The 2025 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) has just concluded, and what a night it was! This prestigious watchmaking awards show, held in Geneva, showcased the industry's finest talents and celebrated the year's achievements.
The Golden Needle Goes to Breguet!
Breguet, a legendary name in watchmaking, took home the top prize - the Aiguille d'Or Grand Prix. Their Classique Souscription 2025, a masterpiece in its own right, won on the brand's 250th anniversary, a truly remarkable feat.
While the GPHG is an imperfect awards show, it remains the industry's best platform to recognize excellence in watchmaking. Despite notable absences and underlying tensions, the nominees and winners deserve all the accolades.
But here's where it gets controversial... The GPHG program lacks some of the industry's biggest names like Patek Philippe and Rolex, and there's a notable absence of Swatch Group and Richemont brands. Yet, this doesn't diminish the achievements of the nominees and winners, who triumphed in their respective categories.
The evening also marked the end of an era as Nick Foulkes, the president of the GPHG jury for five years, bid farewell. His tenure as the head of horology's most important group of deciders came to a close, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
And this is the part most people miss... During the awards, Greubel Forsey CEO Michel Nydegger gave a shout-out to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for his appreciation of mechanical watchmaking. In a world dominated by electronic technology, it's a refreshing reminder of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into these timepieces.
Now, let's dive into the winners of each category:
- Aiguille d'Or: Breguet Classique Souscription 2025 - A remarkable win for Breguet, especially as they were also finalists in the Iconic Prize category.
- Time Only: Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold - A beautifully simple timepiece that stood out in a category with diverse competition.
- Men's: Urban Jürgensen UJ-2: Double Wheel Natural Escapement - A significant recognition for the independent brand, with its technically focused and clean execution.
- Men's Complication: Bovet 1822 Récital 30 - Bovet's win is a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship, especially with such complicated heavy-hitters in the category.
- Ladies': Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal - Named after the spiky sea urchin, this timepiece is a true work of art.
- Ladies' Complication: Chopard Imperiale Four Seasons - Chopard's romantic complication, displaying the seasons' progression, won over the judges and the audience.
- Iconic: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar - A classic design with a modern twist, this watch took the Iconic category by storm.
- Tourbillon: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon - An impressive achievement, this watch is a true masterpiece with its traditional flying tourbillon and legible display.
- Chronograph: Angelus Chronographe Télémètre Yellow Gold - A monopusher chronograph that made a lasting impression, winning big for the brand.
- Sports: Chopard Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF - A bold and sporty offering from Chopard, with its lightweight ceramicised titanium build and high-frequency movement.
- Jewellery: Dior Montres La D de Dior Buisson Couture - Dior's intricate jewelry setting and tribute to French fashion won them this category.
- Petite Aiguille: M.A.D. Editions M.A.D.2 Green - A well-deserved win for Max Büsser, showcasing the appeal of his in-house developed module.
- Challenge: Dennison Natural Stone Tiger Eye in Gold - A popular and retro-cool quartz-driven timepiece that took home the prize.
- Mechanical Exception: Greubel Forsey Nano Foudroyante - One of the coolest watches of 2025, this piece combines multiple complications in a surprisingly wearable size.
These winners represent the best of the best in watchmaking, and their achievements deserve recognition.
What do you think? Do you agree with the winners? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! The watch world is always ready for a good debate.
