Presenting The 2020 Winners Of The Gaïa Prize
Before the September 17 awards ceremony, the Musée International d’horlogerie (MIH) has announced the four winners of the Prix Gaïa.
By Watchonista
Since 1993, the Prix Gaïa has recognized the careers and individual talents in the field of watchmaking. Hosted by the Musée International d’horlogerie (MIH), the annual Prix Gaïa ceremony has become a must-attend event on the horological calendar.
This year's ceremony will take place Thursday, September 17, at the Musée international d'horlogerie (MIH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds, located at Rue des Musées 29 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The event will be attended by David Vitali, Head of the Culture and Society Section of the Federal Office of Culture.
The 2020 Prix Gaïa Winners
For the 2020 edition of the Prix Gaïa, the jury has selected four winners across three categories.
Antoine Preziuso - winner in the Craftsmanship - Creation category
A master watchmaker that pairs his craft with high jewelry to create unique timepieces for his discerning clientele. Preziuso wins his Prix Gaïa for his three-decades-long perseverance in developing his brand and his dedication to sharing his passion.
Denis Savoie - winner in the History - Research category
A dedicated historian and watchmaker, Savoie wins his Prix Gaïa for an exceptional career as a theorist, historian, and builder of sundials, combining the most extraordinary scientific rigor with his outstanding work to popularize this area.
Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei - winners in the Entrepreneurship category
The founders of renowned independent brand Urwerk, Baumgartner, and Frei win their Prix Gaïa for their entrepreneurial efforts. Urwerk in the 21st century has redefined watchmaking: bold, yet rigorous and humble, the product of ongoing dialogue and unwavering loyalty between designer and watchmaker.
Finally, to celebrate the Prix Gaïa's quarter-century, the MIH leads it into a new dimension. Alongside the three categories used to honor 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 recognized by the Prix Gaïa: Craftsmanship - Creation, History - Research, and Entrepreneurship. The grant will finance all or part of an individual project.
Horizon Gaïa Grant
The Horizon Gaïa grant has been awarded to Zoé Snijders, who is taking her Master's in Conservation-Restoration for technical, scientific, and watchmaking instruments at the Haute École Arc in Neuchâtel. Her knowledge means she will understand a complex mechanism as the Delvart astronomical clock, an object that combines science with belief, history, and watchmaking expertise, and entered the MIH collections in 2015. Zoé Snijders will study the origin, symbolism, and operation of the clock to raise its profile amongst the museum's visitors.
The Horizon Gaïa grant has been awarded to Zoé Snijders, who is taking her Master's in Conservation-Restoration for technical, scientific, and watchmaking instruments at the Haute École Arc in Neuchâtel. Her knowledge means she will understand a complex mechanism as the Delvart astronomical clock, an object that combines science with belief, history, and watchmaking expertise, and entered the MIH collections in 2015. Zoé Snijders will study the origin, symbolism, and operation of the clock to raise its profile amongst the museum's visitors.
Learn More
For more information on the Prix Gaïa, visit Watchonista’s dedicated page.
Presenting The 2022 Winners Of The Gaïa Prize
By Watchonista
The 2022 edition of the Prix Gaïa pays tribute to watchmaking talents and once again confirms its international significance.
Introducing MIH Gaïa Watch: Preserving Local Watchmaking Know-How
By Watchonista
The Gaïa Prize, which rewards outstanding figures of the watchmaking industry, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Additionally, the Musée...
[Press Release]
Presenting The 2019 Winners Of The Gaïa Prize
By Watchonista
The Prix Gaïa is awarded each year by the Musée international d'horlogerie (MIH) in recognition of extraordinary careers within the field of watchmaking...