In the world of high-end watchmaking, few events hold as much prestige and significance as the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Often referred to as the “Oscars of Horology,” the GPHG stands as the pinnacle of recognition in the watchmaking industry, celebrating excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Founded in 2001, the GPHG has grown to become the most sought-after awards event for watchmakers, designers, and enthusiasts alike. With categories ranging from best men’s and women’s watches to complicated timepieces and artistic craftsmanship, the GPHG serves as a barometer of trends and achievements in the horological world.
A CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION
Every year, the GPHG attracts a global audience of industry professionals, journalists, collectors, and watch enthusiasts to witness the celebration of the best timepieces from around the world. The awards ceremony, held annually in Geneva, offers a unique opportunity to admire and appreciate the finest creations from prestigious watchmakers and independent brands alike. For these watchmakers, receiving a GPHG award is a momentous achievement, often propelling their creations into the global spotlight and boosting the reputation of the brands.
The competition is fierce, with hundreds of timepieces submitted for evaluation across various categories. These submissions undergo a rigorous selection process, where an expert jury of seasoned horologists, industry professionals, and journalists review and score each piece based on criteria such as technical mastery, design, originality, and innovation. The final decision is made by a vote, with the winning watches celebrated as the finest examples of modern watchmaking.
THE SEVEN CATEGORIES OF GPHG
The GPHG features several categories to highlight different aspects of horology, ensuring that all types of timepieces—no matter their style or complication—get the recognition they deserve. The main categories include:
Men’s Watch of the Year: Recognizes the best timepiece designed specifically for men, considering aesthetics, craftsmanship, and technical expertise.
Women’s Watch of the Year: Celebrates the finest timepieces designed for women, taking into account the balance of style, function, and innovation.
Complicated Watch of the Year: This category rewards timepieces with high technical complexity, such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons.
Iconic Watch: A tribute to classic timepieces that have made a significant impact on the industry, whether through design, legacy, or technical achievement.
Artistic Crafts: Highlights timepieces that demonstrate exceptional artistry, whether through enameling, engraving, or other decorative techniques.
Horological Revelation: A category dedicated to exceptional timepieces from new or independent brands that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
Best Watchmaking Innovation: Recognizes groundbreaking developments in horology, whether in movement technology or watchmaking techniques.
The GPHG awards serve not only as a platform for large, established brands but also as a springboard for independent watchmakers and newcomers to the industry. These lesser-known brands often garner international attention and recognition through the event, helping to secure their place in the competitive world of luxury watchmaking.
THE IMPACT OF GPHG ON THE INDUSTRY
The significance of winning or being nominated for a GPHG award extends beyond the physical accolade. For watch brands, it provides invaluable exposure in an industry where reputation and craftsmanship are paramount. Winning a GPHG is often seen as a mark of validation, and the boost in visibility can lead to increased demand, press coverage, and even collector interest, with some pieces becoming highly sought-after in the secondary market.
The GPHG has become a vital component in the development of new horological trends, often highlighting innovations in materials, design, and complications. Many of the winners over the years have set the tone for future developments in watchmaking, influencing not only the brands that participate but also the broader luxury market.
A TRIBUTE TO JEAN-PIERRE HAGMANN
At the 24th GPHG awards, the Special Jury Prize was posthumously awarded to Jean-Pierre Hagmann, one of the most respected artisanal watch case makers in modern horology. Known for his work with brands like Patek Philippe and Akrivia, Hagmann was celebrated for his mastery in crafting cases for minute repeaters and high complications. His recent passing in 2025 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the exceptional craftsmanship he championed and the generations he inspired.
A PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE OF WATCHMAKING
The GPHG is not just about celebrating the past; it’s also a showcase for the future of horology. Every year, the competition highlights emerging technologies and design philosophies, giving a voice to the next generation of watchmakers and innovators. Independent watch brands, in particular, have found the GPHG to be an invaluable platform for showcasing their creativity and technical prowess, often surprising the jury with unconventional designs or breakthrough movements.
One of the most exciting aspects of the GPHG is its ability to spotlight the unexpected. While established houses such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex often feature prominently, it is the inclusion of smaller, independent watchmakers that injects the event with excitement and unpredictability. These brands—unconstrained by legacy or tradition—are often the ones that push the envelope, taking horology in exciting new directions.
THE GPHG: A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
Over the years, the GPHG has earned its place as the definitive watchmaking competition, showcasing the craftsmanship, artistry, and innovation that define the best in the industry. With its ongoing commitment to celebrating excellence in all areas of horology, the GPHG continues to inspire future generations of watchmakers to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
For more information on the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), visit the official site.
