he unique Prix Gaïa honours the very best: those contributing to the reputation of watchmaking, its history, its technology or its industry. An institution of global renown, the Musée international d’horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds – a city whose economic and social history is closely linked to watchmaking – awards this prize in recognition of the spiritual heirs of watchmaking culture embodied in the museum’s collections, and in the city itself.

This year, the Prix Gaïa jury, comprising figures active in the watchmaking field, nominated:

Edmond Capt - winner in the Craftsmanship - Creation category for his ceaselessly renewed creative energy, his ability to respond effectively to the various technical challenges of mechanical watchmaking, and the significant industrial impact of his numerous calibres.

Gaetano Mileti - winner in the History - Research category for his fundamental research in the field of time-frequency metrology, his international influence and his ability to ensure that his laboratory’s activities are in keeping with the watchmaking tradition of striving for accuracy.

Jean-François Mojon - winner in the Entrepreneurship category for the exemplary track record of his company, Chronode, which is dedicated to the research, development and manufacture of movements, and which has created iconic timepieces for numerous watch brands.

Horizon Gaïa grant

Alongside the three categories used to honour leading figures in the watchmaking world, Horizon Gaïa, an incentive grant made possible thanks to the generosity of the Watch Academy Foundation, is being awarded to encourage new talent in the fields recognised by the Prix Gaïa: Craftsmanship - Creation, History - Research, and Entrepreneurship. The grant will finance all or part of an individual project.

Two scholarship holders working together on a joint project are being recognised: Aurélie Sené and Clément Thomas. Through their “Lycosa” project, they aim to develop a robust watch designed for mountain sports, whilst taking a contemporary approach to watchmaking: sustainable materials, functional design, ergonomics, technical consistency and a local network of partners committed to sustainability and social inclusion.