GPHG 2026: TWO DISTINCT APPROACHES TO WATCHMAKING
The 2026 edition of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève brought together an impressive range of creations, recognizing different approaches to watchmaking, from traditional craftsmanship and mechanical complexity to artistic expression and contemporary design.
Across its awards, the GPHG highlighted 20 winners. Each one represents a distinct contribution to the world of horology and offers a glimpse into the creativity and technical ambition shaping the industry today.
Two Distinct Approaches to Watchmaking
Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback | “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix
The most prestigious distinction of the evening went to Rexhep Rexhepi for the Chronograph Flyback. The award recognizes a creation that brings the independent watchmaker into the spotlight, celebrating the work behind a timepiece that earned the jury's highest recognition.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 "150th Anniversary" | Iconic Watch Prize
Audemars Piguet received the Iconic Watch Prize for its Royal Oak RD#5, a creation presented as part of the brand's 150th anniversary. The recognition highlights the continued presence of the Royal Oak within contemporary watchmaking and its place in the history of the brand.
Precision and Mechanical Complexity
Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d'une Montre 3 | Chronometry Prize
The Chronometry Prize went to Ferdinand Berthoud for Naissance d'une Montre 3. This distinction places the focus on one of watchmaking's fundamental disciplines: the pursuit of precision and the careful work involved in measuring time.
Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2TV | Tourbillon Watch Prize
Ferdinand Berthoud also received the Tourbillon Watch Prize for the Chronomètre FB 2TV. The award recognizes a timepiece centered on one of traditional horology's most distinctive complications, reinforcing the maison's presence among this year's winners.
Complications and Mechanical Achievements
Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie | Mechanical Exception Watch Prize
Blancpain took home the Mechanical Exception Watch Prize with the Grande Double Sonnerie. The distinction celebrates the complexity of mechanical watchmaking and the expertise required to bring demanding mechanisms together in a single creation.
Cleguer Inspiration One | Complication Watch Prize
The Complication Watch Prize was awarded to Cleguer for Inspiration One. Its recognition places the spotlight on an independent name and its contribution to the category, where mechanical ingenuity remains at the heart of the conversation.
New Perspectives in Horology
Dominique Renaud Pulse60 Titanium Black | Horological Revelation Prize
Dominique Renaud received the Horological Revelation Prize for the Pulse60 Titanium Black. The award recognizes a creation that brings a fresh perspective to the industry, highlighting the importance of experimentation and new ideas in contemporary watchmaking.
Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing Mystery | Audacity Prize
The Audacity Prize went to Konstantin Chaykin for ThinKing Mystery. This recognition celebrates a distinctive approach to watchmaking, where originality and the willingness to explore unconventional ideas become part of the creative process.
Chronographs and Calendar Complications
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux | Chronograph Watch Prize
Parmigiani Fleurier received the Chronograph Watch Prize for the Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux. The award recognizes the chronograph as a central element of the creation, celebrating the way this complication continues to inspire contemporary watchmaking.
Audemars Piguet 150 Heritage | Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize
Audemars Piguet was also recognized in the Calendar and Astronomy category for the 150 Heritage. This award highlights the role of calendar displays and astronomical indications in horology, bringing another distinction to the brand's anniversary year.
The Art of Essential Timekeeping
Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton | Essential Watch Prize
The Essential Watch Prize was awarded to Daniel Roth for the Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton. The recognition celebrates a creation within a category that places emphasis on the fundamentals of watchmaking, while its name brings attention to an openworked interpretation of the Extra Plat.
Chopard L.U.C 1860 | Time Only Watch Prize
Chopard received the Time Only Watch Prize for the L.U.C 1860. In a category dedicated to watches focused on displaying the time, the award recognizes the enduring appeal of a more traditional approach to horology.
Jewellery and Artistic Expression
Chopard Mystery Nut | Jewellery Watch Prize
The Jewellery Watch Prize went to Chopard for the Mystery Nut. This distinction celebrates the relationship between watchmaking and jewellery, recognizing a creation that brings these two artistic disciplines together.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Arty Automata | Artistic Crafts Watch Prize
Louis Vuitton received the Artistic Crafts Watch Prize for the Tambour Taiko Arty Automata. The award highlights the importance of artistic expression and specialized craftsmanship in watchmaking, where a timepiece can become a platform for creative work.
Gemsetting and Distinctive Designs
Piaget Swinging Pebble | Gemset Watch Prize
Piaget was recognized with the Gemset Watch Prize for the Swinging Pebble. The distinction celebrates the use of precious stones in watchmaking and the role of gemsetting as an essential part of a timepiece's visual identity.
Otsuka Lotec No.8 | “Petite Aiguille” Watch Prize
The “Petite Aiguille” Watch Prize went to Otsuka Lotec for the No.8. This category brings attention to creations in a more accessible segment of the market, showing that individuality and a strong design identity can take many forms.
Sports Watchmaking and New Challengers
Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver | Sports Watch Prize
Grand Seiko received the Sports Watch Prize for the Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver. The recognition highlights the brand's contribution to sports watchmaking and the continued relevance of this category within the industry.
SpaceOne X Baltic - Seconde Majeure | Challenge Watch Prize
The Challenge Watch Prize was awarded to SpaceOne for the SpaceOne X Baltic - Seconde Majeure. The distinction recognizes a creation within a category that celebrates fresh ideas and distinctive approaches in a more accessible segment of watchmaking.
Beyond the Wrist: Watchmaking and Mechanical Time
La Vallée Cosmo | Mechanical Clock Prize
La Vallée received the Mechanical Clock Prize for the Cosmo. This award extends the celebration of horology beyond wristwatches, recognizing the craft and mechanical expertise involved in the creation of timekeeping objects.
Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition | Special Jury Prize
The Special Jury Prize was awarded to Patek Philippe for its Watch Art Grand Exhibition. Rather than recognizing a single timepiece, this distinction celebrates an initiative dedicated to presenting and sharing the world of watchmaking, highlighting its cultural and artistic dimensions.
The 2026 GPHG winners reflect the many directions watchmaking can take. From precision and mechanical complications to jewellery, artistic crafts and clockmaking, this year's awards offer a broad look at the creativity and expertise that continue to shape the industry.
