PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW TALENT AWARD
Revealing tomorrow’s talents
The Tad Kozh New Talent Award is an international competition that selects two laureates aged 18 to 35 each year and supports them on their path to independence.
Its purpose is to preserve the living heritage of watchmaking by placing the human gesture back at the heart of the workshop — in service of transmission, craftsmanship, and humanity.
What we are looking for
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Passionate profiles ready to challenge established practices
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A credible workshop project (short- to mid-term independence)
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A strong desire to highlight rare or underrepresented watchmaking techniques
The competition details, timeline, and endowment are presented below. Laureates are selected through a combination of dossier review and practical assessments.
How the Competition Works ?
Endowment
The two laureates will each receive:
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One Schaublin 70 lathe
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One Hauser-type jig borer
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Two weeks of hands-on training (one week per machine) in the workshop of Luc Monnet (MOF)
Mentorship
Each laureate benefits from the guidance of two mentors, presented below.
Eligibility
The competition is open to candidates aged 18 to 35.
A watchmaking diploma is recommended, but self-taught candidates are welcome with a strong and convincing portfolio.
Application
To participate, candidates must complete the application form below.
Applications are open from March 4th to July 15th, 11:59 PM (CET).
Selection Process
After the application period, the jury conducts a pre-selection based on:
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Project feasibility
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Alignment with Tad Kozh’s human values
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Commitment to preserving watchmaking know-how
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a technical assessment in Switzerland, where their practical skills are evaluated.
Two laureates are selected at the end of this stage.
Mentors & Their Role
A duo to transmit and accelerate
Embarking on an independent path can be exhilarating, but it also comes with risks and moments of doubt. To support the laureates under the best possible conditions, Tad Kozh provides access to the expertise, experience, and network of dedicated mentors.
For the 2026 edition, laureates will be supported by:
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Jean-François Mojon — technical mentorship
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Pietro Tomajer — business and strategic guidance
Their role is to guide, advise, and help accelerate each laureate’s transition toward independence.
The Jury
Composed of a president and six members, the jury is responsible for reviewing applications, selecting finalists, conducting the technical assessment, and designating the two laureates of the Tad Kozh New Talent Award.
Deliberations are collegial and conducted with full independence and confidentiality.
2026 Edition: Jury Composition
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Marc-André Deschoux — Jury President
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Luc Monnet — Independent Watchmaker, MOF
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Hervé Schlüchter — Independent Watchmaker
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Guillaume Tetu — Entrepreneur
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Emilien Reverchon — CEO at DHVJ S.A
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Alexandre Ghotbi— Watch Expert at Phillips
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Roy Davidoff — Modern & Vintage watch expert
