Watches and photography go together like cheese and wine. Both are worthy products in their own right but coupling with their respective companions can add an extra dimension. Just as a glass of Fendant is the perfect accompaniment to a fondue and port goes well with stilton, the right framing and background to a photo can really bring out the character of a watch that might be lost with a simple packshot.
Despite the profusion of great watch photography on the internet, and in particular on social networks such as Instagram, there has never before been any means of recognising the wealth of creative talent by industry professionals and amateurs alike. That now changes with the Watch Photo Awards, created by our parent company GMT Publishing SA, of which WorldTempus is a media partner.
The competition started in May and continues until October, with a different theme chosen each month. The only conditions are that the photos must feature a mechanical watch (quartz is acceptable for ladies’ watches) and that the person submitting the photo must be the owner of the watch. This is because the idea is to create a huge photo library of great watch photography that showcases individual talent. Furthermore, copying someone else’s work from the internet and trying to pass it off as your own is not cool!
As with any new initiative, there was a certain amount of risk in proving the concept. But the organisers were reassured by the huge number of watch photos posted every day on Instagram and social networks. Their confidence has been borne out by over 120 photos submitted for the first competition in May on the theme of blue. The selection has also allowed the members of the expert jury to offer some tips for taking the perfect watch photograph.
Like all good competitions, you do not enter the Watch Photo Awards merely for the kudos. The organisers have teamed up with the leading five-star hotels in Geneva to offer a weekend stay for two to the winner of every monthly competition. What better way for the avid watch fan to visit the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking industry? Each winner will also have their work published by the competition’s worldwide media partners and displayed in an exhibition at the Musées d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva in November.
The jury have already selected their shortlist of the 10 best photos from the first month’s competition. Now it’s up to you to vote for your favourite on Facebook. The photo with the most likes by the end of June will win its photographer a weekend at the Grand Kempinski hotel in Geneva.
