IWC Portugieser Bags The Aiguille d'Or” Grand Prix: GPHG Awards Winners Announced!

In its 24th edition, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) once again transformed Geneva into the epicenter of haute horlogerie, bringing together the industry's most innovative minds and masterful creations. The prestigious ceremony, held at the historic Théâtre du Léman, saw 21 distinct categories recognize excellence across the full spectrum of watchmaking artistry - from technical virtuosity to artistic expression, from accessible luxury to ultra-high-end complications.

This year's gathering proved particularly significant as it highlighted the industry's remarkable ability to push boundaries in both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, with both established manufactures and independent artisans receiving recognition for their contributions to the art of timekeeping. The judging panel, led by the distinguished Nick Foulkes, evaluated timepieces not just on their technical merits, but on their ability to advance the storytelling and cultural significance of fine watchmaking in the modern era. And here are the winners! 

“Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix: IWC Schaffhausen, Portugieser Eternal Calendar 

Audacity Prize: Berneron, Mirage Sienna 

Eco-innovation Prize: Chopard, L.U.C Qualité Fleurier

Chronometry Prize: Bernhard Lederer, 3 Times Certified Observatory Chronometer 

“Horological Revelation” Prize: Rémy Cools, Tourbillon Atelier

Iconic Watch Prize: Piaget, Piaget Polo 79 

Tourbillon Watch Prize: Daniel Roth, Tourbillon Souscription

Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize: Laurent Ferrier, Classic Moon Silver 

Mechanical Exception Watch Prize: Bovet 1822, Récital 28 Prowess 1

Chronograph Watch Prize: Massena Lab, Chronograph Monopoussoir Sylvain Pinaud x Massena Lab 

Sports Watch Prize: Ming, 37.09 Bluefin

Men’s Complication Watch Prize: De Bethune, DB Kind Of Grande Complication 

Men’s Watch Prize: Voutilainen, KV20i Reversed

Time Only Watch Prize: H. Moser & Cie, Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel

Jewellery Watch Prize: Chopard, Laguna High-Jewellery Secret Watch

Artistic Crafts Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté 

Ladies’ Complication Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Arpels Brise d'Été

Ladies’ Watch Prize: Van Cleef & Arpels, Lady Jour Nuit 

“Petite Aiguille” Watch Prize: Kudoke, 3 Salmon

Challenge Watch Prize: Otsuka Lotec, No.6 & Special Jury Prize: Jean-Pierre Hagmann

This year's awards particularly stand out for their recognition of independent watchmaking, with artisans like Rémy Cools, Bernhard Lederer, and Kudoke receiving major accolades alongside established maisons. The triple recognition of Van Cleef & Arpels in the ladies' categories validates their consistent leadership in combining mechanical sophistication with artistic expression, while the emergence of newer players like Ming and Berneron in significant categories signals the industry's healthy evolution.

The jury's decisions appear carefully calibrated to acknowledge both technical innovation (evidenced by De Bethune's Grande Complication win) and preservation of traditional craftsmanship (as seen in Daniel Roth's Tourbillon Souscription award). The Special Jury Prize to Jean-Pierre Hagmann particularly resonates as a meaningful tribute to the often-unsung heroes of case making, highlighting the crucial role of specialized artisans in haute horlogerie. Perhaps most encouragingly, the inclusion of an Eco-innovation category and its award to Chopard signals the industry's growing commitment to sustainability without compromising on excellence. The diverse distribution of awards across established houses, independent watchmakers, and specialized ateliers suggests a jury keenly aware of the need to celebrate both watchmaking's heritage and its future.