MEILLEUR OUVRIER DE
FRANCE IN WATCHMAKING
"Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in watchmaking
A prestigious title inspiring such renown
In 1923, Senator Albert Lebrun and Minister of the Economy Lucien Dior decided to discuss a recurring theme with the government and business leaders: the lack of available skills in production trades. The first initiative was to organize a major exhibition to showcase the working world through the eyes of those who excel in their trades. A date was set for the Pavillon Marsan to be inaugurated on January 31, 1925 by Albert Lebrun and Gaston Doumergue, President of the Republic. The decision was taken to recognize talented craftsmen as "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" (Best Craftsmen in France). The diploma and medal attesting to this recognition would not see the light of day until 1935. For almost 100 years, 14 trades have been represented, with over 140 professions honored.
Since its creation, the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, particularly in watchmaking, has become one of the most prestigious in the field. Craft watchmakers who have earned this distinction are recognized for their exceptional expertise and for their contribution to the preservation of centuries-old watchmaking traditions.
In 1923, Senator Albert Lebrun and Minister of the Economy Lucien Dior decided to discuss a recurring theme with the government and business leaders: the lack of available skills in production trades. The first initiative was to organize a major exhibition to showcase the working world through the eyes of those who excel in their trades.
An appointment was made at the Pavillon Marsan for an inauguration on January 31, 1925 by Albert Lebrun and Gaston Doumergue, President of the Republic. The decision was taken to recognize talented craftsmen as "Meilleurs Ouvriers de France" (Best Craftsmen in France). The diploma and medal attesting to this recognition would not see the light of day until 1935. For almost 100 years, 14 trades have been represented, with over 140 professions honored.
Since its creation, the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, particularly in watchmaking, has become one of the most prestigious in the field. Craft watchmakers who have earned this distinction are recognized for their exceptional expertise and for their contribution to the preservation of centuries-old watchmaking traditions.
Competition procedure
"Meilleur Ouvrier de France en horlogerie" (Best Watchmaker in France)
Excellence at the heart of this prestigious event
- The examination takes place every 2 or 3 years. Candidates are asked to produce watch parts in a given time, and are selected on the basis of skills, prerequisites, gesture, execution...
- Candidates selected for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition are given a subject with precise specifications, and then work, over 15 months of extreme commitment, to create what will be called their "masterpiece".
- Candidates present their creations to a trade jury, which assesses whether or not they have mastered a particular skill.
- The laureates were invited to the Sorbonne to receive their titles and medals at a symbolic reception, which placed manual and academic professions on an equal footing, doing justice to the watchmaking profession, which demands a high level of intellectual involvement.
- This was followed by a reception at the Élysée Palace, during which the President of the French Republic presented medals.
The examination takes place every 2 or 3 years. Candidates are asked to produce watch parts in a given time, and are selected on the basis of their skills, prerequisites, gestures, execution...
- Candidates selected for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition are given a subject with precise specifications, and then work, over 15 months of extreme commitment, to create what will be called their "masterpiece".
- Candidates present their creations to a trade jury, which assesses whether or not they have mastered a particular skill.
- The laureates were invited to the Sorbonne to receive their titles and medals at a symbolic reception, which placed manual and academic professions on an equal footing, doing justice to the watchmaking profession, which demands a high level of intellectual involvement.
- This was followed by a reception at the Élysée Palace, during which the President of the French Republic presented medals.
To be Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking
Joining the ranks of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (Best Craftsmen in France)
The watchmaking profession has been part of the M.O.F. competition since its inception. In almost 100 years, only 55 Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (M.O.F.) watchmakers have been awarded the title, including Thierry Ducret, the watchmaker of your Persée. Unlike the culinary professions, where the tricolor collar brings fame and a certain commercial benefit, earning the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking doesn't attract the general public; it's above all a personal challenge. As to his motivation for entering the competition, Thierry Ducret asserts:
"We compete with ourselves more than with others, we seek the human adventure of excellence, because the measure of time doesn't tolerate half measures."
In the world of watchmaking, the coveted title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France shines as a symbol of excellence. It is 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 handful of masters can boast of being among the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in watchmaking, an elite who defy the limits of precision and mastery.
This title is more than just recognition, it's a personal challenge. The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in watchmaking are the guardians of ancient traditions and techniques. Watchmakers who aspire to this title challenge themselves above all to push back their own limits, seeking to exploit all their talent. Their quest for excellence is an exciting adventure.
The name Thierry Ducret resonates like a powerful echo in the world of watchmaking. As Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking, he embodies the pinnacle of excellence, the perfect union of tradition and innovation, and has become a true master of time.
The name Thierry Ducret resonates like a powerful echo in the world of watchmaking. As Meilleur Ouvrier de France in watchmaking, he embodies the pinnacle of excellence, the perfect union of tradition and innovation, and has become 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 is 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 handful of masters can boast of being among the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in watchmaking, an elite who defy the limits of precision and mastery.
This title is more than just recognition, it's a personal challenge. The Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in watchmaking are the guardians of ancient traditions and techniques. Watchmakers who aspire to this title challenge themselves above all to push back their own limits, seeking to exploit all their talent. Their quest for excellence is an exciting adventure.
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