Last year’s Grand Complication prize went to A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar
Ok watch brands…. we know some of you feel the Grand Prix d’ Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) may not be the right fit for you, what with 12 different categories, 20+ judges and 19 prizes – but we also know it is the only true competition out there right now dedicated to recognizing the tradition and values of excellence and innovation in watchmaking. So, if you are among the interested – you only have until June 23 to submit your entries. Fear not, instead of reeling in the all-too-vast category structure – this year the GPHG has reworked it. So, for the 2014 edition (the 14th GPHG), brands can compete in new categories such as chronographs, tourbillons, perpetual calendars, repeaters and chimers, and more. There are also categories this year for ladies’ mechanicals, and for watches in certain more “accessible” prices.
Last year’s Innovation Prize: Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon.
Who’s judging this year? Well, the most recent count was 24 representatives of the watchmaking watch reporting and watch inventor side of the fence to determine the winners. Among the most notable are Swiss watchmaking genius Philippe Dufour, Dominque Flechon of Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie, Rene Beyer, CEO of Beyer Chronometrie SA et du Watch and Clock Museum in Zurich, Michele Sofisti , CEO of Girard-Perregaux, and Aurel Bacs, president of GPHG and expert in timepieces. The award ceremony is slated for Halloween: October 31, 2014.
