The Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) : Nominations For The Challenge Watch Category Of The Year
4 min read
Presenting the “Challenge” category of Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) awards. A category that requires watches with a retail price equal to or under CHF 2,000. Smartwatches too are admissible in this category.
Here are the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) academy’s nominations for the “Challenge” watch category of the year.
1. KURONO TOKYO - GMT 1
Kurono Tokyo’s first world timer, the Kurono GMT 1 is a new novelty and design study by master watchmaker Hajime Asaoka, and exudes sensei's strong Art-Deco design language coordinated with a sense of intelligent gentility. The Kurono GMT 1 retains the curved Kurono 38mm high-polish case and adds a polished bi-directional rotating bezel that features lacquer-filled 24-hour markers, as well as the now iconic art-deco concentric lines introduced in the Project-T tourbillon and the first Kurono watches. Thematic coordination is brought to the dial via contrasting black, grey and crimson dial rings - each demarcating the various time and time-zone functions of the watch. High polish hand-bent steel hands and a polished steel date surround complete the look.
2. SEIKO - 1968 DIVER'S MODERN RE-INTERPRETATION GMT
Seiko introduces Caliber 6R54, a new movement in the long-trusted 6R family with a GMT function and power reserve extended to 72 hours. This is Seiko’s first-ever use of a mechanical GMT movement in a Prospex diver’s watch.The GMT hand can be set independently in one-hour increments without interrupting the time-of-day hands and allows the wearer to see, at a glance, the time in a second time zone. The watch is water resistant to 200 meters, has Lumibrite on the hands and all 12 markers, and features a unidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert and a luminous pip. The watch is presented on a new three-link stainless steel bracelet with a slim profile that allows it to sit securely and comfortably on the wrist.
3. NOMOS GLASHÜTTE - CLUB CAMPUS 38 ELECTRIC GREEN
This striking mechanical watch is immediately pleasing. Its spontaneity is also matched by how uncomplicated it is: excellent readability, a robust stainless-steel case, here in the slightly larger diameter of 38.5 millimeters, yet only 8.5 millimeters high and water resistant up to 10 atm. Club Campus is powered by the meticulously crafted hand-wound Alpha movement, reliable and highly precise—style and quality from Glashütte.
4. STUDIO UNDERD0G - WATERMEL0N (PERPÉTUEL LIMITED EDITION)
To celebrate the partnership with the Perpétuel Gallery, these watches feature Eastern Arabic numerals; a subtle yet impactful divergence from the Studio Underd0g Core Collection. With a limited production of only 50 units, this timepiece draws inspiration from a delightful fruit. Its elegant dial tastefully incorporates seed-shaped indices and a vibrant pink hue, beautifully complemented by a captivating green gradient. This imaginative and flavourful creation brings immense delight both to the wearer and the observer.
5. TIMELESS SWISS WATCH - HMS 003
This timepiece plays with curves, textures and depth with powerful shapes and subtle details, with simplicity and complexity. Old locomotives, heavy machinery, industrial tools or even turbines of dams with an emblematic cylindrical shape ... so many achievements that have fed their imagination and guided the aesthetic choices to create this watch.
6. RAYMOND WEIL - MILLÉSIME AUTOMATIC SMALL SECONDS
The new Millésime 2930-STC-65001 exudes classical elegance; the thin stainless-steel case with a diameter of 39.5mm, is complemented by a grey leather strap, with unique W stitched detail to the strap. The sapphire crystal glass box plays host to textured and sectored dial treatments, and a captivating small seconds display reminiscent of a compass. It is a symphony of intricate details and finishes that captivates watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Read more about GPHG 2023 here
