In the pursuit of advancing watch culture, recognising and supporting emerging watchmakers is vital to ensuring the continued evolution of the craft. Since 2015, the F.P. Journe Young Talent Competition has provided a platform for young watchmakers to present their work and gain recognition within the wider horological community. Organised by F.P. Journe with the support of The Hour Glass, the competition focuses on craftsmanship, innovation, and independent spirit—cornerstones of horology’s ongoing narrative.

PURPOSE OF THE AWARD

Each year, the competition identifies and highlights a single watchmaker whose work reflects technical accomplishment, a dedication to traditional craftsmanship, and the courage to explore new interpretations of timekeeping. The winner receives a diploma and a CHF 50,000 grant, intended to support their ongoing development—whether in the acquisition of tools or the advancement of future projects.

For 2025, the jury—comprising respected figures such as Philippe Dufour, Andreas Strehler, Giulio Papi, Marc Jenni, Michael Tay, Elizabeth Doerr, and François-Paul Journe—selected Alexis Fruhauff, a Paris-based watchmaker, whose Pendule à Seconde speaks to both the discipline of scientific horology and the creative possibilities of independent watchmaking.

THE CRAFT BEHIND THE CLOCK

Fruhauff’s Pendule à Seconde was conceived during his studies at Paris’s Lycée Diderot and further developed over a three-year period. It reflects not only technical skill but also a thoughtful engagement with horology’s history. Inspired by the works of Antide Janvier—an 18th-century French clockmaker known for his astronomical creations—Fruhauff approached the project with a desire to reinterpret traditional forms through contemporary techniques.

Every component of the clock was designed and crafted from scratch, with even the tools made specifically for the project. Blending classical methods, such as hand-filing and turning on a Schaublin lathe, with modern materials like Hardiall® alloy for the escapement pins, Fruhauff created a piece that bridges eras. Its pivoted detent escapement, twin barrels with Maltese Cross stopworks, and finely adjusted pendulum system reflect a commitment to precision and a respect for historical chronometry.

The cherrywood case, inspired by 18th-century French designs, was crafted with assistance from Parisian cabinetmaker Lorcan Ménard. Similarly, engraver Louis Leforestier contributed to the clock’s dial and decorative elements. This collaborative approach echoes the practices of historical watchmakers, who often worked with specialists across disciplines.

A BROADER VISION

Fruhauff’s journey into horology was shaped by an early fascination with mechanical systems. Initially drawn to small-scale mechanics in contrast to his father’s work with aircraft engines, he eventually turned toward watchmaking after exploring other fields of study. His exposure to independent watchmakers and historical horology deepened during his education, culminating in the Pendule à Seconde project.

Today, Fruhauff works independently from the Paris workshop of Jean-Baptiste Viot, where he continues to refine his skills while contributing to the restoration of antique clocks. This experience, coupled with access to traditional machinery and an extensive horological library, has supported both his learning and his creative pursuits.

The Young Talent Competition grant will allow Fruhauff to invest further in his workshop and future projects. His ambitions remain firmly rooted in clockmaking, particularly longcase regulators, where the scale of the components offers opportunities for detailed craftsmanship and precise regulation. While he acknowledges the possibility of exploring wristwatches one day, his immediate focus lies in elevating the art of contemporary clocks.

LOOKING AHEAD

The value of initiatives like the Young Talent Competition lies not in celebration alone, but in sustaining the traditions and future of watchmaking. They provide a space for emerging voices to contribute to horology’s ongoing dialogue—balancing respect for heritage with the desire to innovate.

Fruhauff’s work exemplifies this balance. His clock is not only a technical achievement but also a reflection of the enduring relevance of craftsmanship in the modern era. By combining historical techniques with contemporary insights, he offers a perspective that enriches the broader horological landscape. In supporting young watchmakers, the industry reinforces its foundations and ensures the continued transmission of skills and knowledge that define the art of watchmaking.