The Hazemann & Monnin School Watch: A Closer Look at Winning the LVMH Prize with Sonnerie au Passage
At the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Alexandre Hazemann and Victor Monnin were awarded the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for their innovative Hazemann & Monnin School Watch, which features an instantaneous jumping hour and a sonnerie au passage, a rare complication that chimes autonomously at the top of each hour. This limited edition watch, crafted in a 39.5 mm steel case, showcases a unique in-house caliber HM01, designed to provide a reliable and continuous striking mechanism without user intervention. The watch's intricate design includes an openworked dial with malachite and opal subdials, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved in its creation. The prize reflects a growing interest among collectors for independent watchmakers who can produce genuine complications rather than merely finely finished timepieces. Hazemann and Monnin's School Watch not only meets the technical ambitions sought by the jury but also embodies the duo's collaborative spirit, with each version of the watch representing distinct artistic and technical interpretations. As the two creators continue to develop their brand, they have already sold all twenty pieces of their first editions, marking a significant step in their journey within the realm of haute horlogerie.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights the innovative achievements of Hazemann & Monnin in the realm of independent watchmaking, showcasing their award-winning School Watch, which combines rare complications and artisanal craftsmanship, thereby setting a significant precedent for future horological advancements and attracting a growing interest in genuine complications among collectors and institutions.
