Get ready for a celebration of exquisite timepieces as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) returns for its 24th edition on November 13th, 2024. Held at the prestigious Théâtre du Léman and broadcast live on Euronews.com, the GPHG is the ultimate showcase for the world’s finest watchmakers. This year, a remarkable 90 timepieces, meticulously selected by the GPHG Academy, will compete for 20 coveted awards, including the highly sought-after Grand Prix de l’Aiguille d’Or.
The GPHG is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the art of watchmaking. As Raymond Loretan, President of the GPHG, eloquently stated, their mission is to elevate watchmaking to the status of the “12th art.” The event not only highlights the year’s most exceptional timepieces but also fosters appreciation for this intricate craft and inspires future generations with the values of innovation, tradition, and creativity that define watchmaking.
Among the 15 categories represented, several stand out. The newly introduced “Time Only” category replaces the “Mechanical Clock” category, focusing exclusively on timepieces without complications. The Innovation Prize has been renamed the Eco-Innovation Prize, recognizing creations that prioritize sustainability and traceability.
The ‘Ladies’ category will feature Hermès’ debut women’s mechanical watch, Hermès Cut, competing alongside iconic jewelry watches from Van Cleef & Arpels and Chopard. In the prestigious ‘Mechanical Exception’ category, Bovet’s Récital 28 Prowess 1 stands out with its ingenious solution to a centuries-old problem – adjusting to daylight saving time. The brand’s charismatic CEO, Pascal Raffy, describes this timepiece as a marvel of engineering, enabling all cities to align with the correct time zone in one smooth movement.
For those seeking sophisticated timepieces at more accessible price points, the ‘Petite Aiguille’ and ‘Challenge’ categories cater to watches priced between CHF 3,000 and CHF 10,000, and less than CHF 3,000, respectively. The ‘Petite Aiguille’ category welcomes the return of the vintage brand AMIDA, known for its distinctive digital designs from the 1970s.
The ‘Artistic Crafts’ category showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Piaget, celebrating its 150th anniversary, presents a breathtaking Glowing Weave watch, crafted from malachite, chrysoprase, engraved gold, and diamonds. Louis Vuitton and ANDERSEN Genève are also contenders in this category.
The GPHG consistently draws some of the industry’s most respected brands. Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, and TAG Heuer are among the top contenders with 10 prizes each. Leading the pack is Audemars Piguet, boasting an impressive 12 wins over the past 23 editions.
The selection process is rigorous. The GPHG Academy, comprising 980 experts from the world of watchmaking and the arts, meticulously pre-selected the 90 finalists from a pool of 273 entries submitted by 146 international brands. Following showcases in Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, and New York, the selected timepieces are now on display in Geneva until November 17th, offering an exclusive glimpse into the artistry and innovation that define the world of watchmaking.
The GPHG 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the finest timepieces, showcasing the ingenuity, artistry, and dedication of the world’s most esteemed watchmakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the culmination of a year’s worth of horological excellence and celebrate the artistry of watchmaking.
