Applications are accepted from certified watchmakers aged 18-35.
One of the current topics in the watch industry is the support of young talents. Recently, it was announced that a non-profit organization called Tad Kozh has been created to support young watchmakers and preserve traditional watchmaking crafts. The founders of this organization are Alix and Baudouin Van Es.
According to the founders, the new project has two missions. On one hand, Tad Kozh is an award or competition, and the concept is fairly straightforward. Applications can be submitted by individuals aged 18 to 35. A watchmaking diploma is encouraged, but self-taught individuals with a convincing portfolio are also accepted. The application must outline the essence of the project, as well as the finishing and processing methods the applicant plans to use in their future watches.
In September, the authors of the selected projects will be invited to Switzerland for a one-day practical exam. A jury consisting of recognized masters of the watch industry and experts in watchmaking art, including Alex Ghotbi, Roy Davidoff, Guillaume Tetu, Hervé Schlüchter, Luc Monnet, and Emilien Revershon, will evaluate the participants' practical skills.
As a result of this stage, two laureates will be selected. Each will receive two weeks of practice in Luc Monnet's workshop. The laureates will be mentored by Jean-François Mojon (technical mentorship) and Pietro Tomacher (business and strategic guidance).
The other side of the project involves the creation of limited series watches dedicated to specific watchmaking crafts. Each year, it is planned to release 2 models, limited to 5-10 pieces each.
It appears that these will be created by the competition laureates in tandem with recognized watchmakers, and they will be sold by subscription. For 2026, models using micromosaic and cloisonné enamel techniques are planned. At the beginning of 2027, a model using feather decoration is scheduled.
Applications are open until July 15, 2026. Detailed information about the competition will be published on the website www.tadkozh.com.