creatives

Two of the most promising names in independent watchmaking claim the second edition of the prize

ByWaqt

1 week ago

3 minutes read

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Last night in Paris, Louis Vuitton announced Hazemann & Monnin as the winner of the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives, awarded for their remarkable School Watch. The recognition marks yet another major milestone for the young duo, who previously claimed the 2023 F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition. With two of the most prestigious distinctions for emerging watchmakers now to their name, Hazemann & Monnin are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the most promising names in contemporary independent watchmaking.

Introduced in 2024 to support and promote independent horology, the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives quickly attracted significant attention across the watchmaking community. Following the inaugural edition, which honoured Raúl Pagès and his RP1 Régulateur à Détente, the biennial prize now celebrates Hazemann & Monnin and their School Watch for the 2026 edition.

The finalists for this year’s prize included Daizoh Makihara, Fam Al Hut, Lederer, and Quiet Club, alongside the winning duo.

Behind the brand are Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin, who first met during their initial year at the watchmaking school in Morteau, France. Today, they operate from Saint-Aubin-Sauges, Switzerland, where they continue to develop their independent watchmaking vision. As winners, Hazemann & Monnin will receive a one-year mentorship programme from Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps, tailored to their specific needs, in addition to a financial grant.

Founded in 2024, Hazemann & Monnin presented the School Watch as a heartfelt tribute to the Morteau School of Watchmaking, where their partnership began. The watch stands out for combining two rare complications in perfect synchrony: a passing strike that chimes each passing hour, and an instantaneous jumping hour display. Together, these mechanisms create a precise and poetic mechanical choreography that reflects both technical ambition and emotional storytelling.

Organised by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, the Watch Prize for Independent Creatives is a biennial award established to recognise and support the creativity, audacity, and entrepreneurial spirit of independent watchmakers around the world.

The winner receives a €150,000 grant as well as a one-year mentorship programme. Entries are evaluated according to several key criteria, including Design & Aesthetics, Creativity & Audacity, Technical Innovation, Details & Finishings, and Complexity.