The Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) : Nominations For The Mechanical Clock Of The Year
5 min read
Wall clocks, mantel clocks, desk clocks, tower clocks - mechanical clocks are admired not just for their artistry but for their historical significance. This year the clocks nominated in the mechanical clock category of Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) are mechanical instruments whose main function is time measurement, such as longcase clocks and table clocks. Wristwatches are not allowed in this category
Here are the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG 2023) academy’s nominations for the mechanical clock of the year.
1. ALAIN SILBERSTEIN - TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK IZMAN
Alain Silberstein began producing travel alarm clocks in the late 80s inspired by L’Épée’s officers clock. He has met the challenge of providing today’s nomads with an attractive timepiece to grace their office, travels or holidays, that he has called iZMAN (Zman means Time in Hebrew). The iZman features a tourbillon movement with eight days of power reserve and displays the day, date, two time zones and alarm chime. The transparent back of the iZMAN reveals a movement with rigorous architecture and meticulously decorated bridges and plates.
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ALAIN SILBERSTEIN TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK IZMAN [/caption]
2. L'EPÉE 1839 - TIME FAST II CHROME
Translating the automotive allure into a clock-sized contraption with beguiling aesthetics replicating the scintillating curves of 1960s race cars is the fabled Swiss clock manufacture L’Epée introducing its second car-inspired timepiece, the Time Fast II given a Silver Chrome treatment for 2023. Read more here
3. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS - ÉVEIL DU CYCLAMEN AUTOMATON
The aesthetic inaugurated by Van Cleef & Arpels in 2022 with its Rêveries de Berylline automaton continues today with a unique creation inspired by nature. This cherished theme of the Maison comes alive in one automaton, Éveil du Cyclamen, which combines the reading of time on the base with a spellbinding spectacle. About 30cm tall, this object – created in partnership with the François Junod workshop – displays the opening of a flower on demand, revealing a butterfly inside. The latter’s takeoff required hours of research and experiments: its wings move realistically, batting a few seconds at a time for a natural rhythm. The butterfly then returns to its place at the center of the flower, which simultaneously and gently closes all its petals. Crystalline music, specifically composed for this automaton, accompanies this scene at the opening and closing of the flower.
4. MATTHEW NORMAN - DIAPHANE
The Matthew Norman caliber 1754 SKII has been skeletonized to reveal the exquisite intricacy of its wheels and escapement within its mechanical movement. This compact 8-day mechanism pulsates gracefully in harmony with the passage of time. Diaphane’s design accentuates the presence of 18 jewels nestled within the movement, creating a mesmerizing ballet that delights the senses. The timepiece features two vibrant blue plates, adding a touch of modernity and verticality to its overall aesthetics.
5. THE UNNAMED SOCIETY - THE CHAMPION MACASSAR
The Champion, a pendulette, or desk clock of exquisite refinement – with a playful twist – hidden in the elaborately crafted, visually arresting geodesic sphere that is the official football size. This 205-component mechanical manufacture movement was imagined and designed entirely in-house. Throughout The Champion’s development, Caliber ONE has been continually refined in close concert with The Unnamed Society’s designers to achieve the effect of a mechanism levitating in space. Maillechort (German silver), brass and steel parts offer a stunning spectacle with their black, charcoal and nickel galvanic surface treatments, amplified with refined touches such as hand-finished bridge chamfers.
The time, told in jumping hours and trailing minutes, is read from two discs at 6 o’clock. The clockwork, self-adjusting with a play compensation system, is manually set (on the right side of the goal, looking at the goalkeeper) and wound (on the left side of the goal, looking at the goalkeeper) with a square key winder. The power reserve is 155 hours. The layered depth brings out the caliber’s centerpiece, the screw balance wheel (often a trademark of high-end vintage pocket watches) framed by elegant (hand-beveled) and dynamic bridges.
6. MAISON ALCÉE - PERSÉE AZUR
The Persée table clock consists of 233 components, 169 of which must be carefully assembled by the apprentice clockmaker. Only the regulating organ is pre-assembled, providing a unique opportunity to bring each and every detail to life. Each part is carefully machined to produce exceptional surface finishes. The straight graining, circular satin finishing, chamfering, polishing and sandblasting reflect our House’s signature expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Read more about GPHG 2023 here
