BEST WORKER OF
FRANCE IN WATCHMAKING
“Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking”
A prestigious title inspiring so much fame
In 1923, Senator Albert Lebrun and the Minister of the Economy Lucien Dior decided to discuss with the State and business leaders a recurring subject: the lack of available skills in the production professions. The first initiative is to organize a large exhibition that would make the working world visible through those who excel in their profession. An appointment was set at the Pavillon Marsan for an inauguration on 31 January 1925 by Albert Lebrun and Gaston Doumergue, President of the Republic. The decision was taken to recognise the talents as Meilleurs Ouvriers de France. The diploma and medal attesting to this recognition did not see the light of day until 1935. For nearly 100 years, 14 sectors have been represented for more than 140 professions in the spotlight.
Since its creation, the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and more particularly in watchmaking, has become one of the most prestigious in the field. The watchmaking craftsmen who have been awarded this distinction are recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and for their contribution to the preservation of centuries-old watchmaking traditions.
In 1923, Senator Albert Lebrun and the Minister of the Economy Lucien Dior decided to discuss with the State and business leaders a recurring subject: the lack of available skills in the production professions. The first initiative is to organize a large exhibition that would make the working world visible through those who excel in their profession.
An appointment was set at the Pavillon Marsan for an inauguration on 31 January 1925 by Albert Lebrun and Gaston Doumergue, President of the Republic. The decision was taken to recognise the talents as Meilleurs Ouvriers de France. The diploma and medal attesting to this recognition did not see the light of day until 1935. For nearly 100 years, 14 sectors have been represented for more than 140 professions in the spotlight.
Since its creation, the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and more particularly in watchmaking, has become one of the most prestigious in the field. The watchmaking craftsmen who have been awarded this distinction are recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and for their contribution to the preservation of centuries-old watchmaking traditions.
Conduct of the competition
“Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking”
Excellence at the heart of this prestigious event
– The exam takes place every 2 or 3 years. Candidates are invited to create timepieces in a given time, and will be selected on the basis of skills, prerequisites, gesture, realization, etc.
– The candidates selected for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition receive a subject with precise specifications, then will work, during 15 months of extreme commitment, to create what will be called their “masterpiece”.
– The candidate presents his or her creation to a professional jury which evaluates the performance of a mastered or unmastered know-how.
– The laureates are invited to the Sorbonne to receive titles and medals during a reception that is intended to be symbolic, putting manual and academic professions on the same level, which does justice to the watchmaking profession, which requires a strong intellectual involvement.
– This was followed by a reception at the Élysée Palace during which the President of the French Republic presented medals.
The exam takes place every 2 or 3 years. Candidates are invited to create timepieces in a given time, and will be selected on the basis of skills, prerequisites, gesture, realization, etc.
– The candidates selected for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition receive a subject with precise specifications, then will work, during 15 months of extreme commitment, to create what will be called their “masterpiece”.
– The candidate presents his or her creation to a professional jury which evaluates the performance of a mastered or unmastered know-how.
– The laureates are invited to the Sorbonne to receive titles and medals during a reception that is intended to be symbolic, putting manual and academic professions on the same level, which does justice to the watchmaking profession, which requires a strong intellectual involvement.
– This was followed by a reception at the Élysée Palace during which the President of the French Republic presented medals.
To be the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking
Join the ranks of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France
The watchmaker’s profession has been a member of the M.O.F. competition since its creation. In almost 100 years, only 55 Meilleurs Ouvriers de France have been awarded in watchmaking, including Thierry Ducret, the watchmaker of your Perseus. Unlike the food industry, where the tricolour collar brings fame and a certain commercial benefit, winning the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking does not attract the general public, it is above all a personal challenge. Regarding his motivation to take the exam, Thierry Ducret says:
“We compete with ourselves more than with others, we seek the human adventure of excellence, because the measurement of time does not tolerate approximation.”
In the world of watchmaking, the coveted title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France shines as a symbol of excellence. It’s a distinction that embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and unwavering devotion to this timeless art. To achieve this prestigious title, every watchmaker must follow a path strewn with effort and perseverance. Only a few rare masters can boast of being among the Best Craftsmen of France in watchmaking, an elite who defy the limits of precision and mastery.
This title is more than just recognition, it is a personal challenge. The Best Craftsmen of France in watchmaking are the guardians of ancient traditions and techniques. Watchmakers who aspire to this title challenge themselves above all to push their own limits, seeking to exploit all their talent. Their quest for excellence is an exciting adventure.
Thus, the name of Thierry Ducret resonates like a powerful echo in the world of watchmaking. As a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking, he embodies the pinnacle of excellence, the perfect union between tradition and innovation and becomes a true master of time.
Thus, the name of Thierry Ducret resonates like a powerful echo in the world of watchmaking. As a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking, he embodies the pinnacle of excellence, the perfect union between tradition and innovation and becomes a true master of time.
In the world of watchmaking, the coveted title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France shines as a symbol of excellence. It’s a distinction that embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and unwavering devotion to this timeless art. To achieve this prestigious title, every watchmaker must follow a path strewn with effort and perseverance. Only a few rare masters can boast of being among the Best Craftsmen of France in watchmaking, an elite who defy the limits of precision and mastery.
This title is more than just recognition, it is a personal challenge. The Best Craftsmen of France in watchmaking are the guardians of ancient traditions and techniques. Watchmakers who aspire to this title challenge themselves above all to push their own limits, seeking to exploit all their talent. Their quest for excellence is an exciting adventure.
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