Sponsoring of the Young Talent Competition

The AHCI (Académie horlogère des créateurs indépendants) - Watch Academy of Independent Creators) was founded in 1985 with the aim of perpetuating the art of independent horology and supporting outstanding watch craftsmen. These independent craftsmen are reinventing the future of watchmaking. The AHCI also allows apprentices and young watchmakers to show their creations and reveal their talent by taking part in the «Young Talent Competition».

François-Paul Journe is a member of the AHCI since 1987. This year for the first time he is sponsoring the «Young Talent Competition». The AHCI opened this contest to 47 international watchmaking schools in 14 different countries. The entry requirements were as follows:

• to be an apprentice watchmaker or to have completed an apprenticeship after August 31, 2013,
• to have independently conceived and constructed a watch, a clock, or a technical construction,
• to send photos, videos of their work,
• to attach a description of the timepiece’s characteristics.
  
  

Thirty-three watchmakers and members of the AHCI, from eleven countries, evaluated the most remarkable watch creations. The selection criteria were based on technical achievement, complexity, design and aesthetics.

The 2015 laureates are: Alexandre Götze (Switzerland) with Retrograde minute Indicator, Kristian Myren (Denmark) with Monsters from the Id and Sebastian Schlette & Pontus Köhler (Sweden) with Tourbillon Model. They receive a diploma and a 3,000 Swiss francs grant from Bergeon SA, which allows them to purchase watchmaking tools. They had the privilege of presenting their creation at the AHCI booth in Baselworld alongside renowned members of the Academy, and will be able to exhibit their creations at international shows with the AHCI.

April 10, 2015