The importance of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève cannot be understated. It remains a pivotal awards show that both acknowledges and honours the very best in watchmaking. Much like the Academy Awards for film, to receive a GPHG award is to receive horology’s highest honour.
For brands this not only serves as a statement but also recognition of technical expertise and design for watchmaking. Every year, the world’s biggest watch brands compete for honours at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and this year’s event certainly provided healthy competition. There were many vying for honours, but these are the ones that went on to become this year’s big winners.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT
Ever since it made its debut early this year, watch aficionados knew the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT was special. It immediately drew attention for its ultra-slim design, which effectively made it the thinnest mechanical chronograph in the world. It goes without saying that this Bvlgari model is indeed worthy of this year’s Chronograph Watch Prize. After all, it exemplifies watchmaking mastery with a 42mm titanium case that is just 6.90mm thick and a workshop-crafted automatic chronograph movement that measures in at a slim 3.30mm. Even more astonishing is that the calibre also delivers an impressive 55-hour power reserve. Sleek and streamlined, the Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT is highly-functional too with an integrated push-piece set into the case at 9 o’clock, which makes switching time zones quick and easy.
Tudor Black Bay P01
Tudor looked back at its archives and unearthed this prototype developed in the late 60s. It was a good move too as the Black Bay P01 was selected the winner of the Challenge Watch Prize at the 2019 GPHG. The model is not just eye-catching but it boasts a functional and innovative patented bezel locking system and a screw-down steel winding crown at 4 o’clock. The Black Bay P01 is powered by a manufacture calibre MT5612 (COSC) self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system, which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. The 42mm steel case arrives with a satin finish and is paired with a hybrid leather and rubber strap with folding clasp and safety catch. To ensure it lives up to its diving heritage, the Black Bay P01 is waterproof to 200m.
Bvlgari Serpenti Misteriosi Romani
Bvlgari’s reputation as one of the foremost high-jewellery experts in the world has been further extended with the Serpenti Misteriosi Romani watch. Echoing the brand’s Roman roots, the unique piece is made out of 18k white gold and features a snake sinuously coiled around the cuff. It’s stunning in appearance no doubt but what makes this particular piece even more captivating is the details that have gone into its design. The cuff is embellished with baguette-cut diamond scales, whilst the snakehead is crowned with a 10-carat Sri Lankan sapphire. In total more than 60 carats of diamonds and 35 carats of sapphires form the snake’s body and scales. Powered by a Bvlgari customized quartz movement, this unique piece is the most expensive high-end timepiece ever made by the brand and is certainly deserving of the 2019 GPHG Jewellery Watch Prize.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar
Innovation lies at the very foundation of the watchmaking industry, and as such it remains one of the most important aspects of horology. This is why the Innovation Prize is undoubtedly one of the most important categories at the GPHG, one which Vacheron Constantin dutifully deserves this year for its Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar. The dual-frequency watch is equipped with a 65 day power reserve, which eliminates the worry about keeping the perpetual movement wound. The watch is presented in a 42mm platinum case and features a dial partly decorated with fine guillochage and sand-blasted finishes with the bottom half offering a partial view of the movement at work. Overall, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar is not just a marvel of ingenuity but also one of beauty.
The importance of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève cannot be understated. It remains a pivotal awards show that both acknowledges and honours the very best in watchmaking. Much like the Academy Awards for film, to receive a GPHG award is to receive horology’s highest honour.
For brands this not only serves as a statement but also recognition of technical expertise and design for watchmaking. Every year, the world’s biggest watch brands compete for honours at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and this year’s event certainly provided healthy competition. There were many vying for honours, but these are the ones that went on to become this year’s big winners.
Ever since it made its debut early this year, watch aficionados knew the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT was special. It immediately drew attention for its ultra-slim design, which effectively made it the thinnest mechanical chronograph in the world. It goes without saying that this Bvlgari model is indeed worthy of this year’s Chronograph Watch Prize. After all, it exemplifies watchmaking mastery with a 42mm titanium case that is just 6.90mm thick and a workshop-crafted automatic chronograph movement that measures in at a slim 3.30mm. Even more astonishing is that the calibre also delivers an impressive 55-hour power reserve. Sleek and streamlined, the Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT is highly-functional too with an integrated push-piece set into the case at 9 o’clock, which makes switching time zones quick and easy.
Tudor looked back at its archives and unearthed this prototype developed in the late 60s. It was a good move too as the Black Bay P01 was selected the winner of the Challenge Watch Prize at the 2019 GPHG. The model is not just eye-catching but it boasts a functional and innovative patented bezel locking system and a screw-down steel winding crown at 4 o’clock. The Black Bay P01 is powered by a manufacture calibre MT5612 (COSC) self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system, which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. The 42mm steel case arrives with a satin finish and is paired with a hybrid leather and rubber strap with folding clasp and safety catch. To ensure it lives up to its diving heritage, the Black Bay P01 is waterproof to 200m.
Bvlgari’s reputation as one of the foremost high-jewellery experts in the world has been further extended with the Serpenti Misteriosi Romani watch. Echoing the brand’s Roman roots, the unique piece is made out of 18k white gold and features a snake sinuously coiled around the cuff. It’s stunning in appearance no doubt but what makes this particular piece even more captivating is the details that have gone into its design. The cuff is embellished with baguette-cut diamond scales, whilst the snakehead is crowned with a 10-carat Sri Lankan sapphire. In total more than 60 carats of diamonds and 35 carats of sapphires form the snake’s body and scales. Powered by a Bvlgari customized quartz movement, this unique piece is the most expensive high-end timepiece ever made by the brand and is certainly deserving of the 2019 GPHG Jewellery Watch Prize.
Innovation lies at the very foundation of the watchmaking industry, and as such it remains one of the most important aspects of horology. This is why the Innovation Prize is undoubtedly one of the most important categories at the GPHG, one which Vacheron Constantin dutifully deserves this year for its Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar. The dual-frequency watch is equipped with a 65 day power reserve, which eliminates the worry about keeping the perpetual movement wound. The watch is presented in a 42mm platinum case and features a dial partly decorated with fine guillochage and sand-blasted finishes with the bottom half offering a partial view of the movement at work. Overall, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar is not just a marvel of ingenuity but also one of beauty.
