SHIN OHNO CAPTURES WINTER’S QUIET POETRY TO CLINCH THE F.P.JOURNE YOUNG TALENT COMPETITION 2026

In a competition that celebrates the future of independent artisanal watchmaking, Japanese watchmaker Shin Ohno has emerged as the winner of the F.P.Journe Young Talent Competition 2026, an accolade that recognises both technical mastery and artistic vision.

Held at the F.P.Journe Manufacture in Geneva, Switzerland on 14 April 2026, the competition continues its mission of discovering and supporting the next generation of watchmakers. Since its inception in 2015, it has served as a platform for young creators to present their work to a distinguished international jury, with The Hour Glass playing a key role in nurturing this global dialogue.

At 27, Shin Ohno, from Matsumoto in Nagano, Japan, captured the jury’s attention with Fuyu-Geshiki (Winter Landscape), a work inspired by the natural environment of his home region. The creation reflects the stillness of snow-covered mountains and the gentle flow of water, translating these impressions into a mechanical composition that brings together a grande and petite sonnerie, a quarter repeater, and a tourbillon.

For Ohno, these elements are not simply demonstrations of technical ability. The acoustic complications evoke the sound of moving water, while the continuous motion of the regulating system mirrors the flow of a stream, creating a unified expression where sound and movement coexist in harmony.

A central theme in Ohno’s work is the contrast between outward calm and inner intricacy. The surfaces of the dial and bridges are treated to evoke the softness and light of snow, while the interplay of moving components introduces depth and dynamism beneath this quiet exterior.

The architecture itself reinforces this idea. By bringing the striking mechanism into view and carefully arranging each component, Ohno transforms the construction into a landscape in its own right, where every detail contributes to a broader narrative.

Ohno’s achievement is defined as much by his process as by the final result. Working largely on his own, he designed and manufactured almost every component in his personal workshop, with no base movement forming the foundation of the piece. The project took approximately 11 months to complete, requiring a disciplined routine that balanced professional commitments with long hours of independent work.

From initial research into striking mechanisms to final adjustments of sound and performance, each stage was approached with precision and persistence. His background as an engineer at Seiko Epson’s Micro Artist Studio provided a strong theoretical foundation, while much of his practical expertise was developed through self-directed learning and guidance from mentors within the Japanese watchmaking community.

The award marks an important milestone in Ohno’s journey, offering both validation and opportunity. Having previously participated in the competition, he returned with a more refined perspective, demonstrating a clear evolution in both technique and creative direction. Presented by François-Paul Journe and Michael Tay, the recognition underscores the competition's significance as a platform for emerging voices and a gateway to independence.

Participants are evaluated on technical achievement, complexity of construction, quality of execution, and a strong sense of design and aesthetics. A defining requirement is independence, with each candidate presenting a fully realised creation conceived and built without reliance on an existing base movement. The jury for 2026 brought together leading figures from across the industry, including Andreas Strehler, Giulio Papi, Marc Jenni, Michael Tay, Elizabeth Doerr, and François-Paul Journe.

With the support of the prize and the recognition it brings, Shin Ohno now enters a new chapter in his career. His work reflects a thoughtful approach that goes beyond technical accomplishment, focusing instead on the ability to evoke atmosphere and emotion through mechanical form.

In celebrating his achievement, the F.P.Journe Young Talent Competition 2026 reaffirms its role in shaping the future of watchmaking by championing individuals who bring both skill and a distinct creative voice to their craft.