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Watchmaking's Oscars: Genderless Awards & Surprise Nominees!
26 Oct
Summary
- GPHG awards ditch gender categories for new technical ones.
- 84 watches compete for 14 categories at the Geneva event.
- Independent watchmakers and Moscow entries challenge tradition.
The prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is gearing up for its 2026 edition, celebrating the finest in luxury watchmaking. A total of 84 watches are vying for 19 awards across 14 distinct categories. This year marks a significant reform, as the GPHG eliminates traditional gender-based categories, introducing 'Essential Watch' and 'Complication Watch' to better reflect market dynamics and a universal approach.
The competition will see a diverse field, with an increasing number of independent watchmakers participating. Notably, a Moscow-based workshop is set to compete against Swiss industry leaders. This shift, coupled with the absence of several past winners like Rolex and Patek Philippe, suggests a year ripe for unexpected outcomes.
The award ceremony, where winners will be revealed, is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th. A new 'Gemset' category will recognize watches with up to six carats of gemstones, while the 'Iconic Watch Prize' is open to contemporary reinterpretations of influential older models. The 'Special Jury Prize' has also been expanded to acknowledge brands for significant developments or ethical practices.
